When you're growing plants in containers, whether indoors or outside, knowing how much water a plant needs can be a challenge, but self-watering planters and pots take a lot of that pressure away. The amount of water a plant requires can depend on the species, the time of year and growing conditions. In hot, dry summers they may need watering every couple of days, but in winter they may need it only every few weeks.
Designed to allow plants to draw up water when they need it, self-watering planters are a convenient option to prevent overwatering, look after plants when you go away or simply provide a little peace of mind. Most importantly though, they provide plants with a consistent supply of water, reducing plant stress and helping to produce healthy, vigorous growth.
Self-watering pots and planters work using a clever process called capillary action or wicking, whereby the plant pulls water up through the soil to the leaves, until it's absorbed and it pulls up more. Within all self-watering planters is an in-built reservoir that stores water away from the plants root zone. This is connected to the compost by a wick or capillary system and the plant then simply draws the water up into its roots as and when it needs it.
Self-watering planters are best watered directly into the reservoir rather via the surface of the soil to prevent compost washing into the reservoir where it will contaminate the water and cause it to become anaerobic and smell.
It is possible to set up your own self-watering system but investing in a more sophisticated, ready-made self-watering planter may be more helpful if you intend to use it often. Those from a retailer or garden centre often have extra features that can be useful, including a water level indicator to show when the reservoir needs filling or an overflow valve to allow excess water to escape.
For more advice on looking after house plants, read our guides to best watering cans, indoor plant pots and the best plant misters. For help with pots outside see our reviews of the best garden hoses and the best garden hose spray guns.
The best self-watering planters and pots in 2025
Cole and Mason self-watering herb keeper triple
Price: £40
Available from Harts of Stur and Amazon
This triple herb keeper from Cole and Mason is designed to extend the life of any fresh potted herbs. Each plant rests on its own felt pad and draws up the water it needs. Nine replacement pads are also provided and can be washed and reused. The base features a lip to make it easier to fill without spillage.
AutoPot Tray2Grow
Price: £69.99
Available from AutoPot
Endorsed by the RHS this versatile watering system feeds and waters your plants, wherever they’re growing. From seed trays and grow bags to pots and planters your plants will be kept watered without the need for electricity, running mains water or a timer. Fittings and pipework is are included and all parts are made in the UK from recycled plastic. Other kits are available.
Lechuza Balconera Self-Watering Planter
Price: £48.99
Available in four colours including slate, nutmeg and white, the Balconera planter from Lechuza features a removable planter liner, water level indicator and plant substrate. The pot is also UV and frost resistant.
Lechuza Trend Puro Textured Self-Watering Spherical Planter
Price: £19.99
This spherical planter is lightweight and recyclable. It has a water indicator to help prevent overwatering and an overflow valve allows excess rain water to escape. The inner plant liner is also removable to make planting fuss-free.
LSA International Canopy Self-Watering Planter
Price: £95
For a more modern, luxury feel, try this self-watering planter from LSA International. Water is drawn up the rope in the reservoir whenever plants need it. The transparent glass is not only a clean, bright option, but a rare opportunity to see the roots of your plants at work. Available in 13m and 22cm height planters.
Symple Stuff Self-Watering Plant Pot
Price: £244.99
Available from Wayfair
The Symple Stuff Self-Watering Plant Pot is a great option for those with limited floor space. It has a modular design so you can customise the height, colour and plant pot angle. Symple Stuff also promise that the plant pot's irrigation system has a range of more than 30 days.
Lechuza Cubico Rattan Self-Watering Plant Pot
Price: £57.99
Available from Amazon and Lechuza
This tall, robust polyrattan pot makes a bold design statement. We think it would look fantastic by doors or arches when planted with bay or box. H75 x L40 x W40
Self-Watering Plant Pot Insert
Price: £8.99 - £18.99
Available from Waitrose Garden
These inserts are a brilliant idea, providing a self-watering mechanism for any pot. Simply pot your plants in the insert, and then add the insert back to your chosen pot. This will save you swapping all your pots for self-watering ones - a boon for house plant lovers.
Available in seven sizes for 17cm - 44cm pots
Recycled Self-Watering Grow Pot Tower
Price: £35.99
Available from Crocus
Ideal for fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers, this tower includes a self-watering pot with a 1.5m cane support frame. The pot has a 11-litre capacity, is made from recycled BPA-free plastic and is also supplied with a float indicator so you can check the water level quickly.
This Product Guide was last updated in March 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.