A self-watering pot has a reservoir at the bottom that holds water. A wick or inner pot draws that water up into the soil as the roots need it, so your plant drinks steadily instead of swinging between soggy and bone dry.
How they work
- Fill the reservoir. Pour water into the fill spout or the outer pot until it reaches the max line.
- The wick does the rest. As the top layer of soil dries, the wick pulls moisture up to the roots.
- Check the level window. When the indicator shows low, top it up. That's it.
Plants that love them
Anything that likes evenly moist soil is a great match:
- Pothos
- Peace lilies
- Ferns
- African violets
- Spider plants
- Most herbs, like basil, mint and parsley
Plants that prefer to dry out
Succulents, cacti and snake plants like a drier routine. You can still use a self-watering pot, just let the reservoir run empty between fills so the soil gets a chance to dry.
How often to refill
It depends on pot size, light and the plant itself. Many reservoirs last anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks. A thirsty fern in a sunny window will drink faster than a pothos in a low-light corner, so check the window weekly until you learn your plant's rhythm.
Quick tips
- Water from the top the first week. This helps the roots settle and gets the wick working.
- Flush the soil once a month. Water from the top until it drains into the reservoir, then empty it. This clears out mineral buildup.
- Use a light, airy potting mix. Dense soil holds too much water and can stop the wick from doing its job.
Looking for a pot to start with? Browse our self-watering pots.