My Secret to Keeping Plants Alive While I’m Traveling Is This $3 Self-watering Pot

I’m a frequent traveler, and before I leave for a trip, I have a list of household tasks I like to complete. I always take out the trash, run the dishwasher, and purge the fridge of any perishable items. While I pride myself on my pre-flight routine, for years, I was often guilty of overlooking my house plants. That was until I found these self-watering planters from Target — and they start at just $3 for a set of two. 

The self-watering design is achieved via a built-in tray at the bottom of the pot that retains water and allows the plant to draw up as much as needed, according to the brand. While the amount of water held depends on the size of the pot, I’ve found that I can leave my plants for at least two weeks without any issues. 

Room Essentials Self-Watering Plastic Indoor Outdoor Planter Pot

The Room Essentials Self-Watering Pots are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and they come in eight colors and four sizes, ranging from 4 to 16 inches in diameter. They are lightweight, and the modern design matches a variety of household aesthetics. The small port between the pot and the tray makes it easy to add water, and since the pot is so lightweight, I am able to check the tray for any residue or build-up and clean it between waterings if necessary.

I also like that the tray and pot seamlessly stack together, which makes it simpler to move the plants around my home. While I rely on the self-watering function to keep my plants from drying out, shoppers also said they like that this feature keeps plants from being overwatered. One person said the self-watering feature “keeps water from pooling at the roots'' of their plants, which helps if you “accidentally overwater.” 

Don’t let the low price point fool you. After months of use, I am continuously impressed with how nice they look throughout my home. Plus, the various color options make them feel unique and customizable. Shoppers agree, too, with over 5,000 customers giving the pots a five-star rating. One shopper said their pot “looks more expensive than it costs,” adding that it “doesn’t look like plastic” and is also “lightweight and easy to move.” 

Keep scrolling to shop more self-watering pots from Target’s Room Essentials line below. 

2-Piece Self-Watering Wall Indoor and Outdoor Planter Pots

Self-Watering Window Rectangular Indoor Outdoor Planter Box

3-Piece Hanging Self-Watering Indoor Outdoor Planter Pot

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