Self-watering pots and planters for outdoors: compare them

A self-watering planter has a water reservoir in the base, separate from the compost. The plant takes up the water it needs through its roots, so you water less often and plants are less likely to dry out during a hot week. On this page you compare self-watering flower pots, planters and balcony planters with the current price at the shop. You will find other types under planters and flower pots.

What to look for

• Water level indicator: on many models it shows how much water is left in the reservoir.
• Removable inner pot: many Lechuza pots, such as the Classico, Cubico and Canto, have an inner pot you lift out to move or repot the plant.
• Rain: outdoors, rain can fill the reservoir. Check whether the pot has an overflow, so the compost does not end up sitting in water.
• Winter: empty the reservoir before the frost, so no water freezes inside.

Brands

All Lechuza pots on this page are self-watering, from the round Classico and Cilindro to the square Cube and the Balconera balcony planter. Elho also has pots and balcony planters with a reservoir, such as the Noa balcony planter. The self-watering filter shows only these pots in every category.

In the first weeks after planting you usually still water from above, until the roots reach the reservoir. Ideally use an open, airy compost, so the water can wick upwards well and the roots do not stay too wet.