Pros and Cons of Self-Watering Pots: Are They Worth It?
- Eddie Yang
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Why Self-Watering Pots Are Worth
When it comes to choosing planters, the real question isn’t just about looks — it’s about value. What can a self watering pot actually do for you?
For many plant parents, the answer comes down to saving time, reducing stress, and building a more sustainable lifestyle. Let’s explore the pros and cons.
The Pros of Self-Watering Pots
1.Saves Time — The True Value of a Self-Watering Pot
When evaluating any purchase, the best way to understand its value is to ask: What does it save me?
Take summer, for example. A traditional 20-inch outdoor planter may require water twice a day. With a self watering pot, the same planter can stay hydrated for a full week or longer without attention. That’s not just water saved — that’s hours of your time.
As KSDK 5 Show Me St. Louis quoted founder Kay Wells: “You can water once a month and then enjoy your plants without worrying about keeping them alive every day.”
Whether you’re a home gardener or managing dozens of pots commercially, the value of time compounds. Imagine what employee hours are worth when they don’t have to water every single day.
And the benefit extends further. Self watering planters can collect rainwater, conserve resources, and reduce fertilizer waste. The true value isn’t only convenience — it’s sustainability.
2.Consistent Moisture, Healthier Roots
Plants thrive on balance. Self watering pots for plants deliver water from the bottom up, preventing overwatering and underwatering. This steady hydration makes it easier to grow easy houseplants like pothos, spider plants, or African violets, and even supports repotting orchids successfully.
3.Sustainable and Eco-Friendly by Design
At Posie Pots, we’ve always believed in long-termism — creating products that last, reduce waste, and respect the planet. Every self watering pot is 3D printed with corn-based PLA, a renewable material that’s lightweight, durable, and biodegradable over time.
As Wells explained in KSDK 5 Show Me St. Louis: “We wanted to create something that wasn’t just convenient, but also sustainable for years to come.”
That’s why choosing an eco-friendly self watering pot means choosing better care for your plants and for the earth.
4.Works Indoors and Outdoors
From indoor plant pots for your living room to a large planter on your patio, self-watering designs adapt to multiple settings. They simplify care for easy maintenance indoor plants and provide reliability when you’re away.
The Cons of Self-Watering Pots
1.Picking the Right Plant Still Matters
A self watering pot won’t make every species thrive. Some plants prefer drier conditions, so you’ll still need to choose the right match — think of it as finding the right roommate.
2.You’ll Still Plan Ahead
One funny “downside” is that you’ll have fewer excuses when a plant doesn’t make it. With less watering stress, your challenge becomes deciding what to grow next. Maybe it’s time to try repotting orchids or experimenting with easy indoor potted plants.
3.Slightly Higher Upfront Cost
Yes, self watering pots can cost more than basic ceramic planters. But when you consider saved time, healthier plants, and reduced water usage, it’s an investment in peace of mind.
Conclusion: More Freedom, Fewer Worries
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a self watering pot isn’t about replacing plant care — it’s about making it simpler. The pros (time savings, consistent moisture, eco-friendly design) far outweigh the cons (choosing the right plant, paying a bit more upfront).
Whether you’re growing easy houseplants indoors, experimenting with orchid repotting, or looking for a large planter for your patio, self-watering pots provide convenience and sustainability in one package.
Ready to Let Your Plants Thrive?
Plant care doesn’t need to be stressful. With Posie Pots self-watering planters, you give your plants steady hydration, healthier roots, and the freedom to grow—while you enjoy watering just once a month.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked queries about self watering pots.
- Are self watering pots good for all plants? 
They work especially well for easy houseplants such as snake plants, pothos, African violets, and orchids with the right care. We always recommend choosing plants you enjoy rather than sticking to “beginner only” species.
- How do I choose the right size self watering pot? 
Small (3") for herbs and succulents, Medium (5") for everyday indoor planters, and Large (7") for taller greenery like orchids and snake plants. See all sizes here.
- Do self watering pots make repotting orchids easier? 
Yes. Because they keep soil evenly moist, repotting orchids in a self watering planter helps reduce shock and supports healthy growth.
🌿 Seasonal Treat for Our Posie Family
Free Size Upgrade Now Available! From now through the holiday season, enjoy a complimentary size upgrade on any Posie Pot — our little thank-you for helping plants (and people) thrive together.✨ No code needed — discount applies automatically at checkout.
Hear Straight from the Posie Family

Worry not — you’ve got a Posie Pot. 💚
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