outside the labs

Best Self-Watering Planters

Not all planters are created equal—one model sprouted five new leaves while another appeared to harm the plant by the end of the evaluation

By Leigh-Ann Jackson

October 24, 2024

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four self-watering planters on a windowsill — Some plants grew new leaves, while one plant got no new growth—plus a yellowing leaf—while in self-watering planters.

Self-watering planters are thought to be a wet-it-and-forget-it solution for plant lovers with a busy schedule. But do they really provide a healthy habitat in which your indoor greenery can thrive?

In this article

All About Self-Watering Planters: Models We Evaluated Consider Plants' Water Needs What to Know Before Using a Self-Watering Planter When to Use a Self-Watering Planter

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Leigh-Ann Jackson

Leigh-Ann Jackson is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who has covered arts and entertainment, style, consumer goods, and pop culture for 25 years. Her work has appeared in print and online at publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Buy Side, Texas Monthly, Bon Appétit, the Hollywood Reporter, and the Austin American-Statesman.