Self Watering Pots For Pothos: Are They Worth It?

Self-watering pots are perfectly fine for Pothos.

They can take some of the guesswork out of watering and give you a bit more leeway if you’re prone to forgetting.

The catch — and I say this with love — is that you do still have to water.

If you were hoping to buy a pot and never think about your plant again, I have some bad news.

I know, I’m disappointed too.

What is a self-watering pot, exactly?

“Self-watering” is a slightly misleading term. These pots don’t water themselves in any magical sense — they just deliver water to your plant more gradually and efficiently than you topping up from above every few days.

There are two main types:

Reservoir pots have a water tank built into the base. The soil or substrate draws moisture up from the reservoir as the plant needs it — a process called capillary action. You fill the reservoir every week or two (rather than watering the plant directly), and a water level indicator tells you when it needs topping up.

Wicking pots work on a similar principle but use a rope or wick to draw water up from a separate lower chamber into the soil above. Same idea, slightly different mechanics.

Both types aim to do the same thing: keep moisture available at root level consistently, rather than having your plant go through boom-and-bust watering cycles.

Do self-watering pots actually work for Pothos?

Yes, but there are caveats. Ain’t that always the way?

Pothos don’t want to sit in a swamp, but they don’t love getting completely bone dry either.

A self-watering pot, used correctly, keeps things more even than most people manage with conventional watering. For that reason, they’re a damn fine option.

HOWEVER

They suit some growing media better than others

Self-watering pots work best with a standard potting mix that wicks moisture upward reliably.

If you’re using a very chunky, fast-draining mix (lots of perlite and bark), the capillary action is less effective. For a standard beginner Pothos in regular potting compost, you’ll be fine.

Put a layer of LECA on at the bottom so your Pothos isn’t sitting in mid, and you’re golden.

You still have to pay attention

Boooo.

You need to check the reservoir level regularly and refill it when it gets low.

It’s less frequent than conventional watering, but it’s not totally hands off. Refilling the reservoir every one to two weeks is typical, but, of course, it depends on a tonne of factors – light, heat humidity, blah blah blah.

They’re not foolproof against overwatering

The reservoir system is designed to be self-regulating, but if the soil stays wet for too long because your Pothos isn’t drinking much (low light, cool temperatures, slow growth), moisture can still build up.

A self-watering pot reduces the risk of overwatering, it doesn’t eliminate it.

Reservoir vs wicking: which is better?

There is no obvious choice — they both work, and the right choice depends more on your setup and budget than any fundamental difference in effectiveness.

Reservoir pots tend to be more robust, hold more water, and are available in better-looking designs. They’re a better fit if you have a larger Pothos or want something that looks good on a shelf. The downside is cost — a decent reservoir pot is more expensive than a basic wicking option.

Wicking pots are simpler, cheaper, and widely available. The wick rope draws water up from a lower chamber at a rate the plant controls by how much moisture it takes up. They work well for smaller plants and are a good entry point if you want to try self-watering without a big outlay.

The wick will get all algaefied and gross real quick though.

Self-watering pots I’ve used and actually like

FYI, all of these pots also work as ‘normal’ pots, so if it turns out you hate self-watering, you can still use your pots.

Lechuza Classico — the premium option

AFFILIATE LINK: Lechuza Classico Self-Watering Planter

The Lechuza Classico is the pot I’d buy if I was treating myself. It’s a reservoir-style planter made in Germany, built to last, and they come in a tonne of sizes, shapes and colours. It comes with a water level indicator and Lechuza’s own substrate (Lechuza-Pon), which is designed to work with the reservoir system.

It’s expensive but if you’re the kind of person who wants one beautiful, functional thing rather than a collection of cheap pots, this is it.

Best for: Pothos owners who want something that looks good and works well, and don’t mind spending more upfront.

Budget wicking pot — the no-fuss option

AFFILIATE LINK: Budget Wicking Self-Watering Pot

If you want to try self-watering without committing a lot of money, a basic wicking pot does the job. Simple wick rope, lower water chamber, no fuss. It won’t win any design awards, but it works.

Best for: Beginners who want to dip a toe into self-watering, or anyone who wants something functional and cheap.

Elho Self-Watering Insert — the clever retrofit

AFFILIATE LINK: Elho Self-Watering Insert

This is the option I find most interesting. Rather than buying a whole new pot, the Elho insert drops into a pot you already own — including ceramic ones — and turns it into a self-watering system. It creates a reservoir between itself and the pot wall, comes with a water level indicator, and is made from 100% recycled plastic.

If you have a pot you already love but wish it were a bit more forgiving, this is the solution. It fits most Elho pots and plenty of others — worth checking the sizing before you buy (the 15cm insert fits a 16–17cm pot and there are a load of different sizes).

Best for: People who already own nice pots and want the self-watering benefit without replacing them.

Who are self-watering pots actually for?

Self-watering pots make the most sense if you:

Tend to forget to water and want a bigger buffer before your plant suffers
Travel regularly and need your plant to cope for a week or two unattended
Are a beginner who finds conventional watering stressful and wants a more forgiving setup
Are growing your Pothos in a spot that’s tricky to access frequently

They’re less necessary if you’re already a confident waterer. If you’ve got your watering rhythm sorted and you check your plants regularly, a standard pot works just as well and costs less.

Let’s summarize

Self-watering pots can be useful tool, not a gimmick. They won’t save a completely neglected plant, and they won’t eliminate the need to pay attention — but they do make consistent watering easier, especially for beginners.

If you’re finding that your Pothos is frequently struggling because of inconsistent watering, a self-watering pot is worth trying. If your current setup is working fine, don’t feel like you’re missing out.

FAQs

Are self-watering pots good for Pothos?

Yes, self-watering pots can work well for Pothos, particularly for people who tend to forget to water or want more consistency between waterings. They deliver moisture gradually at root level, which suits Pothos reasonably well. They work best with standard potting mix rather than very chunky, fast-draining media.

What’s the difference between reservoir and wicking self-watering pots?

Reservoir pots have a built-in water tank in the base and use capillary action to draw moisture up through the soil. Wicking pots use a rope or wick to pull water up from a separate lower chamber. Both work on the same basic principle — the plant draws water as it needs it — but reservoir pots tend to be sturdier and more attractive, while wicking pots are simpler and cheaper.

Do you still have to water a self-watering pot?

Yes. You refill the reservoir or lower chamber rather than watering the soil directly, typically every one to two weeks. Self-watering pots reduce how often you need to intervene, but they don’t eliminate watering altogether.

Can self-watering pots cause root rot in Pothos?

They can if the plant isn’t drinking much — in low light or cool temperatures, a Pothos grows more slowly and uses less water, so moisture can accumulate. Self-watering pots reduce overwatering risk compared to conventional pots, but they don’t eliminate it entirely. Make sure your Pothos is in decent light so it’s actively growing and drinking.

What size self-watering pot does a Pothos need?

The same sizing rules apply as any other pot — leave roughly an inch of space between the root ball and the pot wall. You don’t need to go larger just because the pot is self-watering. See What Size Pot Does A Pothos Need? for more detail.

Are self-watering pots worth the money?

For frequent forgetters or travellers, yes. If you’re already a consistent waterer, probably not — a standard pot does the same job for less. The Elho insert is the most cost-effective option if you want to try self-watering without buying a whole new pot.