Can any plant go in a self-watering planter?

Most tropical houseplants thrive in self-watering planters — pothos, peace lilies, ferns, and philodendrons love consistent moisture. Succulents and cacti should not be used in self-watering planters — they need soil to dry completely between waterings. Plants that prefer dry conditions will develop root rot in constant-moisture systems.

Do self-watering planters prevent overwatering?

They greatly reduce overwatering risk because plants draw water as needed rather than sitting in saturated soil. However, keeping the reservoir constantly full without allowing it to empty occasionally can still lead to overly wet conditions. Let the reservoir go dry for a day before refilling to mimic natural wet-dry cycles.

Best Self-Watering Planters 2026