This Under-$14 IKEA Hack Keeps Plants Alive for Days

I have never claimed to have a green thumb, despite some small success with a few veggie gardens. But when it comes to house plants, flower pots, and pretty much anything else green, I vote for low-maintenance all the way.

The idea of a self-watering pot sounds fantastic. You mean I don’t have to figure out the perfect water level for my blooms and buds? If you’re a plant lover, but prefer easy-care options, then take a peek at this self-watering planter from @lorrileezander.

The hacker repurposes IKEA pet bowls to create a cute, ceramic flower pot with a practical twist. A bit of cotton rope holds the key to the plants getting water when they need it, and you end up with less wilted (or worse) foliage.

An Easy and Cute Self-Watering Plant Pot

What You’ll Need

1 IKEA UTSÅDD striped pet bowl (7 ½”)
1 IKEA UTSÅDD striped pet bowl (6”)
Masking tape
Diamond drill bit (and drill)
Cotton rope
Plants and soil
Water

1. Prep the Top Bowl

Make an “X” with the masking tape on the bottom of the larger UTSÅDD pet bowl, marking the center. Place some water over the tape, then drill a hole using a diamond drill bit. The water helps prevent cracking and lubricates the bit. Place your soil and plants or flowers in the larger bowl.

2. Add the Cotton Rope

Cut a piece of cotton rope, double it, and place the doubled-over edge into the hole, through the bottom of the bowl. You can find cotton rope in craft stores and also garden stores, since it’s commonly used for automatic watering purposes.

The rope is the secret weapon for the self-watering pot. It soaks up water from the bottom pot and draws it up into the top bowl as needed.

3. Finish Up With the Bottom Bowl

The smaller bowl goes on the bottom. Fill this bowl with water, then place the larger bowl with the plants on top. That’s it! Simply refill the bottom bowl when it starts to run dry.

@lorrileezander
Loving this self watering planter hack using 2 IKEA bowls! What do you think? Will you try this? #plantsoftiktok #selfwateringpot #plantstyling #plantcare #houseplantlover
♬ original sound – Headbangers Dan

Things to Consider for This Self-Watering Planter Hack

The pet bowls cost about $14 for the duo, making this a reasonably priced hack. Some commenters mentioned being able to buy a self-watering pot for about the same price or less, but I think this hack gives you a slightly larger option.

Plus, it’s always fun to say you made something yourself. (And you could always scope out IKEA’s as-is section first for a chance to score the bowls for less.)

Another thing to think about is the plants you use. Like I said, I don’t claim to have a green thumb, but I know not all plants do well with self-watering.

Therefore, make sure whatever you plan to put in the pot agrees with the whole low-maintenance vibe you’re going for. This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it thing. You still need to monitor your plants so you can make any adjustments if things aren’t in tip-top shape.

Finally, one comment suggested using a ceramic bit instead because it grinds more than drills. So, something to consider!

Think you’ll try this hack? Maybe this self-watering vase idea is more your speed, or you prefer to make this modern hanging planter?

Or maybe you’re growing your own creative idea? Share your hack with us, and you might be featured next! And don’t forget to follow @lorrileezander for more fun tips and tricks about plants, plant styling, and glorious gardens.