Self-Watering Plastic Indoor Outdoor Planter Pot Black 8"x8" - Room Essentials™

A: Actually, I have several that work like this. The roots do not have to be anywhere near the water reservoir. Dry dirt wicks the water up to the roots. Even without a plant all of the water will become and stay moistened, as long as you moisten beforehand one time to begin the wicking. As the dirt dries it brings it up by capillary action. Just as a paper towel held over water the pull the water up. If you let the reservoir dry out however, you'll have to water the entire thing again from the top for it to start again.

A: This is a poorly designed pot. Just wait till you try and get water in that silly hole at the bottom. If using a watering can it is so far down that the can spout is horizontal and pouring all over the floor before you are anywhere near the filling hole. The only use I can imagine it would be is outdoors with a hose. The fill point should be at the top - not the bottom.

A: If there’s no wick to draw up water from the reservoir, there’s no way this is self watering. It’s common sense. The only reason I bought 3 was because it was a cheap big pot for $3!

A: Keep in mind, the plant needs to have been in the pot long enough to have grown roots down to the bottom. You'll need to water the plan as-normal (from the top) until this happens. I'm 2 months in and my plant still required to be watered from above, as the roots have not reach the bottom reservoir yet.

A: The person who said the roots need to be reaching the bottom before you can utilize the self watering feature is completely wrong! They don’t understand that the roots get the water from the dirt and don’t have to directly touch or get close to the actual water reservoir. They must think that when you water a plant from above you put water directly on the roots and that’s how the plant drink but that’s not how it works! Roots get water and nutrients from the soil and this planter keeps the soil perfectly damp , just give it a good watering from above in the beginning of use and make sure your reservoir doesn’t dry out!

A: At the base is a grid 2-3 inches ( on this 16 inch pot) above the bottom of the pot. This allows excess water to pass through the peat moss and soil and keep the plants roots from sitting/rotting in water. The excess water above the grid “ feeds” the top soil with water . This will not work if you fail to water 4 plus days or so.

A: Best for plants which cant tolerate dry soil. only a bit of soil reaches into water and thats its wick. doesn't cause gnats, bringing in buggy soil does! try a drop of dish soap in water, above & below.

A: Does this planter create mold?

A: Hi Kkees - We're glad you asked! This planter includes a built-in tray to retain water and a small port for easy watering with a hose or a narrow-spout watering can. When watering from the bottom, the plant draws up the water as needed, reducing the need to water as frequently. Thanks! - Julie

A: I've had a plant in this pot for months and the water never absorbs into the plant from the bottom. I think you would need a wick or rope which isn't included.

A: Place the pot in a sink/container with enough tepid water to cover the base of the planter, it will take what it needs.

A: The person who said the roots need to reach the bottom before you can utilize the self watering feature is completely wrong! The soil wicks up the water and the roots get their water from the soil, the roots don’t have to actually touch the water they get it from the soil. Just give the plants a good watering at the start of using this product and as long as you don’t let the reservoir dry out then the soil will stay perfectly damp. If it does dry out then just give the plants a good watering from above and refill the reservoir and all is well, doesn’t matter how long the roots are, this person just thinks that the roots have to physically touch the water or be close to it for some reason but no roots get their nutrients and water from the soil so you’re basically watering the soil not the plant, Although some plants like to get a nice mist on their leaves so you could still do that but it’s not a must.

A: I believe you would have to repot. That is how the self-watering feature works

A: Keep in mind, the plant needs to have been in the pot long enough to have grown roots down to the bottom. You'll need to water the plant as-normal (from the top) until this happens. I'm 2 months in and my plant still required to be watered from above, as the roots have not reach the bottom reservoir yet.

A: Hi - Great question. The planter is designed to input water at the bottom in the hole provided. When watering from the bottom, the plant is able to absorb the water as needed. Hope this helps! - Taylor

A: Yes, the bottom saucer comes off and then clicks back into place.

A: Yes it comes off. Has good drainage

A: No it it connected as far as I can tell.

A: The saucers on mine do not come off.

A: Yes it comes off and re-attaches.

A: I would dump the water out. If the bottom stays wet for too long it can cause the roots to rot. That may be why your plant is turning brown.

A: I had this issue with all my planters I solved it by putting a hole with my drill on the side of the planter. no more issues after and they retain water.

A: Hi Missy! Your ivy is over-watered and rotting. You can save it by letting it dry out. Stop watering from above. Only water from below, as is suggested, or, remove it and try a new pot!

A: Hi Missy - Thanks for stopping by! We suggest consulting with a nursery for gardening tips. This planter includes a built-in tray to retain water and a small port for easy watering with a hose or a narrow-spout watering can. When watering from the bottom, the plant draws up the water as needed, reducing the need to water as frequently. I hope this helps! - Dee

A: No way! Support your fig with something weightier.

A: Hi whathefig - We appreciate you browsing Target for your potting needs. These plastic planters are relatively lightweight. I hope this helps. Thanks! - Philip

A: You can put some pebbles or gravels at the bottom to add weight.

A: I’d recommend something with a more stable base. I have a 3’x3’ monstera planted in one. It’s not very heavy, but the pot over-turned when I slid it a few inches on hardwood floor. The pot is attractive and economical - but *VERY* lightweight.

A: Hi Dakota4919 - We appreciate you shopping Target for your patio and garden needs. Please visit a nursery or consult with an arborist regarding planter depth for trees. Thanks! - Philip

A: I’d suggest you check your plant’s roots, as well as the measurements of the pot it’s currently in. Plant’s heights aren’t always proportionate with their root system.

A: If the pot is outdoors, it will get extremely hot in the sun., as I have noticed my black pot gets so hot, that it burns my hands to move the pot.

A: Hello RS - Thank you for your Question! The Self-Watering Planter Pot is made of Polypropylene and it has a high degradation rate when exposed to UV light like the Sun. This makes polypropylene unsuitable for uses that require long-term exposure to sunlight. Hope this helps! - Eram

A: Hi, I think because it’s plastic, it doesn’t stain as easily. I have the large white one and I’m able to wipe off the dirt. Since yours is outside, maybe Scotch guard outdoor water shield would work? Not sure if it adheres to hard plastic, but it works on a bunch of other materials. Magic erasers are also your friend.

A: Hello TheMomvivalist - Thank you for your interest on - Self-Watering Plastic Indoor Outdoor Planter Pot. This planters does not get stained easily. However if you face any issue regarding this please contact to Target Guest Services at 1-800-591-3869, we will be more than happy to assist you. Hope this helps. - Rose

A: I had the same problem with the 20” pot. The smaller ones were fine. I was wondering if I got a defective one or if all are like that. Either way I posted a new question to see if we get a better answer

A: Hello - We appreciate your interest in this item & it’s a great choice. The planter is designed to input water at the bottom in the hole provided. When watering from the bottom, the plant is able to absorb the water as needed to water as frequently. Hope this helps. Thanks for shopping at Target – Greshma

A: Hello - Thanks for reaching out. The self watering pot has a built-in tray to retain water and a small port for easy watering with a hose or a narrow-spout watering can the bottom saucer can be removed by dethatching and then clicks back into place. There is also holes in the bottom of the planter, this allows the plant draws up the water as needed, reducing the need to water as frequently. Hopefully this is helpful. - Theresa