Self-Watering Pots: The 10 Best Plants to Grow
Self-watering planters take the hassle out of daily watering, but not every plant is a good match for them. Some plants love consistent moisture, while others prefer to dry out between waterings. To get the most out of your self-watering pots, start by choosing the right greenery.
We'll cover a list of the best plants for self-watering planters—and a few you should skip.
Why Some Plants Thrive in Self-Watering Planters
Self-watering planters draw water from a built-in reservoir into the soil as needed. This creates consistently moist conditions, which are great for plants that don’t like to dry out. These pots and planters also reduce overwatering.
So, if you plan to invest in self-watering planters, look for plants that:
- Like steady hydration
- Have shallow or fibrous roots
- Tolerates indirect light (ideal for indoor setups)
10 Best Plants for Self-Watering Planters
Not all plants love constant moisture, but many do. These ten plants are ideal matches for self-watering pots, thriving in steady, low-fuss hydration.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies love moist soil and can struggle if they dry out. A self-watering planter keeps them looking lush without the droop-and-revive cycle.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A resilient indoor favorite, spider plants do well in moderate moisture. They're forgiving and low-maintenance—great for first-time users of self-watering pots.
3. Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Mint)
Most herbs, especially basil and parsley, thrive with consistent moisture. A sunny windowsill and a high-quality self-watering pot are the perfect combination.
4. Coleus
Known for its vibrant foliage, Coleus enjoys damp conditions. These fast-growing plants are ideal for both indoor and shaded outdoor planters.
5. Calathea
Calatheas are picky about humidity and moisture. A self-watering system helps meet their needs and prevents crisp, curling leaves.
6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Nearly indestructible, pothos enjoys moderate, even moisture. It adapts well to self-watering pots without fuss.
7. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Smaller fiddle leaf figs can benefit from steady watering—avoid overfilling the reservoir. Use quality material pots with good drainage safeguards.
8. African Violet
These delicate bloomers love bottom watering and hate wet leaves. Whoever invented self-watering pots must have had African Violets in mind.
9. Boston Fern
Ferns love humidity and moisture, making them a natural fit. Just use a breathable, high-quality pot to prevent soggy soil.
10. Impatiens
If you’re using self-watering planters outdoors, impatiens are a vibrant choice. They thrive with steady water and bloom like crazy in partial shade.
3 Plants to Avoid in Self-Watering Planters
Some plants hate wet feet. These three are prone to rot or stress in constantly moist soil and are better off in traditional, well-draining pots.
1. Succulents (Including Cacti)
Succulents need dry, fast-draining soil. Constant moisture leads to rot. Stick with traditional planting pots for these drought lovers.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Tough and drought-tolerant, the snake plant prefers to be ignored. You can easily overwater it in a self-watering setup.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants hate soggy soil. Like snake plants, they thrive on neglect—self-watering pots do more harm than good here.
Tips for Success with Self-Watering Pots
Even the best planter needs the proper setup. Follow these simple tips to keep your plants healthy and your self-watering system running smoothly.
- Use the Right Soil: Avoid dense or compact soil. Go for a light, well-aerated potting mix suited to your plant.
- Watch Water Levels: Don’t assume the system handles everything. Check water levels weekly and avoid overfilling.
- Start with Healthy Plants: Self-watering planters help maintain plant health, but won’t revive a plant already in distress.
Root & Vessel - Pots and Planters for Gardening Success
Self-watering planters are a smart upgrade, especially when matched with the right plant. Herbs, ferns, and tropicals often thrive in these, while succulents and dry-soil plants struggle. Choose wisely and use quality materials, and you’ll spend less time worrying and more time watching your plants grow.
Count on Root & Vessel for the best quality self-watering pots. Made from resin blended with stone, they're durable enough to handle the outdoors year-round. But they're stylish enough to enhance your indoor decor. Shop the full collection of self-watering plants to find the perfect match!