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Automatic plant waterers deliver a slow, steady supply of moisture directly to the soil, helping plants stay happy and healthy without constant attention. These handy gardening tools come in several styles, including bottles you bury in the soil, wick systems that draw from a nearby reservoir, and gravity-fed drip kits that use tubing to distribute water over time. Because they require only periodic refilling or allow for almost entirely hands-off operation, they’re especially useful for anyone who travels often or struggles to keep up with a watering routine.
To help you find the best option for your needs, we researched dozens of automatic plant waterers before testing three. Based on our results, we chose the Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terra-Cotta Olla Pot as our top pick for its performance, ease of use, and overall value. Inspired by ancient irrigation methods, this olla slowly releases water through its porous clay walls to hydrate nearby roots. It works so well, it’s the main reason our editor in chief’s garden is thriving this year.
Whether you’re headed out of town or just want to simplify your routine, the best automatic plant waterers make it easy to help plants thrive without all the hassle.
- BEST OVERALL: Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terra-Cotta Olla Pot
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Blumat Classic Automatic Plant Watering Stakes
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Cowbell Mini Self-Watering Plant Care Kit
↓ Jump to Review
Automatic Plant Waterer Comparison
| Product | Type | Capacity/coverage | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terra-Cotta Olla Pot | Passive | 700 milliliters; up to 18-inch diameter containers or ground | Terra-cotta pot with rubber stopper |
| Blumat Classic Automatic Plant Watering Stakes | Passive | Capacity depends on reservoir (not included); emits 50 to 150 mL daily | Ceramic stake with food-grade silicone tubing and lid |
| Cowbell Mini Self-Watering Plant Care Kit | Passive | 250 milliliters; up to 6-inch diameter containers | BPA-free plastic reservoir with porcelain, bamboo, and glass stake |
Our Top Picks
Whether you’re traveling or just don’t want to worry about watering, these automatic plant waterers make it easy to garden on autopilot.
Best Overall
Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terra-Cotta Olla Pot
Buy It at Amazon Buy It at Walmart Buy It at Target
What We Like
- Provides consistent moisture for 1 to 2 plants
- Eco-friendly reusable design
- Easy setup and refilling
What We Don’t Like
- Larger size may not fit small pots
- Not ideal for plants needing dry soil
Specs
- Type: Passive
- Capacity/coverage: 700 milliliters; up to 18-inch diameter containers or ground
- Material: Terra-cotta pot with rubber stopper
Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Capacity 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 4.5/5
The Back to the Roots self-watering terra-cotta olla pot is a low-maintenance tool inspired by ancient irrigation techniques. Made entirely from terra-cotta, it slowly releases water through its porous surface to provide consistent moisture for plants. Simply bury next to your plant, fill it with water, and insert the cap.
This olla pot is designed to provide water for pots up to 18 inches in diameter for up to a week. You can also bury it and expect a similar amount of coverage, though you may need to refill an in-ground pot a bit more often. It’s easy to refill via the opening at the top, and its steady water supply throughout the soil promotes healthy root growth for an overall happy plant. Though terra-cotta is relatively weather-resistant, this pick isn’t meant for outdoor use in cold temps. Also, since it provides ongoing output, it’s not ideal for plants that like to dry out between waterings.
What our tester says: “Watering is one of my biggest challenges as a gardener, but this olla pot has made all the difference. It’s easy to use, budget-friendly, and the reason my hydrangeas and tomato plants are thriving.”—Kathleen Corlett, Editor in Chief
Get the Back to the Roots automatic plant waterer at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Best Bang for the Buck
Blumat Classic Automatic Plant Watering Stakes
Buy It at Amazon
What We Like
- Easy setup and low maintenance
- Gravity-fed system offers some control over output
- Works well with a variety of plant and reservoir sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Not shipped with instructions
- Water reservoir not included
Specs
- Type: Passive
- Capacity/coverage: Capacity depends on reservoir (not included); emits 50 to 150 mL daily
- Material: Ceramic stake with food-grade silicone tubing and lid
Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Capacity 4.5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4.5/5
The Blumat Classic automatic plant watering stakes use gravity to deliver a consistent supply of water to indoor plants or small garden setups. To set up, soak the high-quality ceramic stakes in water for 15 minutes, fill them, and attach their lids (with integrated tubing) while still under water. Then insert the stakes into containers or the ground and put the ends of the tubing into a water reservoir (not included). For plants that need a lot of water, place the reservoir high, and for plants that need a little less, place the reservoir low.
The amount of time these watering stakes will supply a plant with water depends on the capacity of the reservoir and its placement, though general output is between 50 to 150 milliliters a day. Aside from refilling the reservoir, they require virtually no maintenance, though it may take you a little time to figure out the proper reservoir height so you don’t over- or underwater. At under $5 per stake, though, we think a little bit of experimentation is worth it.
What our tester says: “I love that these work with so many different plant sizes. They don’t need to be fully buried in small pots, and you can use more than one in large pots. I’m going to be gone for almost 2 weeks, and all I had to do to prepare my plants was up the reservoir size.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Blumat automatic plant waterer at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Cowbell Mini Self-Watering Plant Care Kit
Buy It at Cowbell Plant Co.
What We Like
- High-quality materials and innovative design
- Releases water as needed rather than continuously
- Sleek, unobtrusive look
What We Don’t Like
- Limited to smaller plants or more frequent refills
- Premium materials mean a premium price
Specs
- Type: Passive
- Capacity/coverage: 250 milliliters; up to 6-inch diameter containers
- Material: BPA-free plastic reservoir with porcelain, bamboo, and glass stake
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Capacity 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Though the Cowbell mini self-watering plant care kit is a passive automatic plant waterer like our two other tested picks, it works a little differently. Rather than supplying water at a constant rate, it uses a pressure-regulated system that outputs water only as needed. As the soil dries out, pressure inside the sealed reservoir lid changes, causing a valve to open and release water through the porcelain stake. Once the plant has enough water, the valve closes again, ensuring plants don’t get too little or too much.
In addition to being effective, the Cowbell’s design is sleek and high quality. The BPA-free plastic body looks like glass yet is shatterproof and weatherproof, the pressure-sensing valve is medical-grade silicone, and the stake you insert in the soil is natural porcelain clay, bamboo, and glass. Though it comes at a slightly higher price than more basic options, we think plant lovers who appreciate aesthetics and precise watering will love it.
Get the Cowbell automatic plant waterer at Cowbell.
Other Plant Waterers We Love
Though we haven’t had the chance to test them yet, these additional picks come highly rated and look incredibly easy to use. If you’re interested in a more decorative option or a system with advanced features, one of these waterers could be the right fit for your plant family.
- Blazin Indoor Plant Automatic Self-Watering Globes, available at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Blazin.
- Remiawy Terra-Cotta Automatic Plant Watering Stakes, available at Amazon.
- Orimerc Automatic Self-Watering Wick Cord, available at Amazon.
- GardenBasix Elongated Self-Watering Planter Pot available at Amazon.
- Blumat Tropf Drip Irrigation Watering System, available at Amazon or Walmart.
- LetPot Automatic Watering System 2.0, available at Amazon or LetPot.
How We Chose and Tested the Best Automatic Plant Waterers
| Testing Stats | |
|---|---|
| Products tested | 3 |
| Time spent testing | Choose the time format that fits the category and add the time here, e.g. 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $10 to $40 |
To find the best automatic plant waterers, we researched dozens of popular options across a range of types, including passive systems like globes and stakes as well as automatic drip irrigation and smart systems. We also considered essential features like capacity, ease of use, and price before selecting three products to test.
Then, over a TK-WEEK/MONTH period, we used these picks to water several indoor and outdoor plants during warm summer weather. We scored each product on performance (how consistently and effectively they delivered water), capacity (number of plants covered and duration between refills), ease of use (setup, programming, and maintenance), and value (price relative to features and results) to determine which we like best.
| Product | Performance | Capacity | Ease of Use | Value |
| Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terra-Cotta Olla Pot | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Blumat Classic Automatic Plant Watering Stakes | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Cowbell Mini Self-Watering Plant Care Kit | 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 |
What to Consider When Choosing an Automatic Plant Waterer
Though many users end up looking for automatic plant waterers in response to wondering how to water plants while away, these useful tools aren’t just for when you’re on vacation. They’re a practical solution for busy plant parents ready to upgrade their watering cans and come in several types and sizes for different needs. The best option for you depends on factors like how many plants you’re watering, how much water they need, and how hands-on you want to be.
Type
An automatic plant watering system can be either passive or active. Passive systems (ollas, globes, stakes, wicks, and self-watering containers) rely on gravity, capillary action, or porous materials to distribute water gradually as the soil dries. Active systems (drip irrigation kits and smart watering setups) use timers, pumps, or sensors to regulate and deliver water on a schedule or in response to soil moisture levels.
Ollas, globes, stakes, and wicks are simple, passive devices that gradually release water through porous materials or reservoirs as soil dries. Depending on their size and the size of the plant, they’re best suited to watering for short to moderate periods of time.
Self-watering containers are essentially a two-in-one planter and water reservoir. They use capillary action (bottom watering) to keep soil consistently moist. They’re ideal for herbs, veggies, and blooming plants that need steady hydration.
Drip irrigation systems and smart watering kits use tubing and emitters to deliver precise amounts of water directly to plant roots. Basic drip setups typically have timers for scheduled watering, while smart systems add sensors, pumps, and smartphone controls to monitor soil moisture and adjust watering automatically. These systems cost more than basic options but are great for serious plant lovers with large collections, provided all plants are located within the range of the drip line.
Capacity and Coverage
The capacity or coverage of an automatic plant waterer refers to how many plants it can water and for how long.
Ollas, globes, stakes, wicks, and self-watering containers typically water one to two plants for a few days to a week, depending on reservoir size and plant needs. Since they hold a limited amount of water and distribute it gradually, they’re best as a short- to moderate-duration watering system for potted plants.
Drip irrigation and smart watering systems can water multiple plants (usually five to 20) at once, depending on their tubing layout and emitter count. Gravity-fed drip systems water until their reservoir runs dry, while hose-connected setups can provide water as long as scheduled. Smart waterers sense the soil’s moisture level and use a pump to deliver water, but they’re limited by reservoir size and tubing setup.
Ease of Use
Ease of use varies according to plant waterer type, which affects installation, programming, and maintenance requirements.
Ollas, globes, stakes, and wick systems are the simplest—just insert them into the soil and fill their attached reservoir or bottle. These passive systems don’t require setup or programming, only regular refilling and occasional cleaning.
Self-watering containers are also relatively easy to use, as you simply pot plants in them and fill the water reservoir. To keep them working, all you need to do is add water as needed and periodically check on the capillary system for healthy wicking.
Drip irrigation systems require more involved installation, including positioning tubing and placing emitters at each plant. Smart kits add steps like sensor placement, pump setup, and smartphone pairing. Once running, both automatic water gardening systems offer relatively hands-off operation, though you’ll need to monitor for leaks and clogs. Gravity-fed and pump systems also require regular reservoir refilling. If used outdoors in a cold climate, you’ll also need to winterize these systems to prevent damage, but that’s often a worthy tradeoff for the precise, automated watering they provide.
FAQs
If you still have questions about watering plants with an automatic houseplant watering system, these common questions can help you learn more about choosing, using, and maintaining one.
Yes, automatic plant waterers are worth it. Considering how many types of self-watering systems are available, you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget while making it easy to water plants when you’re away (and even when you’re home).
How long an automatic plant waterer dispenses water depends on its type, size, and the plant’s needs. Most are designed to provide consistent moisture for several days to weeks, though the exact duration varies by system and plant type. For long-term watering, a programmable drip irrigation plant watering device that connects to a hose spigot is best.
Yes, automatic waterers are generally good for plants, as they offer regular watering that helps maintain proper soil moisture. Both passive and programmable auto watering systems help prevent over- or underwatering, promoting healthy growth.
Whether an automatic waterer will freeze depends on its design and environment. Passive systems like ollas, globes, stakes, wicks, and self-watering containers rarely freeze because they have small reservoirs, porous construction, and are usually indoors. An automatic watering system for outdoor plants may freeze if water remains in the tubes or reservoirs as temperatures dip. See the manufacturer’s instructions for winterization (which typically involves drainage) to prevent damage.
Meet the Tester
Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last.
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.
