We also considered options that work for indoor and outdoor use. Our best overall pick, the Plow & Hearth Sussex Self-Watering Resin Pot Planter, is made from frost-free resin, is sized to accommodate a variety of different plants, and features a chic and functional design aesthetic. Ahead, find the best self-watering planters to keep your plants lush. The frost-free resin accounts for a higher price point, but this quality material should hold up for the long haul, so we think it’s still a great value. You should look forward to years of growing in this planter without having to worry about warping, fading, or other damage. It is styled to resemble copper but at a fraction of the cost and with the self-watering feature. To use this planter, simply fill the reservoir in the bottom before potting your plants. Once they are planted, water the plants, as usual. Any excess water collects at the bottom of the reservoir or drains out 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. When it rains and excess water abounds, it simply drains out the bottom once enough has been stored in the reservoir. Price at time of publish: $140 These planters come in gray or white and have a modern design. The water reservoir on the bottom clearly shows the current water level. The reservoirs show dirt after some time but can be cleaned out periodically to keep that sparkling look. Emptying and refilling the water and cleaning out the reservoir also keep your plants happy. A cotton rope suspended in the water reservoir brings water up to the soil and plant’s roots, as needed. Price at time of publish: $20 The water reservoir takes up half the space, so you don’t need to worry about having to use a ton of soil. It 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 if you should add water. When you see water running out the drain, you know the reservoir is full. 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. For the price, it would be nice to see an option made of resin, metal, or even a thicker plastic. But the construction is still solid and should hold up for years against the elements. Price at time of publish: $1546 These planters are simple, made of plastic, and medium-sized. There is no water level indicator, and the self-watering feature collects extra water, storing enough for just a few days of watering for most plants. We like this for indoor plants to take center stage. The planter does have UV protection, so you shouldn’t need to worry about the color fading in bright sunlight. Price at time of publish: $13 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—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, but you can remove the chain and bring it inside for a tabletop piece. Just be sure to double-check that the secondary drain is closed. Price at time of publish: $32 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 it. 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. The included LED light makes this the perfect herb planter for darker rooms or kitchens that don’t have access to abundant natural light. Price at time of publish: $90 This planter is on the small side, about the size of a teapot. 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. Price at time of publish: $18 The impressive 6-gallon reservoir 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. Price at time of publish: $250
Water Capacity
Most self-watering planters use a reservoir system to collect extra water and store it for later use. The plant takes in water by direct absorption from the soil and roots, or from a rope or other material to bring the water up. The reservoir’s water capacity varies from a few ounces to more than half the size of the planter. The amount of time the water lasts depends on the plants and growing conditions, but most hold the water from a few days to a few weeks.
Water Level Indicator
Many self-watering planters have water level indicators that can help growers know how much water is inside the planter. This 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. This helps you know when to refill and makes refilling easier.
Why Trust The Spruce
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. An avid home gardener, she has grown herbs, flowers, and vegetables in container gardens from seedlings. She considered dozens of self-watering planters for this roundup, evaluating them on size, material, water reservoir and drainage features, design aesthetic, and value.
