The Best Watering Cans

WhaleLife Indoor Watering Can for House Plants

Houseplant Helper

This simple, straightforward design takes the guesswork out of plant hydration.

Best for Indoor Plants

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This watering can from WhaleLife sports a simple design that combines practicality with a modern look. For those who have a whole lot of house plants, the pot belly water storage body makes quick work of watering since you’ll need to refill far less often than you would with a smaller, less efficient design. Although rich in color, this ultra-durable plastic is transparent enough to see through to the water, taking the guesswork out of refilling. And finally, the thoughtful design of both the handle and the spout means that you won’t risk overwatering or dumping the contents everywhere when you tip the can. Instead, it’s meant to slowly and evenly pour water into your house plants for more precise amounts of water.

Pros:

• Lightweight yet durable plastic
• Compact design for easy refills in the sink
• Pour spout allows for even flow

Cons:

• Do not overfill watering can, as water will come out of the top when pouring
• Not ideal for mixing plant food with water — it’s best to use this for just water

E. Palace Stainless Steel Water Can

Within Arm's Reach

A long pour spout makes watering leafy plants an easy task.

Longest Reach

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For lush, leafy plants or hanging pots, a long-reaching pour spout is a must. But that often creates the issue of water spilling out of the top as you tip the can. The ratio of spout to body to handle needs to be very precise to work. That’s what makes this E. Palace watering can such a convenient design — it’s made to tip without spilling. The other element that we love is the accessible top. It’s made to fit directly under a faucet, so it’s easy to refill this watering can without having to jam it or tip it. In turn, this allows for a full re-fill and fewer trips to get more water. We love the matte, brushed steel finish that looks pretty and stylish when not in use.

Pros:

• Multiple size and finish options available
• Precise, narrow pour spout
• Ergonomic handle

Cons:

• Best for smaller amounts of houseplants or infrequent watering needs
• Flow is very slow

Homarden Half Gallon Copper Colored Metal Watering Can

The Great Outdoors

This watering can is ideal for watering all of your pretty patio plants.

Best for Outdoor Plants

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For hardier potted flowers and vegetables sitting outside in the sunshine, this metal watering can from Homarden makes life easier — no need to find the hose and get the proper attachment. With a removable spout, you have the best of both worlds. Furthermore, two handles make controlling the flow incredibly easy as well as comfortable to hold. With a large storage belly, this watering can is ideal for watering outdoor plants, whether on the patio or in garden beds. Due to the sun and a harsher environment, outdoor plants often need more frequent waterings. This can makes taking care of them that much easier. Plus, with a brushed copper color, it’s as lovely as it is functional.

Pros:

• Detachable rain spout
• Two handles for easier gripping
• The top handle moves for easy pouring and refilling

Cons:

• Not meant for smaller plants or succulents
• The finish is prone to chipping

Remiawy Watering Can

Mr. Mister

This mister and watering can combo are ideal for succulent care.

Best for Succulents

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Because succulents can be watered through misting or tiny droplets, it’s best to use a mister or a tiny, long-handled pour spout for a controlled watering. This Remiawy watering can is ideal for watering both succulents and cacti since it comes with an elegant, retro-style mister. Plus, the handle design on the watering can is long and narrow to allow for precise watering techniques on plants that require a little extra care. Plus, the opening of the can and the design of the handle make refilling a cinch. The mister is made of durable plastic and creates a light, fine mist for creating humidity. Together, it’s the ultimate succulent watering package.

Pros:

• Lightweight, elegant design
• Extra-long pour spout with tiny opening is ideal for succulents
• Multiple finishes available for the watering can

Cons:

• The mister isn’t the most durable
• It’s difficult to empty the can fully

Cado Union Elephant Watering Can

Cute and Convenient

This adorable elephant watering can is functional and fun, perfect for the littlest gardener in your life.

Best for Kids

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Children of any age can enjoy gardening and taking care of plants. Made of weather-resistant plastic, this happy little elephant-shaped watering can from Cado Union is perfect for teaching your youngster how to tend to their own garden bed. With an accessible refill hole and a long spout for watering, there’s no need to worry about spilling water all over more delicate plants, either. This is especially useful for tiny yet leafy plants — it can be tricky to reach the soil, so it’s helpful to have a watering can with a long and lean pour spout for easier access to the dirt and roots of the plant. Super lightweight and small, it’s the ideal size for tiny hands.

Pros:

• Lightweight and small, ideal for small hands
• Durable plastic construction
• Small size is great for tiny plants

Cons:

• Holds very little water
• You can’t see through the elephant, so you have no idea how much water is left in the pot

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently do plants need to be watered?
How often you water your plants depends on several factors. Some plants require frequent waterings, while others could go a surprisingly long time in between. Some thrive with misting and infrequent water, and some plants go dormant in the cooler months and barely need to be watered at all. It also matters if you live in a dry, hot environment versus a wetter one. And, lastly, it matters whether your plants are indoors or out, as well as which room they are in. There are countless resources for learning all about your specific plant and environment. Speak to a specialist at your local nursery or pick up a plant book. You’ll likely learn everything you need to know and then some.

What size watering can is the most useful?
If you have a large number of plants, it can be helpful to have a few different watering cans. This will allow for more water but a lighter weight, so carrying a full watering can doesn’t become cumbersome. Whatever you do, find one that will fit under your faucet. There’s nothing worse than trying to refill a watering can underneath a tiny faucet only to have it empty out when you go to pull it from the sink.