--- title: "We Tested Automatic Plant Waterers—These Kept Our Plants Alive" description: "Keep your container plants healthy and hydrated with the best automatic plant waterers. Our top tested picks keep plants perfectly hydrated." date: "2026-06-04" modified: "2026-06-04" authors: - name: "Kathleen Corlett" job_title: "Editor in Chief" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/kathleen-corlett/" - name: "Michelle Larson" job_title: "Assistant Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson/" - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-automatic-plant-waterers/" categories: - "Gardening" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn, Garden & Pool" - "Reviews" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # We Tested Automatic Plant Waterers—These Kept Our Plants Alive ![A group of the best automatic plant waterers on a table before testing]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com BobVila.com* Automatic plant watering systems deliver a steady supply of moisture directly to the soil, helping plants stay hydrated without constant attention. We researched dozens of options and tested several types, including ollas, wick systems, and drip kits, to evaluate ease of use, consistency, and performance. These systems are especially useful for busy plant owners, home [gardening]() enthusiasts, or anyone who travels. Quality matters because not all waterers deliver moisture evenly. In our testing, the best models maintained consistent soil moisture without overwatering or drying out. Our top pick, the [Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terra-Cotta Olla Pot](), stood out for its simple design and reliable, slow-release watering. Automatic plant waterers range from simple to fully automated irrigation systems, each suited to different needs. The picks below represent the best automatic plant waterers for keeping plants healthy with less effort. ## - **Automatic plant waterers save time and effort.** They provide consistent moisture, ideal for busy or traveling plant owners. - **Back to the Roots Olla Pot is the top pick.** Its simple design and slow-release watering are effective for maintaining soil moisture. - **Variety of systems for different needs.** Options range from simple wick ropes to smart app-controlled systems. - **Effective solutions for all plant sizes.** From small spikes to multi-plant systems, there's a waterer for every setup. **Bottom line:** Automatic plant waterers offer a hassle-free way to keep plants hydrated, with options to suit every gardener's needs. 1. **BEST OVERALL:** [Back to the Roots Self-Watering Terra-Cotta Olla Pot]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#back-to-the-roots-self-watering-terra-cotta-olla-pot>)* 2. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [Blumat Classic Automatic Plant Watering Stakes]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#blumat-classic-automatic-plant-watering-stakes>)* 3. **UPGRADE PICK:** [Cowbell Mini Self-Watering Plant Care Kit]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#cowbell-mini-self-watering-plant-care-kit>)* 4. **BEST SMALL SPIKES**: [The Olla Company Terra Cotta Plant Watering Spikes]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#olla-company-terra-cotta-plant-watering-spikes>)* 5. **BEST MULTI-PLANT:** [Sainlogic Automatic Plant Waterer]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#sainlogic-automatic-plant-waterer>)* 6. **BEST SMART SYSTEM:** [LetPot Automatic Watering System]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#letpot-automatic-watering-system>)* 7. **BEST SIMPLE SETUP:** [Orimerc 50ft Plant Self-Watering Wick Rope]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#orimerc-50ft-plant-self-watering-wick-rope>)* ## Our Top Picks ![The LetPot Automatic Watering System on a side table watering a group of plants ]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* Whether you're traveling or just don't want to worry about watering, these automatic plant waterers make it easy to [garden on autopilot](). Read on to find the right automatic water gardening system for you. Olla pots have kept plants alive for more than 4,000 years in arid climates, and after testing the Back to the Roots Olla Pot, we understand why. Once buried in the soil and filled with water, the porous terracotta surface slowly releases moisture directly to plant roots. They work in garden beds or containers. Each pot holds 700 milliliters and can support up to two large plants within an 18-inch diameter. You just refill every couple of days and recork to prevent evaporation. We tested ours in both a container with a drainage hole and a breathable fabric pot, and found it worked beautifully in both settings. It's also a practical solution for forgetful waterers or anyone planning to be away for a few days. We think it's a no-brainer for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance watering solution. We tested the Blumat Classic self-watering system and found them to be a simple, gravity-powered solution for keeping indoor plants hydrated. Setup is straightforward: soak the ceramic stakes for 15 minutes, fill them, attach the lids with integrated tubing underwater, insert them into your pots or garden bed, and place the tubing ends into a water reservoir (not included). Output ranges from 50 to 150 milliliters per day, depending on reservoir size and height—higher placement means more water delivery, lower means less. We appreciated the flexibility, since the stakes don't need to be fully buried in small pots, and you can use multiple stakes in larger ones. Dialing in the right reservoir height takes some trial and error, but at under $5 per stake, we think the experimentation is well worth it. The Cowbell mini self-watering plant care kit stands out from other passive waterers thanks to its pressure-regulated system, and in our testing, it delivered impressive results. Rather than delivering water at a constant rate, it responds to the soil's moisture level—as the soil dries out, pressure changes inside the sealed reservoir cause a valve to open and release water through the porcelain stake. Once the plant is sufficiently hydrated, the valve closes again, preventing both overwatering and underwatering. We also appreciated the thoughtful, high-quality design: the BPA-free plastic body looks like glass but is shatterproof and weatherproof, the pressure-sensing valve is medical-grade silicone, and the stake itself is made from natural porcelain clay, bamboo, and glass. It comes at a slightly higher price than basic options, but we think it would make a [great gift for gardeners ]()who prioritize both aesthetics and precision will find it well worth it. These compact Olla Company terra cotta watering spikes offer a simple, low-tech way to keep small potted plants consistently hydrated. Made from porous clay, the stakes slowly release water directly into the soil at the root level, helping prevent both overwatering and dry spells. In our testing, these spikes worked best in smaller containers where there was at least 1.5 inches of space between the plant and the container for the spikes to fit. We like the included lids, which helped reduce evaporation and kept debris out, as well as the option to attach an inverted bottle for longer watering intervals. Capacity depends entirely on how it’s filled and how quickly the soil in the pot dries. For plant owners who want an eco-friendly, no-maintenance solution, these stakes help protect plants from underwatering, and you can fill them up quickly with a basic [watering can](). The Sainlogic automatic plant waterer impressed us in testing with its ability to fully automate plant care. Rather than relying on passive watering, it monitored soil moisture and delivered water through a drip automatic irrigation system only when plants needed it. We found this helped maintain consistent moisture levels across multiple pots while reducing water waste. The system can support several plants at once, making it a strong option for indoor gardens or grouped houseplants. We also liked the clear display and straightforward controls, which made programming watering schedules relatively simple. Setup took a bit of time, especially when arranging tubing for multiple plants, and it requires an external water source to operate. Still, once set up, we found it provided reliable, hands-off watering, which was especially helpful when we were away for a few days. The LetPot automated plant watering system gave us precise control over plant care, thanks to its app-based scheduling and adjustable drip system. We were able to customize watering frequency, duration, and flow for different plants, which helped maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering. The system supported multiple plants at once and delivered water directly at the roots through drip emitters. We also liked the added safeguards, including low-water alerts and dry-run protection, which helped prevent system issues while we were away. Setup took a little planning, especially when routing tubing between pots, and it requires a separate water reservoir. Once installed, though, it ran quietly and reliably, providing a hands-off watering solution that felt well-suited for busy schedules or travel. The Orimerc self-watering wick rope was the simplest system we tested – and one of the most effective. All we had to do was cut a length of rope, place one end in a water container and the other in the soil, and let capillary action do the work. The rope steadily pulled water to the plant’s roots, creating a consistent, low-maintenance watering setup without any adjustments or programming. We especially liked how flexible and customizable it felt. We could control watering by changing the length of the rope or the size of the water container, and it worked well even in tight or hard-to-reach pots. It doesn’t have the precision of smart systems, but it doesn’t need it—this is about as easy and reliable as plant watering gets. ![Olla Terra cotta spikes]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* ![Sainlogic automatic watering system]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* ## FAQs If you still have questions about how to water plants while away, these common questions can help you learn more about [watering plants]() with an automatic houseplant watering system. ## Meet the Testers 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. Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. ## Author Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.