Self Watering Plants: 25 Ideas For Beginners

Self watering Plants

Self watering Plants

Updated on 12/3/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
Learn More about Emma Downey

Self watering plants?! Have plants begun to seek out water for themselves on their own yet? (Can you even fathom how much trouble that would save us from having?) Sadly, no. Gardeners are still responsible for ensuring that their plants receive the appropriate water. However, if you frequently forget to water your plants or have plans preventing you from doing so, we have the perfect answer:

self-watering plants. This post provides you with a selection of the most fantastic ideas for plants that can water themselves. You will be able to choose something that complements both the room's aesthetics where it resides and your sense of design. There is a handbook available that will walk you through each stage of the process of constructing a self-watering system for your plants. Alright, let's begin!

These clever planters and pots take care of the watering, saving you time and effort. In addition to ensuring that your plants receive the appropriate quantity of moisture, these techniques also conserve water and are simple to use.

An Explanation Of Plants That Can Water Themselves

Self Watering Plants Explained

Self Watering Plants Explained

You might be curious about the nature of self-watering plants and how they function. To be more specific, they are planters and containers, although they are not the typical variety. They come equipped with a reservoir that may hold water for thirsty plants. Several variations of farmers may be used with this particular design. The majority of them come with pots with two levels, one for growing plants and one for storing water.

In addition to that, there will be several water globes that gently leak water into the ground. And last but not least, the time-honored wicking mechanism plays a role in maintaining wet soil. There is certainly not a shortage of options when it comes to alternatives for plants that can water themselves.

Ideas For Plants That Can Water Themselves

ideal self watering

ideal self watering

These planters will take care of themselves when watering, so you won't have to worry about that. Take a peek.

1. Easy Water Planter

Simple Water Planter

Simple Water Planter

If you want your gardening experience to go as smoothly as butter, all you need is a clever planter with a raised bed.
Even if you have a very brown thumb or if your vacation plans frequently put your plants in danger, there is no need for you to worry about this. It is easy to use and quick to put together. It has a water reservoir that will keep the soil moist, and it also has an indicator that will show how much water is in the pool.

It is essential not to forget that there is no requirement to stoop or kneel because the bed is elevated.

2. Container For Watering

Watering Container

Watering Container

Do you travel far on the weekends to spend time with your family and friends? If that's the case, a container for watering is what you need. Because there is a reservoir of water at the very bottom of the container, the soil will be able to take moisture from it naturally. A week will pass without your needing to water your plants at all.

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The container for plants is relatively small, and you may bring it inside to decorate your living area with some lush vegetation.

3. Pots That Self-Water

Self Watering Pots

Self Watering Pots

Another fantastic method for reducing the amount of time and effort spent on the daily watering of your plants is presented here. These containers can hold enough water for a whole week's worth of use, and they are lightweight, portable, and aesthetically pleasing. These planters are perfect for showing the beauty of blooming and ornamental houseplants.

4. Pot Watering Globe

 Pot Watering Globe

Pot Watering Globe

You can use watering globes for those who do not wish to make a significant investment in intelligent pots. These globes are both refillable and reusable and have an elegant appearance. They work by gently releasing water into the soil, so you won't have to worry about overwatering your plants.

5. Planters That Water Themselves

Bloem Ariana Self Watering Planter, 6", Calypso

Bloem Ariana Self Watering Planter, 6", Calypso

Utilizing planters that provide automatic watering is another method for preventing your plants from drying out. They come equipped with a reservoir at their base to maintain the moisture level in the soil.

Choose containers of all sizes and colors to create an eccentric and captivating green nook.

6. Watering Bottle For Plants

Bottle Plant Waterer

Bottle Plant Waterer

This self-watering solution has the appearance of an upside-down water bottle, which is where the name comes from. It comes with a valve that you may use to determine how much water is being delivered to your plants. You may water your houseplants with it and your hanging baskets, fence planters, and other planters.

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7. Planter Boxes That Can Water Themselves

Self Watering Planter Boxes

Self Watering Planter Boxes

Your patio or balcony may get a jolt of color from the addition of railing planters. And now, there is no longer any need for you to be concerned about the maintenance of your plants. It is going to be taken care of by your planter. To grow plants of your choice in the planter, you need to install it over the fence so that it automatically waters itself. You may adorn it with vibrant flowers to make it look more attractive. Or you may use it to cultivate culinary herbs for your home.

8. Self Watering Globes

The tiny bird-shaped watering globes

The tiny bird-shaped watering globes

It will be shown how to make plant water itself with a cute, low-cost, and simple method. The little watering globes in the shape of birds can retain water for a fortnight. After you have inserted the bulbs into the soil and given them a drink of water, you may forget about your plants for a few weeks.

It is possible to wrap the cotton fabric over the bulb's spout to slow down the water flow and prevent it from becoming clogged.

9. Terracotta Watering Spikes

Plain Terracotta Watering Spikes

Plain Terracotta Watering Spikes

In addition to this, you can repurpose your old bottles by turning them into self-watering planters. How? Just add terracotta watering spikes to them. They have a neck that can comfortably accommodate bottles with a wide opening. After you have attached terracotta spikes to the top of the bottles, fill them with water, and then bury them. The points will deliver a steady stream of water to the plant's roots and help to maintain the soil's moisture level.

10. Kitty Lights That Water Themselves

KiKiHeim Plant Waterer Cute Self

KiKiHeim Plant Waterer Cute Self

These beautiful self-watering bulbs in the shape of kittens are guaranteed to grab your attention for all the right reasons. This makes them a great choice for houseplants. After doing so, gently place them in the pots while they are still full of water. And that is it. Feel free to entrust your housecats to look after your houseplants. They are well aware of the precise amount of water the plants require.

kitties

kitties

11. Watering Wicks For Self Watering Plants

Self Watering Plants Wick Watering

Self Watering Plants Wick Watering

If you frequently find yourself out of town or often forget to water your plants, wick irrigation can save the day for you. But how exactly does it operate? It's pretty straightforward. You will need to insert one end of the cotton wick into the planter, and the other end will need to be placed into a water container. Thanks to the wick, your plants will remain well-hydrated, which will gently absorb water.

The technique is analogous to capillary action, which plants accomplish naturally through their roots and stems to transport water and nutrients throughout their bodies.

12. Self Watering Hanging Planters

Self Watering Basket

Self Watering Basket

You can spruce up your fences, balcony roofs, patios, and even the interior of your home with hanging planters. In addition to that, you won't have to bother about giving them water this time. Choose those that come with water-storage trays that can be removed easily, as seen in the figure below. Your plants will not suffer from root rot thanks to the planter, which will keep them well-watered.

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13. Self Watering Hanging Baskets

Self Watering Hanging Baskets

Self Watering Hanging Baskets

Plants that self-water can also be purchased in the form of two-layered baskets that are aesthetically pleasing. The inner basket functions as a drainer, allowing excess water to drain through its openings, while the outer basket acts as a reservoir.

You may get the look of a lush green cascade by planting trailing plants like pothos, spider plants, or a string of pearls in your basket.

14. Planters For The Indoors That Water Themselves

Self Watering Indoor Planters

Self Watering Indoor Planters

Your home might benefit from having a sleek and contemporary self-watering planter like this one. The plant's roots will be able to draw water up from the reservoir located at the Bottom of the farmer. In addition to that, it has a water-level indicator, which enables you to determine when it is necessary to refill the reservoir precisely—a true boon for the gardener who often seems to forget things.

15. Planters For The Outdoors That Water Themselves

Garden Outdoor Use, White Matte

Garden Outdoor Use, White Matte

Find yourself in need of an elegant self-watering planter for your front porch, patio, or entryway? Here is an example: The farmer is highly adaptable. You may put your plants in it, and it will take care of the watering for you. Alternately, you may utilize the movable liner to store a few tiny potted plants inside of it.

16. Watering Spikes Constructed Of Terracotta And A Hose

Classic Plant Watering Stakes

Classic Plant Watering Stakes

Using a watering spike in conjunction with a garden hose is a simple way to encourage plants to water themselves. How does it work? You will have to drive the point into the ground and place the end of the hose where it will be submerged in the water. When the soil begins to dry out, the spike will gradually start to pull water as it is required.

17. Mushroom Bulbs That Can Irrigate Themselves

Self Watering Mushroom Bulbs

Self Watering Mushroom Bulbs

Have you seen mushrooms growing in your pots recently? It would be best if you were not concerned; they are neither wild nor harmful. They will take care of watering your plants for you while you relax. Glass composes these ornamental mushrooms that maintain their moisture levels. After you flip them over and pour water into them, push them firmly into the ground. Easy-breezy!

18. Wicking Pots That Can Water Themselves

Self Watering Wicking Pots

Self Watering Wicking Pots

Because of these factors, clear containers with built-in wicks that draw water up from a reservoir should be your first choice. Wicking pots are ideal for houseplants requiring frequent watering but challenging to maintain. The second thing is that the water level in the glass pot will be visible to you. Win-win!

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19. Self Watering Herb Planter

Self Watering Herb Planter

Self Watering Herb Planter

We offer the perfect solution for someone who enjoys tending a herb garden but has trouble keeping their herbs alive: a rectangle herb planter. If this is you, read on for more information. This self-watering herb planter is placed on top of a container that stores water, and a cotton rope runs underneath it to absorb the moisture. You only need to place your herbs in it, then take it easy while watching them flourish.

20. Wine Bottle Plant Waterer

REMIAWY Plant Watering

REMIAWY Plant Watering

Repurpose empty wine bottles as planters that water themselves. It is straightforward, and doing so will save you both time and money. After you have inserted the clay watering spikes into your potted plants, fill the empty bottles with water and connect them to the ends.

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Clay watering spikes are delicate, and therefore it is best to first drill a hole in the ground before attempting to drive them into the ground.

21. Large Self Watering Pots

Novelty Full Depth Cylinder Pot

Novelty Full Depth Cylinder Pot

Large pots are ideal for use with plants with a root system that spreads out deeply. And because you don't want to stress out about the maintenance of your plant, why don't you give giant planters that water themselves a shot? They come with a built-in tray that ensures your plants receive enough water at all times. In addition, you may store them indoors without being concerned about water seeping through the floor.

22. Self Watering Bottle Garden

Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant

Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant

Feel like taking on a do-it-yourself project? Make your patio, porch, or balcony into a low-maintenance oasis by cultivating a container garden that supplies its water. Just some water bottles are needed to complete the project. Make a hole in the top of the bottle about the size of a pea with the punch. Next is to take a fabric that allows air to pass through it and wrap it over the hole before placing it in your planter. You might also acquire a spike from the garden center in your area.

23. Self Watering Vertical Garden

planter comes with a water reservoir

planter comes with a water reservoir

I have an idea for a vertical self-watering planter for those with a limited garden area. You may cultivate flowers, vegetables, herbs, and many other things. It is simply a matter of watering the top of the garden, and you will be finished. Water reservoirs are found on each of the planter's levels, and a drip tray is located at the base of the unit. What else could you possibly require?

24. Planters With A Water Trap At The Bottom

Bottom Watering Planters

Bottom Watering Planters

Am I looking for something uncomplicated and discreet to do? Here is an example: The planter seems to be a regular ceramic plant pot on the outside, but there is a reservoir for holding water on the inside. Nobody will ever suspect that your plants are capable of watering themselves. Furthermore, drips will not land on carpets or floors.

25. A Tray For Watering Plants

Burpee Self-Watering Seed Starter

Burpee Self-Watering Seed Starter

Did you know that seedlings are also capable of watering themselves? They certainly can be provided they have watering trays like in the following image. These come with matting that helps seedlings retain water and distribute it evenly throughout the entire tray so they may get a healthy start. Grow the seeds, transplant them, and then use the same container to grow the next batch of seeds!

A Do-It-Yourself Guide For Self-Watering Plants

When you go on vacation, you may ask your neighbors to water your plants for you, so they stay healthy while you're away. You may even try your hand at this simple water-wicking DIY project, which will allow you to relax knowing that your plants are thriving in your absence. For this do-it-yourself project, you will need a container for water and a string made of thick cotton. In this tutorial, you're going to learn how to create a system that allows plants to water themselves.

Step 1- Make A Clean Cut In The String.

Wick Watering

Wick Watering

What's the deal with the length? It is dependent on the distance you maintain between the water reservoir and the plants. A length of roughly 20 centimeters would be considered acceptable. Cut the thread next to each plant that needs to be watered.

Make use of broad threads made from cotton or nylon so that the lines can easily absorb the water.

Step 2 - Place The String Under Soil And In Water

Place the String in Soil and Water

Place the String in Soil and Water

One end of the String will be buried a few centimeters below the ground's surface, and the other end will go into a container containing water. You can choose to grow all of your plants in the same container or get individual pots for each one.

Step 3 – Add Water

Wick Watering plant

Wick Watering plant

To get the procedure started, begin by filling the container with water and watering your plants. As soon as the soil signs drying up, the cotton strings will begin to automatically absorb moisture from the container to ensure that your plants do not become dehydrated. When the water level in your container gets low, you must remember to fill it up again.

Give Your Plants The Freedom To Fend For Themselves!

Plants Look After

Plants Look After

The parents of tiny green newborns do not need to tend to their offspring 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ability of plants to care for themselves has just been discovered. People who have problems maintaining a consistent watering routine may find it helpful to choose plants that can water themselves. Or the nomadic travelers who like gardening despite their many relocations. However, there are many additional advantages to adopting self-watering pots. You can garden even if you have a small area, save water, and get good results even if you don't fertilize your plants.

It would be best if you embarked upon a voyage of self-watering, both for yourself and the plants in your home. Got more questions about these fantastic self-sufficient plants? We are all listening.

Enjoy your gardening without stress!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Self-Watering Plants Work?

Self-watering planters work on a basic reservoir system. When the earth begins to dry out and the plants become parched, the water is stored in the farmers for them to drink. So long as the reservoir is full, water will be absorbed into the ground by the soil slowly.

How Can You Get Your Plants To Water Themselves When They Need It?

There are a lot of different approaches to take. The first option is to use planters with two levels and a reservoir for water. Two, go with a straightforward wicking technique for the water. Third, you may give the plants the ability to hydrate themselves by inserting watering globes or bottles into their soil.

How Long Can I Go Before I Need To Water My Plants Again?

This depends on the amount of water you can store in your reservoir. In most cases, if your pool is filled, you won't need to water your plants for around a week if you don't feel like it. It is in your best interest to regularly examine the amount of water still present. You may put your worries to rest by investing in a reliable self-watering reservoir.

Which Kinds Of Plants Thrive In Containers That Water Themselves?

Growing plants in containers have many benefits for urban gardeners, but it also has drawbacks. Grow plants such as houseplants, herbs, vines, and decorative plants do not require much area. Plants such as lilies, violets, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries, amongst others, do very well in containers that water themselves.