Automatic Plant Waterer: The Effortless Plant Saver!

I Tested Automatic Plant Waterer—Do They Work?

 

Caring for houseplants can be deeply rewarding, even relaxing—when you have the time. But when life gets busy, watering your plants can quickly become an afterthought. Missed watering can lead to dry, wilting leaves, while overcompensating can cause root rot. If you have an extensive collection of plants, keeping them hydrated becomes even more overwhelming, requiring multiple gallons of water each week.

I typically enjoy watering my plants and rely on plant sitters when I’m away, but I wanted to see if automatic plant waterers could simplify the process. So, I tested two models: the Sancruz IC205S and the Onsast AUTO01.

These devices aim to eliminate guesswork in plant care by automating the watering process. But do they work? After weeks of testing, I can confidently say that while they can be helpful, they require fine-tuning to be genuinely effective.

 

What Are Automatic Plant Waterers and How Do They Work?

 

Before discussing the results, let’s briefly cover howexplainmatic plant watering systems work. These devices deliver water to plants at preset intervals, reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering.

 

There are two main types of automatic watering systems:

 

1. Drip Irrigation Systems – These networks of tiny tubes and drippers distribute water evenly to plants. They typically work with a reservoir or water ju, using a pro through the tubes.
2. Self-watering using probing Planters—These contain a built-in reservoir that allows plants to absorb water through their roots as needed.

The systems I tested fall under the drip irrigation category, with programmable timers and pumps to regulate water flow.

 

 

Why Use an Automatic Plant Waterer?

 

There are many reasons to consider an automatic watering system, whether you have indoor or outdoor plants:

 

• Vacation-Friendly – Prevents plants from drying out while you’re away.
• Time-Saving – Reduces the need for daily watering, especially for extensive plant collections.
• Prevents Overwatering – Many systems allow adjustable watering levels to suit different plants.
• Conserve water – Delivers water directly to the roots, reducing waste.
• Promotes Healthier Plants – Consistent hydration leads to more potent, more vibrant plants.

Let’s dive into the two systems I tested and how they performed.

 

The Automatic Watering Kits I Tested

 

For this test, I selected two indoor automatic watering systems:

 

1. Santacruz IC205S – A jet pump system with a built-in timer and a rechargeable battery.
2. Onsast AUTO01 – A submersible pump system with adjustable drippers and a wired power supply.

Both systems have similar components, including tubing, drippers, and a control unit to regulate water flow. However, they differ in pump type, power source, and adjustability.

 

Santacruz IC205S: Features and Performance

 

Specifications:

 

• Pump Type: Jet Pump (400 ml/min)
• Tubing: 32.8 feet of clear silicone tubing
• Drip Stakes: 15 non-adjustable stakes
• Power Source: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery or USB-C
• Price: Around $30

 

 

Setup and Installation

 

Setting up the Sancruz was straightforward. The jet pump pulls water from a reservoir and distributes it to the plants. Since it only comes with one type of dripper, I had to determine how long and often to run the pump to avoid overwatering or underwatering.

The drip stakes were easy to install, but I quickly realized that larger plants needed multiple drippers to get enough water. The system includes an anti-siphon valve, which prevents water from draining when the pump is off—a small but crucial feature to prevent unwanted leaks.

 

Performance

 

• Pros:
  ✅ Simple to program with an intuitive LCD.
  ✅ Works well for medium to small plants.
  ✅ A rechargeable battery allows flexibility in placement.
  ✅ The anti-siphon valve prevents accidental flooding.
• Cons:
  ❌ Fixed drippers make it harder to customize for different plant sizes.
  ❌ Clear tubing may lead to algae buildup over time.

The Sancruz is excellent for users who want a simple, reliable system without too much tinkering. However, scaling up to larger plants requires extra effort.

 

 

OnSast AUTO01: Features and Performance

 

Specifications:

 

• Pump Type: Submersible Pump (800 ml/min)
• Tubing: 24 feet of grey silicone tubing
• Drip Stakes: 12 adjustable drippers
• Power Source: Wired 12V DC
• Price: Around $18

 

Setup and Installation

 

The Onsast AUTO01 uses an external submersible pump, which pushes water through the system rather than pulling it. This makes it more potent than the Sancruz.

I appreciated the adjustable drippers, which allow different plants to receive varying amounts of water. However, balancing the drippers was time-consuming because adjusting one dripper impacts the pressure in the entire system.

 

Performance

 

• Pros:
  ✅ More powerful pump than the Sancruz.
  ✅ Adjustable drippers allow for customized watering.
  ✅ Grey tubing resists algae growth better than clear tubing.
• Cons:
  ❌ Confusing programming interface—requires mental math to interpret the settings.
  ❌ Drippers require fine-tuning to balance water flow properly.
  ❌ No battery backup, meaning it must always be plugged in.

The Onast system is ideal for users who want more control over water distribution, but the learning curve is steeper.

 

 

Which system is better?

 

It depends on what you’re looking for:

 

• For simplicity: The Sancruz IC205S is easier to set up and program, making it ideal for casual plant owners.
• For control and flexibility: The Onsast AUTO01 provides adjustable drippers and a stronger pump, making it better for larger plants.

 

However, both systems require trial and error to get the settings right.

 

Tips for Using Automatic Watering Systems

 

To get the best results, keep these tips in mind:

 

✅ Test your system before leaving town – Ensure your plants receive the correct amount of water.
✅ Use a moisture meter – This helps determine if the system provides enough hydration.
✅ Place plants in the right spot – More sunlight means higher water needs.
✅ Prune dead leaves before setup – This reduces water demand.
✅ If in doubt, water deeply before leaving – Many plants can survive with one thorough watering before you go.

 

Final Verdict: Are Automatic Plant Waterers Worth It?

 

Yes—but only if you’re willing to adjust the settings.

 

Automatic watering systems can help prevent plant neglect during short trips or busy schedules. However, they’re not entirely set-and-forget—you’ll need to experiment with timing and dripper placement for optimal results.

 

Would I use them for every houseplant? Probably not. But an automatic system can be a game-changer for plants that require frequent watering.

If you’re considering one, I’d recommend starting with a test run before relying on it entirely. Happy plant parenting! 🌱

 

 FAQs About Automatic Plant Waterer

 

• Do automatic plant waterers work for all types of plants?

   

1. 1. • While they can help most plants, some species with specific water needs (like succulents or orchids) may not be ideal candidates. Adjusting the drippers and timing is crucial for different plant types.

• Can I leave my plants unattended for weeks with an automatic waterer?

   

1. 1. • Yes, but only if you’ve tested the system beforehand. It’s best to do a trial run and ensure the settings provide the right amount of water before leaving for an extended period.

• Do these systems prevent overwatering?

   

1. 1. • Automatic waterers reduce overwatering risk by allowing precise control over the water flow. However, improper setup or excessive runtime can still lead to overwatering.

• What’s the main difference between the Sancruz IC205S and the Onsast AUTO01?

   

1. 1. • The Sancruz IC205S is easier to set up and has a rechargeable battery, while the Onsast AUTO01 offers more control with adjustable drippers but requires fine-tuning and stays plugged in.

• Will algae grow in the tubing over time?

   

1. 1. • Clear tubing (like in the Sancruz IC205S) is more prone to algae buildup, especially in bright conditions. The grey tubing in the Onsast AUTO01 is better at resisting algae growth.

• Do I still need to check my plants if I use an automatic system?

   

1. 1. • Yes! While these systems reduce daily watering, occasional monitoring ensures that they deliver the right amount of water and that there are no blockages or leaks.

• Are automatic plant waterers worth the investment?

   

1. • They’re helpful for people with busy schedules or frequent travellers. However, they require trial and error to set up correctly, so they aren’t a complete hands-off solution.