11 Self Watering Plants for the Ultimate Ease of Plant Care

Both over- and underwatering are the biggest enemies of every plant. Not only do they cause all kinds of leaf troubles you can think of, but you may be constantly worried about keeping the right balance between the two. But thanks to self watering plants, you can now take the guesswork out of watering your indoor greenery and simplify plant maintenance. 

Continue reading to explore the top 11 self-watering plants for the ultimate ease of plant care. 

What Plants Like Self-Watering Pots? 

How easy is it to forget watering your houseplants? Way too easy and only to find one day that their leaves are all sad and droopy! That’s where self-watering pots really help out. They ensure the soil is nicely moist, thus keeping your beloved plants happy even on your busy days. Just remember, some plants still like their soil to dry out a bit before the next watering, and smart-watering planters may not be ideal for them. 

So, what plants are best suited for self-watering pots? Plants that like self-watering pots prefer a moderate level of moisture, such as the ferns, some philodendron varieties, and also rubber tree plants. Give them filtered light, airy soil, a bit of plant food now and then, and they’ll stay lush with almost no extra effort. 

Self-watering pots are perfect if you travel frequently or tend to forget watering days. Your plants will still look fresh when you get back.

Advantages and Benefits of Self-Watering Pots for Plants

Self watering pots simplify your plant’s care routine, which means: 

• Time-efficiency: Smart self-watering planters save you time and effort.
• Prevent root rot: Say goodbye to root rot by never allowing the soil to become soggy again.
• Maintain consistent moisture: No more overwatering; smart watering pots deliver the right amount of hydration to your plants.
• Smart watering frequency: Self-watering pots prevent wilting, yellow leaves, and root rot by intelligently supplying the roots with the water they need.
• Worry-free vacations: No need to ask your neighbors to water your leafy friends when you’re away.
• Ideal for offices: Never worry about neglecting your self watering plants you have in the office.

11 Best Self Watering Plants for Easy-Care Indoor Greenery

What are the best self watering plants for indoors? Here are 11 great houseplant varieties that grow well in self watering pots and make perfect additions to your beautiful indoor garden. 

1. Money Tree - Easy Smart Watering Plant

An easy-care favorite, the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) thrives in a self-watering pot. With its thick, braided trunk and hand-shaped leaves, it adds style and a modern touch to any living space. In Feng Shui, a Money Tree is said to attract good luck, positive energy, and fortune, making it a thoughtful gift or a worthy member of your plant collection. 

2. Monstera Deliciosa - The Classic Jungle Beauty

Nothing matches the beauty of a Monstera Deliciosa (Monstera deliciosa), or Split Leaf Philodendron, courtesy of its large, glossy leaves covered with small lobes or holes. This fast-growing self watering plant will instantly bring on-trend jungle vibes to your home, especially if you’ve got a big space. 

3. Areca Palm - A Touch of Tropical Charm

The Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) adds a breezy, tropical touch wherever it grows, such as in a foyer, stairwell, or porch area. Its soft, feathery fronds love consistent moisture, exactly what smart watering pots are designed to deliver. Native to Madagascar, this beauty is associated with peace and positivity.

4. Calathea Medallion - Nature’s Living Work of Art

This Calathea Medallion (Calathea roseopicta) originates from the rainforests of Brazil and is loved for its bold, patterned leaves. It symbolizes new beginnings and positivity, often seen as a “living art.” This plant enjoys evenly moist soil for growth, so a self-watering pot can keep its roots perfectly happy without overwatering.

5. ZZ Plant - Strong, Hardy, and Stylish

Strong yet graceful, the ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) lives up to its name. It can tolerate a range of conditions, including low light, irregular watering, and varying humidity levels like a champ. The ZZ plant is a quiet symbol of endurance and stability. With its deep green leaves and no-fuss nature, it adds elegance to any space.

6. Giant Bird of Paradise - Grace of the Tropics

The towering leaves of the Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) stretch high like a statement piece of nature’s art. It’s a natural air purifier; it removes toxins and pollutants from indoor air. If you want to add exotic vibes to your living space, the Giant Bird of Paradise is a must-have.

7. Golden Pothos - Effortless Green Companion

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the best-selling plants that trails or climbs as it pleases. Its golden-green leaves stay lush even if you neglect it for a while and miss watering it, helping even the most forgetful plant parents enjoy its vibrant greenery. Of course, when potted in a self-watering pot, such risks are out of the equation. 

8. Swiss Cheese Plant - The Easygoing Climber

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii) grows fast and settles easily into almost any home. Your Monstera will grow upright with a moss pole as support. If grown in a smart watering pot, you need not worry about Monstera water requirements. With a bit of warmth and light, it stays lush year-round. 

9. Lipstick Plant - The Bold Bloomer

Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) stands out with its bright red tubular flowers that peek out like miniature red lipstick tubes. It thrives in warm, humid spots and indirect light, such as your kitchen or well-lit bathroom. In a self-watering planter and with a little care, it rewards you with bursts of color that last throughout the spring and summer.

10. Peace Lily - Symbol of Peace

A Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) thrives even in low light and helps clean indoor air. And if grown in a self-watering planter, you don’t have to know how often to water your beautiful Peace Lily. This blooming plant also helps regulate indoor humidity, apart from conveying a message of support to your close ones in tough times of loss or hardship.

11. Flamingo Flower - A Bright-Colored Beauty

The Flamingo Flower (Anthurium spp. - Red) is a lively, flowering plant with red, waxy blooms. Grow it in warm USDA 11-12 zones and evenly moist soil, making it ideal for growing in a self watering pot. It’ll keep blooming through much of the year. The plant’s bright color and heart-shaped leaves give a gentle lift to any setting without needing constant attention.

Self Watering Plants: FAQs

Q: Are self-watering pots good for all plants?

A: Not really. Self-watering pots are only good for plants that enjoy steady moisture, such as tropicals and leafy greens. But drought-tolerant varieties like succulents, cacti, or rosemary don’t do well in them. 

Q: What plants do not like self-watering pots?

A: Plants that like dry soil don’t do well in self-watering pots. Cacti, succulents, and lavender fall in this category; their roots hate sitting in damp soil. They’re happier in regular pots that drain well and get watered only once in a while. Too much water can make them rot pretty quickly.

Q: Do flowering plants do well in self-watering planters?

A: Yes, many do! Anthuriums like self-watering planters because they enjoy moist soil and humid conditions. Just make sure the soil is light and drains well. Feed them during the growing season, and they’ll keep blooming beautifully without you worrying about when to water them next.

Q: Do self-watering plants really work?

A: Yes, they do. Self-watering pots work perfectly for plants that require consistent moisture. The root system receives just the right amount of water via capillary action from the bottom up. This keeps things balanced, so your plant doesn’t dry out or get overwatered. They’re super handy if you forget to water sometimes or travel often. 

Conclusion

Self watering plants take plant care to a new level. Smart watering pots ensure your indoor greenery is hydrated at all times without the risk of overwatering or underwatering. Your plants stay healthy even when life gets a little hectic. And because the water is released slowly, roots grow stronger over time, helping foliage and blooms stay lush and vibrant.

There’s nothing more rewarding than enjoying a green home that is easy to maintain.