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Our top picks are a perfect plant-care solution if youre busy or a frequent traveler.
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But how exactly do they work?
Self-watering pots work by capillary action, saysLisa Eldred Steinkopf, plant expert of The Houseplant Guru.
If a wicking material is used, the wick draws the water up into the plant.
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There is no water-level indicator.
Though the Tierra Verde Sonata planter is made from recycled tires, it has the high-end appearance of fiberglass.
We chose a classic rectangular design, which looked stylish and blended well into our space.
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This trough-style planter is virtually indestructibletheyre designed to resist cracking and crumbling, even in freezing temperatures.
The manufacturer even provides a 365-day no-cracking guarantee.
There were no signs of weathering or damage at the end of the testing period.
To refill the reservoir, we simply watered the soil and excess water collected in the reservoir below.
We were very impressed at how these planters keptoutdoor plantsvibrant and healthy, even in hot 90 degree weather.
These pots may experience weathering if used outside.
These pots from Gardenix are the best self-watering planters for the budget conscious.
These planters also have a water-level indicator to help you know when its time to water.
This pot comes with coco coir soil as part of the self-watering system.
Coco coir is made of coconut shell fibers and is known for its excellent water retention and drainage.
This planting medium helps ensure your plant’s roots get oxygen as well as water.
The manufacturer recommends you useregular potting mixin addition to the coco coir.
To refill the reservoir, you simply pour water into the slot between the interior and exterior pots.
This pot is available in multiple colors: white, gray, purple, and teal.
Matching saucers are sold separately.
If youre looking to splurge, we think the Crescent Garden pot is worth it.
Even though its made of a heavy-duty material, we found the planter surprisingly lightweight and easy to move.
The double-walled design helps protect plant roots from extreme temperature changes and also offers additional reservoir space for water.
These planters are built to last and the manufacturer offers a 10-year limited warranty.
It comes in four sizes and 11 different colors in tasteful neutral shades.
The plastic isnt the most durable we tested.
For a stylish indoor option, we recommend the HBServices planter.
This design keeps the roots above the water, helping to prevent overwatering.
To check the water level, simply lift the top up to check the water reservoir underneath.
We also liked using the convenient watering clip to fill the reservoir.
However, it isnt the most durable plastic, and it may crack or chip if dropped.
Hanging plants, especially those kept on porches, can be difficult to keep watered.
A self-watering hanging planter is the perfect solution to keep your hanging outdoor plants hydrated.
Theres also a water port for easy filling and a drainage plug.
However, the port to add water is small, so its easy to miss when watering.
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We liked that it had a removable inner liner that made it easier to plant and unplant.
The planter and its chains held up well over the testing period without any issues.
It was difficult to lock the water reservoir into place, and theres no water-level indicator.
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This modern planter arrives as a set of three.
A wicking cord draws water up from the reservoir to the roots.
However, we loved the clip-on funnel used to pour water into the reservoir.
Drainage holes at the bottom of the pot increase airflow to the roots for plant health.
Because of this, we advise checking that its locked in place before filling with water.
Planters overfill easily in heavy rain and theres not an easy way to drain excess water.
This set of three rectangular planters are designed to be used on window sills and are great forgrowing herbs.
The planters are lightweight so they arent too heavy for a windowsill, even with a full water reservoir.
Theres also a viewing window so you could easily check the water level inside the planter.
These planters can last up to two weeks without watering and have two wicking strips per pot.
However, the planters overfilled easily when it rained, which could lead to root rot and plant damage.
We also didnt like that there was no easy way to drain excess water out of the planter.
These factors led us to conclude that these planters are best used indoors.
A saucer is not included and drainage holes are not pre-drilled.
The Winston Porter Cameron planter advertises all-weather durability with UV protection, and lives up to its promise.
We thought this planter performed exceptionally well, lasting an entire winter outdoors without any cracks or fading.
The self-watering disc in this planter helps preventroot rotand allows roots to receive oxygen.
We opted not to drill holes and did not experience any root rot or heavy overflow.
When kept outside, this planter rarely needed to be watered and the plants thrived.
The planter is incredibly low-maintenance and durable.
We rated the planters on the style and if it enhanced their space.
They also noted if the design included drainage and ventilation to prevent root rot.
At the end of the testing period, we recorded any damage or weathering the planters experienced.
We also noted our overall experience with the planter, and whether we thought it was worth the price.
Some self-watering planters utilize a wick to keep the soil inside moist.
A wicking material can be used to wick-water a plant, Eldred Steinkopf says.
Acrylic string or yarn is the best wick to use.
Cotton can be used, but it rots, so is not the best choice.
There may also be an indicator that reminds you the reservoir is empty, she says.
Self-watering planters encourage air circulation in a few different ways, including drainage holes and slotted bottoms.
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Material
Most self-watering planters are made of synthetic materials, such as plastic or rubber.
These materials are often engineered to avoid sun-bleaching in the summer and cracking in the cold winter months.
However, some plastics are better than others, and lower-quality plastic pots will do best indoors.
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City Pickers 24,5 in.
We did appreciate that the planter included wheels for easier movement.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you overwater with self-watering pots?
This is especially true for inside plantsit may not be a big concern outside.
What plants are not suitable for self-watering pots?
Do self-watering planters cause root rot?
Root rot can happen under many circumstances, not just with self-watering planters.
The soil mix used in the planter would be the reason for the rot, Eldred Steinkopf says.
Also, choosing the wrong plant or the wrong thickness of wicking could result in root rot.
Who We Are
This article was written byBetter Homes & GardenscontributorRachel Ahrnsen.
To put together this list, Rachel spent hours researching self-watering planters and analyzed insights from our testing team.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
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