The self-watering pots and planters from Target make plant care easy!
These self-watering planters from Target give everyone a green thumb! 🪴
Are you trying your hand at gardening this year like we are? Head over to your local Target where you may be able to snag select Room Essentials self-watering planters on clearance for as low as $1.50!
Note that the prices may vary by location, and these planters are still full-priced online.
Check out what we spotted at our local store…
Room Essentials 8″ Indoor/Outdoor Self-Watering Planter – Sun Orange
Only $1.50 (reg. $3)!
*Available online for $2.55!
Room Essentials 8″ Indoor/Outdoor Self-Watering Planter – Fern Shower
Only $2.10 (reg. $3)!
Room Essentials 8″ Indoor/Outdoor Self-Watering Planter – Mindful Mint
Only $2.10 (reg. $3)!
Check out the other planter styles available online now!
What are self-watering planters, and how do they work?
I wasn’t exactly sure how the Target planters worked so I did a little research before purchasing. I learned that self-watering planters aim to deliver water directly to the roots of the plant using a sub-irrigation system. The planters come with a shallow water basin, or reservoir, at the bottom of the planter. Here is where you can refill the water or drain it if needed.
This means the gardener no longer has to guess how much or when to water the plants. Instead, the roots of the plant will drink from the reservoir, either directly or via the soil, whenever it needs nutrients. This process is called “capillary action” or “wicking.” It’s like how a sponge soaks up water. Pretty cool, right?! 🤓
So, how does one use these self-watering planters?
This may be common knowledge for some, but for a newbie like me, it is not. I wished the planters had come with some basic instructions or tips for success. Since they didn’t, I browsed the Target Q&A section for helpful hints. I followed Target expert John’s advice on how to re-pot my plants and keep the water refreshed. My husband, an avid gardener, agreed that this was a good approach. 👏
To get started, John advises:
“Self-watering planters are a great help if you don’t exactly have a green thumb. Set up the planter the same way as a typical planter. Water the soil thoroughly from the top the first time, and keep the reservoir filled via the port at the bottom. The roots will absorb water from the soil as needed.”
My plants, a golden pothos, and a snake plant took to their new pots well and the soil stayed wet for close to a week and a half. At that point, I used a watering can to pour additional water into the hole that leads to the basin. Aside from getting them enough sun, that is all I have had to do to get these plants to thrive!
What makes the Target self-watering planters special?
When I first handled the Target planters, I was taken aback by how light they were, just .12 lbs. If I’m being honest, I worried they might be cheap quality. Luckily, it didn’t take long for me to understand why being lightweight was actually a benefit to me. After putting in soil, these self-watering planters were still easy to move around. I could carry them outside and back indoors without exerting myself. 💪
Plus, these polypropylene planters look as chic as the heavier and more expensive ceramic garden planters I bought my husband recently. I love their smooth, curved style that looks clean and modern, and these planters will add beauty to any home, patio, or windowsill.
All that said, I do have a few suggestions for improvement…
There was a lot I enjoyed about these planters, and let’s face it, they’re a total steal starting at just $3! But there were a few things I thought needed improvement.
As I mentioned earlier, a few basic instructions or tips on how to use these self-watering pots would have been helpful. I also felt the reservoir portion of the planter was difficult to screw on and off. If I ever need to remove it, I’ll need a second set of hands to help. Luckily, I can refill the water without ever removing the bottom saucer. I also loved the unique color options, but some selections were only available for certain-sized planters.
Nonetheless, they’re certainly not deal-breakers!
All in all, these popular Target self-watering planters are a total win in my book! 🙌
Say goodbye to black thumbs! I have only re-watered my plants once upon potting them, and three weeks later, the soil is still wet to the touch. Meanwhile, my husband has watered our outdoor plants daily. Not to toot my own horn or anything 🎺🎵, but my self-watered plants look just as healthy and vibrant as our manually-watered ones. For this reason alone, I’m sold on these planters!
My Hip teammate Chelsey is a raving fan, too!
“I have a few of these Target planters and they are fantastic! I have them in white and the plastic easily wipes clean if you get dirt on it and you don’t have to worry about setting a saucer on it because of the self-watering saucer on the bottom. These would be so cute to pair with a plant as a gift for your kiddo’s teacher!” – Chelsey
Better yet, they are an excellent value. They cost less than most value meals and make plant care a lot easier. If you head over to Target soon, you can capitalize on these affordable garden accessories. Talk about gardening on a budget! If you do pick some up, let us know what you think!
Happy planting! 🌱
Need a plant that is simple to care for? Check out our list of the easiest indoor plants!
