Self-Watering Terra Cotta Planter by Joey Roth

Good news for the slackers among us: a self-watering planter.

Designer Joey Roth’s self-watering terra cotta planter does require filling with water once in a while but that’s it. Plants are placed in soil in the outer doughnut-shaped chamber, and the center chamber is filled with water. The natural porosity of the unglazed terra cotta allows the water to move from the center chamber and into the soil, based on the soil’s moisture (regulated by the plant’s need for water).

Above: The terra cotta wall both regulates and filters the water.  The planters are $50 apiece at Joey Roth.

Above: A simple lid on the top of the water chamber prevents evaporation.

Need a babysitter to water your plants while you’re out of town? See Water from a Stone.

See more of our favorites at 10 Easy Pieces: Self-Watering Pots and Planters and Concrete Planters from Tasi Masi.

N.B.: This is an update of a post published September 2, 2013.