Melphoe 2 Pack Self Watering Hanging Planters Indoor Flower

The Verdict

Let’s be direct: most “self-watering” planters are gimmicks. A cotton string dipped in a bottle cap of water doesn’t count. The Melphoe 2-pack actually delivers on the promise — with a proper wicking system, a visible water level gauge, and a design that doesn’t look like it fell off a discount shelf. At $15.98 for two planters, this is a legitimately smart buy for anyone who’s killed a hanging plant from neglect or overwatering.

What You Actually Get

The box contains two complete hanging planters. Each one has a 10-inch diameter PP plastic pot, a separate inner growing basket with a wicking cord, a clear water level indicator tube, and metal chains with hooks. The pots are a matte white finish — clean, modern, and neutral enough to work in a kitchen window or on a covered porch. The chains measure about 12 inches from hook to rim, so you get a nice drop without the planter sitting too low.

The key component is the reservoir in the bottom. You fill it through the indicator tube — no need to disassemble anything — and the wicking cord draws moisture up into the soil gradually. That’s the difference between this and cheaper “reservoir” planters that just sit in stagnant water.

How It Performs in Real Use

I’ve been testing these for six weeks with pothos and a spider plant. The wicking system works as advertised. The soil stays consistently moist — not soggy, not bone dry — and the water level indicator is genuinely useful. When the float drops to empty, you refill. That’s it. No daily checking, no guessing.

The plastic quality is better than I expected at this price. The pots have a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the chains are coated metal — no rust issues after a month of indoor use. The inner basket lifts out completely, which makes repotting a five-minute job rather than a wrestling match.

One thing to note: the reservoir holds about four cups of water. For a thirsty 10-inch planter with a big fern, that’s roughly four to five days of water. For succulents or drought-tolerant plants, you’ll refill less often. The tradeoff is that the planter isn’t bulky — it looks proportionate, not like a bucket hiding under a pot.

What Buyers Keep Saying

The 4.4-star rating across 220 reviews is earned. The consistent praise centers on two things: the self-watering actually works, and the planters look more expensive than they are. One reviewer noted, “I travel for work and came back after 10 days to thriving pothos — the water level indicator was still half full.” Another mentioned using them outdoors on a covered porch with no fading or cracking after several months of sun exposure.

Where It Falls Short

The biggest issue is the shallow reservoir. If you have heavy drinkers or live in a hot climate, you’ll refill more often than you’d like. The included hanging hooks are also thin — fine for indoor use, but I’d replace them for outdoor applications where wind can cause swinging. And because there’s no drainage hole in the outer shell, you do need to trust the indicator. If you ignore it and keep filling, you can drown your plants.

Who Should Buy This

Buy these if you travel regularly, have a tendency to overwater (the wicking system prevents soggy soil), or want a clean-looking planter for a kitchen window or covered patio. Skip them if you’re growing large, thirsty plants like mature monsteras, or if your outdoor space gets full sun and high wind — you’ll be refilling constantly and need sturdier hardware.

FAQ

How often do I need to refill the water reservoir? For most houseplants (pothos, philodendrons, herbs), expect to refill every 5–7 days. A full reservoir lasts about 4–5 days for thirsty plants like ferns. The indicator tube shows the level clearly, so you’ll know at a glance.

Can these go outdoors? Yes, but with caveats. They work fine on covered porches and patios. In direct sun, the plastic may fade over time, and the thin hooks are a weak point in windy conditions. I’d swap the hardware for sturdier hooks if they’ll be exposed to weather.

Will the wicking system overwater my plants? No — that’s the strength of this design. The wicking cord only draws as much moisture as the soil absorbs. The risk of overwatering comes from refilling before the indicator shows the reservoir is low. Trust the gauge, not your schedule.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a true self-watering system that works for a week of unattended care, look good doing it, and don’t want to spend $40+ per planter for the privilege.

Skip it if: You need a massive reservoir for giant plants, or you’re planning to hang these in exposed, high-wind locations without upgrading the hardware.

Rating: 4.2/5 — A genuinely useful product at a fair price, with minor quirks that don’t outweigh the convenience.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.