How I Make My Own Self-Watering Clear Pots

Why I Started Making My Own Pots

When I first started collecting plants, I bought every kind of pot I could find. Some held too much water, others dried out too fast, and a few looked nice but didn’t work at all. Most of them also made it hard to see what was going on below the soil.

Eventually, I realized I could make my own version using things I already had around the house. Now, almost every plant in my collection grows in a clear, self-watering setup that costs just a few dollars and works better than anything I’ve ever bought.

Why I Use Clear Pots

I like clear pots because I can actually see what’s happening with the roots. I can tell when the substrate is drying out, when roots are growing, or when something looks off before it becomes a problem.

And to be honest, I tend to “over love” my plants by watering them too often. Being able to see the roots and moisture level keeps me from overdoing it. If the sides of the cup still look damp or I see condensation, I know it’s not time to water yet.

Roots like light too, especially with plants like anthurium and alocasia, so the clear walls are a bonus. And because I can see the moisture level, I don’t have to guess when to water, which has saved me from a lot of overwatering mistakes.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need anything special to make these. Most of it you probably already have:

• Clear plastic cups (I use 16 oz, 12 oz, 5 oz, or smaller depending on the plant)

• A soldering iron or something similar for making holes

• Wicking cord

• A second cup or container for the water reservoir

If you’re working with seedlings or corms, having a clear tote and a grow light helps keep everything stable.

How I Make Them

I make a few versions depending on the size of the plant.

For Most Plants

I use a 16-ounce clear drinking cup and melt small holes around the bottom and lower sides using a soldering iron. The holes give airflow and let extra water escape.

Then I thread a wick through one of the bottom holes so it can pull water from below. I place that cup inside a slightly larger one that acts as a reservoir. The wick keeps the mix evenly moist without drowning the roots.

For Alocasia Corms

For corms, I go smaller. I use a plastic shot glass and melt holes around the bottom and sides just like before. I add a wick to the bottom and set it inside a 5-ounce dessert cup that holds the water. It keeps things damp enough for rooting but never soggy.

For Anthurium Seedlings

For small seedlings, I use 5-ounce bathroom cups with holes on the sides and bottom. Instead of double-cupping, I place them in a tote with other seedlings and bottom water the entire tote. It keeps humidity consistent and lets the seedlings take up water at their own pace.

The Tote Setup

When I bring in new plants or have fresh seedlings, I keep them in a clear tote with a grow light. It helps control humidity and light while keeping everything in one place. The light runs on a timer for about 10 to 12 hours a day.

This setup has made a huge difference in how my plants adjust. They root faster, stay hydrated longer, and I can spot any issues right away. It also helps prevent pests since the tote is easy to wipe down and monitor.

Why It Works

These DIY setups work because they take care of the basics: air, moisture, and visibility. The roots get the oxygen they need, the substrate stays evenly moist, and I can see what’s going on at all times.

They’re also inexpensive and easy to adjust. You can scale them up for big plants or down for seedlings. Once you start using clear, self-watering pots, you realize how much simpler plant care can be when you stop guessing — and stop overwatering.

What I’ve Learned

You don’t need expensive pots or fancy systems to grow healthy plants. The key is giving roots what they actually need: air, moisture, and room to grow.

Making your own pots gives you control over all of that. It’s affordable, it works, and it makes caring for plants less about luck and more about understanding what’s happening below the soil line.

Once you try it, you won’t go back.