Refill frequency really depends on how much light the plant is getting, how healthy the plant is, and what type of plant is in the container,” Besheer says. Lighting: Window herb planters are a simple, affordable option, but maybe don't include a grow light — which means, you'll need to consider sunlight conditions in your home. Some herb gardens feature lighting that can manually switch on and off, while others have self-timers that operate according to schedule. Most self-watering planters use a reservoir system to collect extra water and store it for later use. The plant takes in water by direct absorption from the soil and roots, or from a rope or other material to bring the water up. The reservoir's water capacity varies from a few ounces to more than half the size of the planter. The amount of time the water lasts depends on the plants and growing conditions, but most hold the water from a few days to a few weeks. For example, our best window box option, the Mayne Fairfield Window Box Planter, has a reservoir that can hold up to 3 gallons of water. This planter is designed to sit on your window sill, so measure before purchasing to make sure your sill is wide enough to hold the planter. If you love to cook with herbs, this is the best self-watering planter for you. Made of weather-resistant cedar, the CedarCraft Self-Watering Elevated planter makes it easy to water outdoor plants without having to kneel, bend over, or reach up to take down a hanging planter. You can use it for seedlings all the way through most mature plants. It requires some assembly, but its tongue-and-groove construction minimizes the need for tools. Most homeowners will have what they need on hand to put this handy planter box together.

The diameter of an indoor planter should match the size requirements of your plant. A planter that is too small can stifle the growth of your plant, while one that is too large may look out of proportion. You will need to care for this plant once it comes to your home. Depending on how far it traveled, you may want to repot it with fresh soil or prune any leaves that didn’t survive the trip. Each plant will be unique and give you a great chance to start a plant collection in your home. Don’t worry—the pothos is easy to care for, doesn’t need much water or sunlight, and comes with instructions. With indoor plants, you want to be sure not to plant them in a pot that is too large. Myers explains that the planter should be about an inch or two larger than the root ball as most indoor plants don’t like a lot of excess soil.And if by chance you overfill it or if it rains, there’s a drip drain. Made of polyethylene, it’s BPA-free, food safe, and UV/ corrosion resistant. It’s also modular, so you can add on another unit and expand your garden plot. If excess water can drain out, root rot shouldn’t be a problem, says Myers. The best self-watering planters have holes to allow excess water to drain out. For seamless self-watering and a modern look, this planter can’t be beat. We love how the saucer detaches from the planter, allowing you to easily fill up the reservoir. To make watering even easier, each planter comes with a clip-on watering attachment. It also comes in two other sizes (16 and 20 inch), if you’re looking for something smaller for flowers, herbs, or vegetables. The extra-large size is perfect for a small tree or rose bush, and it keeps plants hydrated for two to six weeks, depending on the plant and its environment. To use this planter, simply fill the reservoir in the bottom before potting your plants. Once they are planted, water the plants, as usual. Any excess water collects at the bottom of the reservoir or drains out the drainage holes. The plant can access the collected water with its roots when needed. This is an indoor/outdoor planter but is particularly great for outdoor use, due to the included drainage holes. When it rains, and excess water abounds, it simply drains out the bottom after enough has been stored in the reservoir.

Self-watering planters provide lusher, healthier and more consistent growth over time, especially when combined with a good light source,” Besheer says. Oxygen exposure to a plant's root system is a key element to a plant's long term success,” Besheer says. “A good oxygen level will contribute to healthier roots, making the plant more resistant to pathogens and disease.”For a neutral look that lets your plant shine, you can’t go wrong with this minimalist design from Fox & Fern. While pricey, it’s made of high-quality materials that look at home in your living room or shared office space. The proprietary fiberstone is lightweight enough to move around if needed and UV-resistant. Even if you have a sun-loving plant that needs to be by a window, you can rest assured knowing this pot will maintain its color and finish. Made of polyethylene, the planter is also lightweight and durable. But because it seems to have it all, you’ll pay extra—it’s more expensive than other options on our list. Material and Durability: Think about where you want your plants to live. Inside or outside? Keep the material’s durability in mind, and where you want to put it, before making your final selection. Self-watering planters are often heavy-grade plastic, which is a good material because it can hold up to the elements, and you don’t have to worry about soil or water damaging it. Resin, cedar, and treated metal are other options. These can be more expensive and heavier to move than their plastic counterparts, but they often resist rusting, warping, and fading. Our best overall option, the Plow & Hearth Sussex Self-Watering Resin Pot Planter is made of durable resin but is stylish enough to display on a front porch. Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising and resident plant dad at 1-800-Flowers, recommends thinking about the watering requirements of your plants when choosing a planter: “Planters such as terracotta are porous and allow air to circulate in the soil and draw away excess moisture.”