Got a Brown Thumb? These Self-Watering Planters Do All the Work for You

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Spring is here, and so is the itch to exercise our green thumbs (and shopping ones) to find some truly unique gifts for gardeners in our lives. Especially if they tend to some truly unique, fascinatingly weird indoor plants. You never know how much experience your plant-loving friends have, or for that matter, how much outdoor space someone can actually use to grow plants, so we've concluded that self-watering planters are the best gifts to give anyone with an interest in greenery.

Even the best indoor plants and most popular outdoor ones that seem easy to care for, always seem to have unique needs when it comes to how much water they need to thrive. And talented gardeners may find that juggling each plant’s needs — along with the everyday demands of life — can be challenging.

Still, that doesn't mean filling a space with luscious greenery is out of the question! For those who need some extra support keeping plants on their watering schedule or have a travel-packed season coming up, self-watering planters are just the solution to making sure your pet plants thrive.

Self-watering planters work by drawing water from an internal reservoir — usually via a fabric cord or porous terra-cotta barrier. This moistens the soil, and from there, the plant's roots can absorb the amount of water they need. This method helps prevent hard-to-fix issues from overwatering, such as root rot. If you have tropical plants like our editor-loved pineapple plant that requires keeping the soil moist, a self-watering planter can help prevent them from drying out; you'll just need to keep the reservoir topped off more often. Whether you're a longtime horticulture enthusiast or new to the houseplant game, these self-watering planters will keep your greens happy and thriving.

The Best Self-Watering Planters

• Best Overall: AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System

• Best Budget: Amazing Creation Window Herb Planter Box

• Best for Succulents: Gardenix Decor Self-Watering Succulent Plant Holders

• Best Looking: D'vine Dev Terra Cotta Planter with Cylinder Glass Cup

• Best for Entryways: Lark Manor White Kentshire Pot Planter

What to Consider

Size

As with any home purchase, consider budget and aesthetics first. However, there’s more to selecting a self-watering planter than that. I spoke with Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, Horticulturist at Perfect Plants Nursery, who emphasizes the importance of evaluating the self-watering planter’s size.

“I think some people might not realize when they're first starting with one is that you’ve got to make sure that it's the right size for your plants,” she says. “If the roots are too high to the surface and not deep enough, then they're not going to be able to get the water [in the reservoir].”

When this happens, Hilliard-Knapp says that most people’s first reaction is to think that the planter isn’t working. However, the real issue is that they should have chosen a more shallow planter — especially if the plant’s root system isn’t that extensive yet.

“That's why a lot of times when people are starting with self-watering planters, I say to fill it from the top anyway when you're topping off just to make sure it’s getting a good soak through,” she says. “Then eventually the roots grow down and it's no problem to just fill it from the little reservoir.”

Features

If you're gifting a self-watering planter to a beginner, or to somebody who might not have a ton of time to keep track of a plant's watering schedule, opt for features beyond just self-watering capabilities. Some planters will even have a water-level indicator, which acts as an extra layer of insurance for the truly plant-challenged, says Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal. This type of addition is great for reminding gardeners when it's time to refill.

Material

Lastly, you’ll want to think about where you want your plants to live. Inside or outside? Keep the material’s durability in mind, and where you want to put it, before making your final selection. Some planters are made with material like terra cotta that dries super fast, so make sure you're looking for non-porous pots. But more on that later.

Plant Type

Different plants have different needs for water, and the same is true for the planters in which they live. If you're gifting your succulent-loving friend a self-watering planter, make sure it's one specifically designed for those beloved plants. If you're gifting a pot for a super-thirsty plant, then follow the instructions above and opt for non-porous options.

How We Selected

Before making our final selections, I consulted experts Autumn Hilliard-Knapp and Bryan Clayton for tips and product recommendations. I then tested out three of these self-watering planters firsthand. For any that I couldn't get my hands on yet, I kept the advice of Hilliard-Knapp and Clayton in mind, evaluating each planter's size, features, and materials — as well as which plants they're best suited for — via the manufacturer and retailer's pages. Having spent years exploring plant care through trial and error, I also kept my own past mistakes (and victories!) in mind.

Below are the best self-watering planters to help you or your giftee on a plant parent journey.

Harvest Elite 360 Indoor Garden Self-Watering Planter

If, in addition to struggling with a water routine, you or your giftee struggles to get quality sunlight indoors for their plants, this high-tech self-watering planter garden will do the sun's job. It's pretty much a gardener in box form in that it truly does all the work for the human.

This luxe planter can grow six 12-inch tall plants at a time in its hydroponic pod system, thanks to its 20-watt LED grow light. (It’ll work wherever you can safely plug it in.)

It also features a sleek digital display with illuminated push-button controls, an internal water pump that periodically runs to help oxygenate the water, and built-in settings to remind users when to add more plant food and water.

It comes with pods for Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Thai Basil, and Mint — the essentials that every home chef needs! It grows plants efficiently and allows owners to have minimal stress throughout the process.

What's more, absolutely no soil is required to grow plants in this thing. This cuts down on costs and simplifies the growing process even further.

Gift this to your mom who has been itching to grow an herb garden, or to your brown-thumbed friend who loves the idea of owning plants, but really shouldn't be trusted with the responsibility. You know the one.

Best for novices who want as little to do with the planting process as possible, this is a stellar option for apartment renters and people who don't have a ton of green space around them.

Window Herb Self-Watering Planter

Planting an indoor herb garden can be a great source of joy — and while sophisticated, high-tech hydro planters can be fun, there are plenty of more affordable ways to start growing your plants indoors, as well.

This three-pack of self-watering indoor and outdoor planters is an excellent way for would-be gardeners to try their hand at growing herbs. Each pot features a water reservoir that keeps your plants growing without much help from you, and the durable design means it is built to last.

For years, I’ve been growing herbs indoors in little plastic pots with unreliable success, often forgetting to water them when life gets busy and then overdoing it. I love these planters because their water reservoirs take all the guesswork and unpredictability out of the project.

Plus, they fit comfortably around my small apartment. Since they come in packs of three, I’ve gotten to play around with location, keeping one in the kitchen and two on my windowsills. Since this is an herb starter kit, you’ll eventually transfer your herbs into your garden or a bigger pot. However, these planters are built with longevity in mind, so save them for next season!

Made for indoor and outdoor use alike, you can keep this self-watering planter in your kitchen, or hang it outside on your windowsill. Since this is an herb starter kit, you’ll eventually transfer your herbs into your garden or a bigger pot. However, these planters are built with longevity in mind, so save them for next season!

Self-Watering Succulent Plant Holders

When it comes to succulents, Hilliard-Knapp tells us that they need sandier soil and that the soil should dry out completely before watering again. Because of this, generic self-watering planters won’t do, especially if they’re designed to keep the soil moist 24/7. This would lead to dramatic over-watering!

That’s why it’s important to choose a self-watering planter that’s specific to the needs of succulents, should you choose to care for them this way.

We're big fans of the simple look of this self-watering succulent planter from Gardenix. The company claims it's the first-ever self-watering planter designed entirely for succulents. With its water-level indicator, you can make sure you never over-saturate your succulents again.

We also love that these planters are 100% organic, and made from coco shell fibers. Not only does this create a healthy habitat for your succulents, but the organic material produces just the right drainage that succulents need.

Related: Spice Up Your Loved One’s New Pad With This Self-Watering Chili Pepper Plant

Terra Cotta Self-Watering Planter with Cylinder Glass Cup

Terra cotta and glass? Yes, please. We love the chic look of these minimalist materials — and the way these planters take the worry out of our plant care routine.

Terra cotta is a porous material that can dry out quickly, but when placed in water, it actually allows the water to pass through the material and into the soil inside. In this system, plants will absorb only what they need, so you don’t have to be an expert to use this planter. You can also see the water level, so you always know where you’re at. This makes it an excellent beginner-friendly gift — there’s no guessing involved!

This planter is made of a cylinder glass reservoir that houses a terra-cotta planter, so you just have to set it in the glass portion for perfectly watered plants. Plus, they come in several different sizes, which helps you make the right selection for your plant and its roots.

White Kentshire Pot Self-Watering Planter

This self-watering plastic planter is as stylish as it is practical as it adorns your porch or entryway with lush greenery. At close to three feet in height, this self-watering planter is definitely on the larger side. Following Hilliard-Knapp's advice, you’ll want to make sure that whatever plants you fill this with have a deep root system so that they can access the water reservoir.

If you end up choosing to use this planter with plants whose roots haven’t grown as deeply yet, you’ll want to make sure you water it from the top as well at the beginning to ensure the roots have room to dig down and grow.

While the bigger side might call for a little more work, this planter’s aesthetic and durability make it worth it. The polyethylene plastic it is made from is water, rot, and fade-resistant, so you can use it outdoors season after season and still enjoy its original beauty.

Fairfield Window Box Self-Watering Planter

If you’re looking to spruce up your home without a lot of fussing around, then this might be the best self-watering planter for you. This window box is made to withstand everything, from hot summer days to tough winter conditions. It's also fade-resistant, so you won't have to worry about having to repaint every so often. This means you can leave it up year-round without having to worry.

The double-wall design also adds sturdiness to the design and provides your plant’s roots with enough room to grow, and plenty of insulation from inclement weather. The water reservoir rests under the soil, with water getting pulled up through the potting mix through capillary action. We also love that this planter comes with a 15-year warranty for homes.

However, there’s one thing you need to do before adding this planter to your shopping cart, and that’s measuring your windowsill. At 36 x 11 x 10.8 inches, this window planter will fit most windowsills, but not all. Make sure it fits yours before you buy!

Hanging Basket Coco Liners Self-Watering Planters

Chances are, you’ve seen these earthy coco liners hanging from many a front porch without ever realizing that these are self-watering planters!

Made from natural coco, these plant liners have thick fibers that absorb water and keep the soil moist. To start, you’ll soak the liner in water for 30 seconds. Then, you’ll place it in your hanging vessel and fill it with soil and plants of your choosing. The coco fiber is hydrophobic and prevents the loss of water, making it so that the plant's roots can drink up and get the water they need to flourish.

When I set up my coco lines, I was impressed with how, after I soaked them, I could shape and mold them to fit the hangers I already had at home. The liners were easy to work with and manipulate. I could have cut them for further customization but found that I didn’t need to based on the hangers I had. Since I have a covered porch where the rain doesn’t reach, these felt like the perfect option.

The coco liners are 100% natural, so they’re safe to use for veggies, herbs, and flowers alike. While they’re most traditionally used in hanging baskets, you can also use them as a layer in potted plants. No matter which method you choose, these liners take a lot of work off your hands, making it so you’ll have to water them less.

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