Simplify Plant Care With Highly-Rated Self-Watering Hanging Planters From Amazon

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

It's not just your imagination — the past three summers have been the hottest on record. Because of all the time they spend outdoors with plants, gardeners are some of the first people to notice — and be forced to react to — subtle changes in climate. If this summer is as hot as predicted, you may be stressing about how to maintain a lush hanging basket all summer. Simple watering tricks, like deep watering and using drip irrigation, can help. Or you could make life simpler by investing in some highly rated self-watering hanging planters from Amazon.

The Montresor Self-Watering Hanging Planters are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Each pot comes with a beaded macrame hanger, chains, and a set of S-hooks. Pricing ranges from about $23 for a set of two 8-inch pots to just under $25 for a pack of two 10-inch pots. You can also get a three-pack of 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch planters for almost $31. The design of the plastic pots is a cross between boho and contemporary — they're mostly white with a band of terra cotta at the base.

With about 4.7 stars out of 5 and almost 1,500 reviews, these planters are working well for most shoppers. Each pot has a removable saucer that collects water, preventing it from draining onto your patio paving. The plant's roots can access the reservoir, ensuring hydration on hot summer days or when you can't get out into the garden. Peruse the reviews and you'll find that most customers like the appearance of the planters. One buyer described them as cute, welcoming, and warm. Another customer noted the price is great, considering the planter comes with two hanging options — metal chain or macrame.

Self-watering planters may not be right for every plant

The benefits of self-watering planters are clear: fewer trips to the faucet with a watering can, fewer drips on your porch decking, and plants that stay alive when you inevitably skip a day of watering. Plus, these hanging baskets will cut back on your water bill in summer. It's all thanks to that nifty water reservoir in the base of the pot. Because of this, they also work great indoors. In the reviews, happy buyers report using them with common houseplants, including spider plants, ivy, and pothos. One customer even used them with artificial flowers, skipping the need for watering altogether. Another noted that the watering spout is hard to use, so they water their plants from the top.

While it may seem like these self-watering planters are the secret to planting the perfect hanging basket, their main selling point may be overstated. The reservoir can extend time between waterings, helping thirsty outdoor hanging baskets make it through hot summer days, but it's not going to water your plants for you. Plants that need consistent moisture will struggle if you're relying mostly on the watering function and rainfall (if the hanging planter is outdoors) only. This is particularly true for young plants with short, developing root systems that may not yet reach into the resoirvoir. Similarly, some plants that need well-draining soil or hail from arid climates — think succulents and cacti — simply won't thrive in the moist soil of these pots. You risk your beloved greenery developing root rot.

Recommended