These 10 Best Self-Watering Planters Do the Work for You

This versatile little planter attacks watering from two angles by teaming a terracotta pot with a glass self-watering vessel for the ultimate in moisture control. Terracotta is a favorite of pro gardeners thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities, which will usher excess water out of the soil to keep a plant’s roots from getting waterlogged. Not only that, but it’s great at absorbing water from outside sources, too. So, you can rest easy knowing that when you fill up the exterior glass vessel, the interior terracotta pot will dispense water to your plant’s soil as needed.

“I cannot say enough good things about these beautiful planters,” says one buyer. “They are really great for those plants that have more difficult-to-gauge water requirements. If watering is the reason you’re losing plants, try one of these.”

Lightweight and versatile, this raised garden bed from West Elm is petite enough to suit both beginner gardeners and small-space homeowners or renters. Made from recycled plastic, it boasts a 6.7-gallon water reservoir at the base that can be filled via a plugged hole at the top of the planter. From there, the water will leech into the soil anytime it needs moisture, allowing your plants to sip from the root up, which is known to be more effective and beneficial for keeping them healthy.

Bonus: The convenient height and bonus accessories (like an attachable trellis) make it easy to care for any number of crops without the back-breaking exhaustion of a ground-level garden. 

Looking to create a cohesive look on your porch? You’ve found it in this charming trio of self-watering planters. Available in a selection of stylish shades, they boast slightly different sizes to help you pair your plants with their spacial needs perfectly. Even better, each planter touts a draining base and water reservoir, as well as an integrated cotton string to help siphon water up to soil level any time it’s needed. Translation: You’ll only have to add water to the base every 7 to 10 days, and the planter will take care of the rest.

“One of the best features is the excellent drainage and self-watering system,” says one happy buyer. “I’m a teacher, and I left my plant at school over Christmas break—thanks to the water reservoir, it was still thriving when I returned! All I did was fill it up before leaving. If you want a low-maintenance option, this pot is perfect—just fill the reservoir, and the plant absorbs water through the wick as needed.”

If you’re looking for a planter with a modern aesthetic to pair with a trailing Pothos or fluffy Boston Fern, click “add to cart” on this beauty from West Elm. Made from mouth-blown glass in two hues (clear and lime green), this planter is part functional pot, part sculptural art piece.

Like many of the other models on our list, it works using a water reservoir and wick system, which helps transport water from the base of the vessel to soil level. We especially love the modern look of structural plants in this design, so try pairing it with something impressive and impactful, like a jade plant. 

Sleek and simple, this minimalistic self-watering planter from Amazon is one of the highest-rated finds on our list—and for good reason. The design is blissfully straightforward, making it a great option for novice and pro plant parents alike. The 8-inch diameter suits a number of different plants, while built-in risers at the base grant extra protection against water stains. The biggest standout feature, however, has to be the 16-ounce water reservoir, which allows you to go up to two weeks between replacing or replenishing your plant’s hydration station.

“I love plants, but figuring out all their unique watering habits was exhausting, and I often forget what days I watered them last,” says one buyer. “These pots solved all my issues. Just fill the bottom pan [up] and they drink when they want. These are good quality plastic and have large air openings at the bottom to allow drainage. I have them in a variety of sizes as seen in the pictures. Well worth the money!”

Maybe you only have a single sill where you can grow greenies, or maybe you want to keep herbs nearby in the kitchen. Whatever your reason, these slim planter boxes are sure to suit your needs. Shipped in a set of three, they boast all the features of an effective (and hands-off!) watering system, including an outer water reservoir, inner drainage container, and long, wet absorbent strips meant to leech water into the soil. There’s even an easy-fill water port at the top corner and a small clear window at the base to give you a peek at how much water you have left.

“I love gardening and growing my own food, but I can never remember to water,” says one reviewer. “I also either overwater or underwater. These pots are amazing. They take all the guesswork out. All I have to do is refill the base as it gets low, and my plants are doing amazing. I’m definitely going to purchase more of these.”

Growing a larger plant or garden that will need a sturdy base and extra support? Grab yourself this modern raised garden bed with a built-in trellis. With an impressively stable base and 56-inch height, this bed is an ideal pick for any plants that tend to vine or climb, such as tomato plants, herbs, climbing flowers, and more. Made from durable polypropylene that’s weather and UV resistant, it holds an impressive 9.2 gallons of water in its reservoir, so it’ll satisfy even the most thirsty plants in the peak of summer.

“Love the quality and new wicker design,” says one happy buyer. “Excellent, easy to put together, well made and looks really good. A little pricey but well worth it,” comments another.

For a simple, chic, and effective self-watering planter, look no further than this sleek planter from West Elm. Made of durable indoor/outdoor safe cast stone and available in a selection of neutral hues, this self-watering pot comes in a variety of sizes to suit your needs, including 1 pint, 1 quart, 3 gallons, and 5 gallons.

While it’s one of the pricier picks on our list, it’s undeniably beautiful and high quality, with a straightforward system (just pour water into the base every week or so) that makes it a great choice for beginner gardeners or forgetful plant parents.