The 11 Best Self-Watering Planters of 2023

Best Overall

Plow & Hearth Sussex Self-Watering Resin Pot Planter

4.7

View On Wayfair

For a self-watering planter that is as stylish as it is functional, we love the Sussex planter from Plow & Hearth. Earning the top spot on our list, this product comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large), with the largest suitable for outdoor shrubs and larger plants, something that's hard to find at this price point. You can also grab one in each size for a coordinating set, although you'll need to purchase each one separately.

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 convenient addition of 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 after enough has been stored in the reservoir.

Price at time of publish: $60

_{Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 10 inches︱Material: Resin︱Water Capacity: Not listed}

Best Budget

ETGLCOZY Self-Watering Planter Pots

View On Amazon

This five-piece set from ETGLCOZY is a great value and has all the features you need to keep your potted plants happy and watered, all for under $20. These planters come in gray or white and have a modern design that can blend into any decor. 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.

The water reservoir on the bottom clearly shows the current water level. A cotton rope suspended in the water reservoir brings water up to the soil and the plant’s roots, as needed, although the reservoir can show dirt after some time, it can be cleaned out periodically to keep that sparkling look. Emptying and refilling the water and cleaning out the reservoir can help keep your plants happy, which is always important.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 6-inch, 4.1-inch, and 3.2-inch diameters︱Material: Plastic︱Water Capacity: 2 weeks}

Best Splurge

Lark Manor Tyrell Self Watering Plastic Pot Planter

View On Wayfair

The Lark Manor Tyrell Self Watering Plastic Pot Planter 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 32 inches tall, it has 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 worry about having to use 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. When you see water running out of 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: $158

_{Dimensions: 15.6 x 15.6 x 32 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Water Capacity: Depends on plants}

Best with Water Indicator

Window Garden Aquaphoric Self Watering Planter

View On Amazon

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. 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

_{Dimensions: 5.25 x 5.25 x 5 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Water Capacity: 1-2 days}

Best for Starting Seeds

Judith Bloom Seed Starter Tray

View On Amazon

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 the Judith Bloom Seed Starter Tray. Aside from being reusable, we love this seed-starting tray's modern, stylish design, and we think it will look great on any kitchen countertop or table. Made of terra cotta and ceramic material, this planter is available in two colors: white/terra cotta, and gray/terra cotta.

Although this planter does not include soil or seeds, we think the self-watering feature is a great addition to its practicality. According to the manufacturer, you only need to fill the planter's reservoir once a week to keep your seedlings happy (but make sure you check the soil and health of the plants to make sure they are getting what they need).

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 22 x 48 x 30 inches︱Material: Terra cotta and ceramic︱Water Capacity: 1 week}

Best Indoor

Bloem Medium Self Watering Planter with Drainage Holes

View On Home Depot View On Walmart View On Walmart

If you're looking to coordinate indoor planters with your decor, try the Bloem self-watering planters. They come in four colors: pebble stone, charcoal, misty blue, and merlot. All colors are muted and complement a variety of plants and decor styles.

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

_{Dimensions: 13 x 10 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Water Capacity: 2-3 days}

Best Window Box

Mayne Fairfield Window Box Planter

4.9

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

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 Polyethylene resin, 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—many customers commented that it is very easy to install, although it also depends on the type of surface you are attaching it to. We also appreciate that it's available in different sizes and colors 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 water reservoir underneath the planting area with a 3-gallon water capacity. Aside from being a time-saver, this feature encourages root growth and 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. It also is backed by a 15-year limited warranty, in case you do have any issues.

Price at time of publish: $95 (3-foot planter)

_{Dimensions: 36 x 11 x 11 inches︱Material: Resin︱Water Capacity: Varies}

Best Vertical

Mr. Stacky Stackable Vertical Garden with Self-Watering Tiers

View On Home Depot View On Walmart

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 three colors: white, green, and terracotta. It also comes with a drip tray to catch any extra water.

Keep in mind that this product does not have a water level indicator, so you will have to monitor the moisture level on each pot. Customers have reported 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.

Price at time of publish: $37

_{Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 28 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Water Capacity: Not listed}

Best Hanging

Gray Bunny Self-Watering Hanging Planter Basket

View On Amazon

Hanging planters can be hard to reach or take down, so the less you have to water them, the better. And like all planters, it’s important that they drain adequately, to prevent root rot. We like this self-watering option from Gray Bunny because it features an interior basket with three drainage holes, three wicking points to bring water back into the soil, and a water measuring meter to make sure the perfect balance is reached. 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—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

_{Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.6 x 10.6 inches︱Material: Resin︱Water Capacity: 1-2 weeks}

Best for Herbs

Click & Grow The Smart Garden 3

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Clickandgrow.com

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. 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. The water level indicator tells you exactly how much is inside and when you need to refill it.

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

_{Dimensions: 9 x 4.9 x 12.5 inches︱Material: Plastic︱Water Capacity: 1 week}