A self-watering planter is a great solution for gardeners and plant lovers who may not be able (or who forget!) to water their plants from time to time. The planter stores water in its base that plants absorb when they need it. All you need to do is fill the reservoir when it’s empty and the planter does the rest. Plants that need consistent watering—like cherry tomatoes or snake plants—can be planted in a self-watering planter. We don’t recommend using a self-water planter for plants like orchids that have really picky water needs or for succulents and cacti, which do better in a planter that does not store water, since excess water can damage their roots. To find the right self-watering planter, first decide if you want to use it indoors or out. Indoor planters can be made from plastic and don't need to be extremely durable or weather-resistant. However, outdoor planters need to be made from a stronger material like resin or wood with weather and UV-resistant finishes to ensure longevity. Another important factor in finding the perfect planter is the size. Determine how much space you have in your indoor or outdoor area and the plants you want to pot. Outdoor planters tend to be larger and can accommodate bigger plants like compact hydrangeas, or plants that need a lot of room to grow, like citrus trees. Luckily, many options on this list come in a variety of sizes, so no matter what you want to plant and what space you have available, you can find something fitting. You’ll also want to ensure the self-watering feature is easy to use and has the right size reservoir for your plants. Many options have water level indicators so you never have to guess when to refill the reservoir. If you plan to grow large plants that need a lot of water, look for a planter with a large reservoir to increase the time between refills. Self-watering planters in general should be cleaned and emptied periodically—since there is always water present, dirt and mold can build up and affect the health of the plants. To help with your search, we researched dozens of self-watering planters for indoor and outdoor use, evaluating effectiveness, ease of use, size, material, and style. Our Top Picks Best with Water Indicator: Window Garden Aquaphoric Self Watering Planter at Amazon ($19) Best Seedling Tray: Best Window Box: Best Vertical: Best for Herbs: In This Article Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust The Spruce What We Like Multiple sizes Made of high-quality resin Reservoir and drainage hole Stylish copper look What We Don't Like Sold individually For a self-watering planter that is as stylish as it is functional, we love the Sussex planter from Plow & Hearth. You can look forward to years of growing in this planter without it warping, fading, or becoming damaged. Because of this, it’s a great choice for those who live in areas with unpredictable weather. It is styled to resemble copper but is made from more affordable frost-proof resin, which adds to the durable nature of this pick. This product comes in two sizes, with the largest suitable for outdoor shrubs and larger plants, something that's hard to find at this price point. The small size works best with indoor houseplants that don't require as consistent watering. You can also grab one in each size for a coordinating set, although you'll need to purchase each one separately. The reservoir is separate from the plant so you don’t have to worry about the soil becoming too moist and causing root rot. Any excess water collects at the bottom of the reservoir or drains out of the drainage holes. The plant can access the collected water with its roots when needed. This is an indoor/outdoor planter but is particularly great for outdoor use, due to the included drainage holes (in addition to its durability). When it rains, and excess water abounds, it simply drains out of the bottom after enough has been stored in the reservoir, again helping to avoid root rot in your plants from too much water. Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 16, 13.8 x 13.8 x 27 inches︱Material: Resin︱Placement: Indoors or out What We Like Five-piece set Easy to see water level Larger sizes available What We Don't Like Clear portion needs to be kept clean Works best with small plants This five-piece set from Amazon has all the features you need to keep your potted plants happy and watered, all for under $25. The plastic planters are best for indoor use because they cannot withstand varying temperatures or inclement weather as well as wooden or resin alternatives (keep scrolling for those). But, we like the clear plastic because the water reservoir on the bottom clearly shows the current water level, so you never have to guess when you need to add more. Perfect for displaying small plants such as herbs or decorative indoor plants, this set of five comes with three 6-inch pots, one 4.1-inch pot, and one 3.2-inch pot. You can also purchase individual 4.2 or 9.3-inch pots, which are best for larger houseplants. The large size is not included in the set, but you can purchase it separately. These planters come in gray or white and have a modern design that can blend into any decor. A cotton rope suspended in the water reservoir brings water up to the soil and the plant’s roots and you can go as long as two weeks without needing a refill. However, the reservoir can show dirt after some time, so it needs to be cleaned out periodically to keep that sparkling look. Dimensions: 6-inch, 4.1-inch, and 3.2-inch diameters︱Material: Plastic︱Placement: Indoors What We Like Timeless design Multiple colors Large water reservoir Weather and rust-resistant What We Don't Like Plastic material The design-forward Lark Manor Tyrell Self-Watering Plastic Pot Planter is worth the splurge because of the aesthetic design and large reservoir. Drainage holes and a sizable water reservoir make this weather- and rust-resistant planter great for outdoor use. It is made of plastic so it is still easy to move. We recommend it for those who live in mild climates without bouts of snow and frost. It offers a timeless design that will make a statement on your porch or doorway and is available in four classic colors: white, black, espresso, and graphite gray. At just under 3 feet, it commands a hefty presence in your space, whether you use it indoors or outdoors. The water reservoir takes up half the space, so you won’t need to buy a ton of soil. The water capacity is 128 ounces, which lasts from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your plants. If you have it outside where it can collect rainwater, all you need to do is monitor the drainage holes to see whether you should add water. You know the reservoir is full when you see water running out of the drain. Dimensions: 15.6 x 15.6 x 32 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Placement: Indoors or out What We Like Easy to use water level indicator Reservoir is easy to fill Includes soil Available in five color choices What We Don't Like Only available in small size The water level indicator on the Window Garden Aquaphoric Self-Watering planter is easy to read and use, making it the perfect choice for those who are new to gardening or new to using self-watering planters. The reservoir on the bottom is on the small side but is also very easy to fill from the spout on the side. It’s conveniently located by the water level indicator, so you never have to worry about digging around in the soil to find it. This planter is on the small side, about the size of a teapot. While we wish it came in more sizes, the small footprint is ideal for indoor apartment gardening and fits easily on a windowsill or countertop. The plastic construction is also ideal for indoor use; it's easy to transport and move around your space as needed and contributes to the low price point. Its kit includes soil and comes in five different colors and finishes. This special attention to style and design makes it easy to customize your planter look. Despite its appeal to container-gardening beginners, it also is a good choice for experienced gardeners who want something small for herbs or other micro-indoor plants. Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.3 x 5 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Placement: Indoors What We Like 72 spots for plants Holds enough water for 10 days Includes dome cover What We Don't Like Not aesthetically pleasing You can find plenty of seed starting kits that include soil, seeds, and plastic trays for single-use, but if you are looking for a self-watering planter that you can use year after year, we recommend this one from Burpee. The set comes with two 36-cell plastic trays, a self-watering mat, 72 pellets, two plant stands, a dome cover, a watering tray, and six plant markers. Add warm water to the pellets to expand them and then place one in each cell and add your seeds. The pellets hold enough water to support the seedling for up to 10 days before needing to add more. While the black plastic trays are not very aesthetically pleasing, we acknowledge that they are meant to be temporary and you can choose gorgeous pots to plant your seedlings once they sprout. For the best results, place your seedling tray near a window with natural light. If you don't have enough light in your apartment or are growing seedlings in the winter, consider adding the Burpee Seed Starting Heat Mat underneath to accelerate the process. A grow light is also a great idea when starting seedlings, especially if you don’t have access to natural light. We tested and loved the LBW Grow Light for its full-spectrum lighting and multiple brightness and timer settings. Dimensions: 10 x 20 x 5 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Placement: Indoors What We Like Variety of colors and sizes Optional drain holes for outdoor use UV-protection What We Don't Like Lacks water indicator If you're looking to coordinate indoor planters with your decor, try the Bloem self-watering planters. They come in six trendy and muted colors that complement a variety of plants and decor styles. They also come in seven sizes to accommodate virtually any indoor plant and any space in your home designated for your plant babies. A self-watering disc is included that stores extra water that the plants absorb when they need it. While there is no water indicator, this planter makes it so you can go days without re-watering. It's suitable for your favorite indoor houseplant as well as fruits and vegetables. If a water indicator is pivotal to your buying decision, opt for our best option with a water indicator, the Aquaphoric Self-Watering Planter, but you will sacrifice the number of sizes and colors available. It comes with a sealed bottom to prevent leaks, but there are optional drainage holes you can unplug if using outdoors. The resin planter also has UV protection if you want to use it on a patio or near a bright window. Dimensions: Various︱Material: Resin︱Placement: Indoors or out What We Like Available in multiple colors and sizes Durable and weather-resistant 15-year limited warranty Includes hardware What We Don't Like Heavy when filled Window boxes add charm and a cottage-like feel to any home, but they can be hard to install and maintain. We love the Mayne Fairfield Window Box Planter because it's powder coated and made of resin with UV protection, giving you the option to leave it up year-round without worrying about it fading or cracking. Although it is double-walled and durable, it's lightweight when empty, so it's easier to install than heavier options. But, this is the only option on this list that requires wall installation, so keep that in mind when shopping. To make that process easier, it comes with steel wall mount brackets. We also appreciate that it's available in different colors and sizes to fit your window and the style of your home. Since this is a self-watering window box, you don't need to water it every day. In fact, thanks to the planter's double-wall design, there is a generous water reservoir underneath the planting area. Aside from being a time-saver, this feature helps the plants retain moisture. Keep in mind that once the soil, plants, and water are inside the planter, it can get quite heavy. Make sure you have it installed properly on the wall or placed somewhere sturdy so you can enjoy it for years to come. Even though this pick is on the pricey side, it’s durable and comes backed by a 15-year limited warranty, in case you do have any issues. Dimensions: Various︱Material: Resin︱Placement: Indoors What We Like Large capacity for small footprint Available in multiple colors Great for a variety of vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, and succulents Good value for the size What We Don't Like No water level indicator We like this vertical option from Mr. Stacky, because it offers room for a large capacity of plants, with a relatively small footprint, allowing you to have more space on your patio or deck for entertaining. Although this stackable option is not truly self-watering, all you need to do is water the top, and all of the excess water will trickle down to the other plants, saving you time having to water each plant. We also like that you are getting multiple pots—room for 20 plants—for an affordable price, and you can customize the height, depending on the number of tiers you use. The five tiers are easy to stack, and you can also choose from two colors: white and terracotta. It also comes with a drip tray to catch any extra water. The plastic planter only weighs three pounds when empty, so it's extremely easy to move around your space to find the right location. Because of this, it's best for small, lightweight plants. We recommend avoiding overfilling the individual pots with soil and plants to avoid tipping or wear over time. Be aware that this product does not have a water level indicator, so you will have to monitor the moisture level on each pot. Be aware that some of the tiers can block the sun from the plants below, so you will want to make sure your plants are getting the right level of sunlight. Overall we think this is a great space-saving option for a variety of plants, from herbs to strawberries to succulents, as long as you don't mind the extra effort in making sure they are getting the right amount of sun and water. For a more intuitive planter to grow herbs in without the extra spots for plants or added design elements, we recommend our best for herbs pick, the Click and Grow Smart Garden 3. Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 28 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Placement: Outdoors What We Like Drain and self-watering Water indicator Decorative shell Indoor/outdoor What We Don't Like Shallow inner basket Hanging planters can be hard to reach or take down, so the less you have to water them, the better, which is why we like this self-watering one from Gray Bunny. It has an interior basket with three drainage holes, three wicking points to bring water back into the soil, and a water measuring meter: all of these features combine to make sure your plant is getting just the right amount of water it needs. However, keep in mind that the interior basket, where the plants grow, is a bit shallow, so it’s not best for plants with wide root structures. The exterior shell is an attractive wicker-style resin with an optional secondary drain. This is helpful when you have a large downpour and need to extract water to prevent water-logging, which is when soil hardens so no air or water can seep through—especially important for outdoor plants. The outer shell serves as the reservoir and can hold up to 4 cups of water, which can last up to a few weeks, depending on your plant’s use. This hanging basket is designed for outdoor use and designed to resist peeling, fading, or rusting, but you can remove the chain and bring it inside for a tabletop piece. Just plug the drainage hole. Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.6 x 10.6 inches︱Material: Resin︱Placement: Indoors or out What We Like All-inclusive Plant pods included Good for a variety of seedlings LED light What We Don't Like Small capacity Need special pods If you want to grow herbs and don’t know where to start, the Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Herb garden comes with everything that you need, which we loved when testing indoor gardens in our own homes. Indoor garden systems often come with grow lights so they can be placed anywhere in your home and operate almost completely independently without too much guesswork on your part. However, many indoor gardens limit the types of plants and how many plants you can grow at a time due to their small size. Compared to the rest of the planters on this list, this option is hydroponic, which means it doesn’t require soil. Instead, the plants are grown in a mixture of water and nutrients, which are included. This means that ensuring your planter has enough water at all times is pivotal for plant growth. Luckily, the water level indicator tells you exactly how much is inside and when you need to refill it. The entire setup, planting, and watering process was extremely intuitive, which made the entire experience more enjoyable. Three basil plant pods are included, but plenty of other pod options, sold separately, are available from Click and Grow. The opening for the reservoir, on the side of the planter, is easy to fill, with just a simple glass or watering can. Unlike other options on this list, this planter comes with its own grow light, which was extremely convenient during testing, so it's designed for indoor use and you're not limited to locations near natural light. This herb garden planter is good for seedlings and small plants, but you need to transplant your herbs to a larger container once they outgrow them. If you are growing for use in your kitchen and plan to cut back your herbs periodically, you can keep new seedlings coming up in this planter. Dimensions: 9 x 4.9 x 12.5 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Placement: Indoors What We Like Weather-resistant cedar Elevated planter Large water reservoir Water level indicator What We Don't Like Assembly required Heavy to move Made of weather-resistant cedar, the CedarCraft Self-Watering Elevated planter makes it easy to water outdoor plants without having to kneel, bend over, or reach up to take down a hanging planter. You can use it for seedlings through most mature plants. It requires some assembly, but its tongue-and-groove construction minimizes the need for tools. The impressive 6-gallon reservoir (the largest on this list) is located all along the bottom of the planter box. Depending on how many plants you have and their stage of growth, this can last a few days or a few weeks. It includes a water level indicator and reservoir fill spout at one end. While it can be used indoors without worrying about damage, it is designed for outdoor use and larger growing needs. It is also heavy to move once it is assembled and filled with water and soil. We recommend putting it together as close to its final home in your yard as possible. Dimensions: 22 x 48 x 30 inches︱Material: Cedar︱Placement: Indoors or out Final Verdict Our best overall pick is the Plow & Hearth Sussex Self-Watering Resin Pot Planter, which has a chic functional design aesthetic and can be used indoors and out and with a variety of different-sized plants. For a more affordable option, consider the Bloem Medium Self-Watering Planter with Drainage Holes. We love its sturdy and simple design that can be used indoors or out. Plastic planters are a great option for indoor use where they are not exposed to varying temperatures or weather conditions. Most options on this list are made of plastic. If you want to use your planter outdoors, look for a material that can withstand the elements. For example, our best overall option, the Plow & Hearth Sussex Self-Watering Resin Pot Planter, and our favorite hanging pick are made of durable resin that is stylish enough to display on a front porch or keep inside your living room. Other suitable outdoor materials included weather-treated wood like you will find on our best outdoor option, the CedarCraft Convenient Self-Watering Elevated Cedar Planter. Depending on the plant, a large water capacity can make your job as a plant parent easier and reduce the number of times you need to refill the planter. The reservoir's water capacity varies from a few ounces to more than half the size of the planter. The amount of water needed will vary based on the plant, its stage of growth, and the growing conditions. If you are using a self-watering planter outside and get adequate rainfall, you may not need to refill your planter at all, with proper monitoring. For example, our best window box option, the Mayne Fairfield Window Box Planter, has a reservoir that can hold up to 3 gallons of water so you can go multiple days or weeks without watering. With multiple varying conditions including your plant's size and water needs, there is no uniform time between waters per planter, but if you want ultimate convenience in your watering, opt for a larger planter with a larger reservoir. For added convenience, look for a planter with a water level indicator that is easy to read and is located near the opening of the reservoir, which helps you know when to refill and makes refilling easier. For example, the Window Garden Aquaphoric Self Watering Planter has a very easy-to-read, easy-to-locate water level indicator. Many self-watering planters have water level indicators that can help growers know how much water is inside the planter. That is very important with indoor plants that do not have access to rainfall. Look for a water level indicator that is easy to read and is located near the opening for the reservoir, which helps you know when to refill and makes refilling easier. For example, the Window Garden Aquaphoric Self Watering Planter has a very easy-to-read, easy-to-locate water level indicator. The right size planter for you will depend on how much space you have to allocate to your plants in your living room, kitchen, or back patio. It will also depend on the plants you want to grow. Large houseplants like Monsteras need a sizable indoor planter. Luckily, our favorite indoor planter, the Bloem Ariana Self Watering Plastic Planter comes in seven sizes- the largest being 21.5 inches in diameter. If you're short on space, but still want the convenience of a self-watering planter, there are plenty of options for you. The smallest planer available in our best budget set, the Self-Watering Planter Pots is just 3.2 inches in diameter, so it fits easily on a side table or windowsill. Another great space-saving option if you want to grow herbs is the Click and Grow Smart Garden 3. This option also comes with a grow light, so you can place it anywhere near your home even if it's not near a window or natural light. When you work so hard nurturing and growing your plants, you want them to grow in something equally as beautiful as they are. Look for a planter that matches the aesthetic of your home for a cohesive look. For example, window boxes add a touch of cottage core to your space, while our favorite splurge option, the Lark Manor Kentshire Pot Planter offers an elegant, modern design. Many of the basic options we recommend at least come in a few colors to satisfy different tastes. Namely, the terracotta color of the Mr. Stacky Vertical Stackable Planter feels very earthy and rustic. This article was written by Julia Fields an associate editor for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. For this story, she considered dozens of self-watering planters, evaluating them on size, material, water reservoir, drainage features, design aesthetic, and value. Our expert:Best Overall
Plow & Hearth Sussex Self-Watering Resin Pot Planter
Best Indoor
Bloem Medium Self Watering Planter with Drainage Holes
Best Window Box
Mayne Fairfield Window Box Planter
Best Vertical
Mr. Stacky Stackable Vertical Garden
Best for Herbs
Click & Grow The Smart Garden 3
What to Look for in a Self-Watering Planter
Material
Ease of Use
Size
Design
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