Water Globes for Plants: The Lazy Gardener’s Magical Helper

Water globes for plants are one of the easiest ways to keep your greenery happy…especially if you’re a forgetful waterer like me! These clever little tools take the guesswork out of plant care by giving your plants just the right amount of water, exactly when they need it. 

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to step up your gardening routine (with a dash of charm), you’re going to love these magical helpers.

A blue water globe with light filtering through.

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Let’s be honest—we all forget to water our plants sometimes.

Life gets busy, the weather gets hot, and suddenly your peace lily looks more like a crumpled tissue than a thriving houseplant!

That’s why I love water globes for plants—also called aqua globes, watering bulbs, or self-watering globes. These colorful little wonders are perfect for keeping your plants happy without you having to remember every single watering day.

Blue water globe in fern plant.

If you’ve never tried one before (or you’re wondering if they’re more cute than useful), let me show you why I think they’re one of the best plant care shortcuts out there.

Plus, I’ll share a fun DIY version you can make in a short time using something you might already have in your kitchen!

What Are Water Globes for Plants?

Water globes are small, often glass containers with a long neck and a small hole at the bottom.

You fill them with water, flip them upside down, and gently stick them into the soil of your plant. As the soil dries out, the globe releases the right amount of water over time—keeping the soil moist and your plant hydrated.

They come in all shapes, sizes, and colorful designs. Some look like little glass teardrops, others have floral patterns, and some even double as decorative accents for your indoor or outdoor decor.

Whether you have one plant or a house full of leafy friends, they’re a good way to make your gardening routine a whole lot easier!

Filling a plant water globe with tap water.

How Do Plant Water Globes Work?

It’s actually super simple! When you push the watering globe into the soil, water slowly flows out through the small hole in the neck. As the soil moisture goes down, it pulls in more water from the globe.

If the soil is already moist, the water just stays put. No timers, no gadgets—just gravity and dry soil doing their thing!

A woman holding a blue water globe above a plant.

This slow and steady release keeps the water levels balanced and gives your plant the right amount of moisture.

Just make sure the soil isn’t packed too tightly, or the air bubbles can’t flow properly, and the water won’t come out as it should.

A blue water globe stuck into a green plant.

Why Water Globes Are So Handy

There’s a reason self-watering globes are one of the latest trends in plant care. They’re a total game-changer for:

  • Busy schedules – If you travel or just forget to water, these help take care of your plants for you.
  • Warm weather – In the warmer months, plants dry out faster. Globes keep up without daily watering.
  • Consistent moisture – No more guessing how much is enough water. Your plant gets what it needs, when it needs it.
  • Decor and function – Glass water globes add charm while quietly doing their job in the background.

They’re great for indoor and outdoor plants alike, and they work especially well for medium to larger plants and bigger pots.

a water globe with sunlight streaming through it.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

The Good Stuff:

  • Keeps your plant hydrated with the right amount of water
  • Perfect for short trips or hectic weeks
  • Adds style with colorful designs
  • Works with most types of plants
  • Reusable and long-lasting

A Few Things to Know:

  • Not ideal for succulents or plants that hate moist soil
  • Can clog if the soil is too compact (simply clean out the bottom of the globe every few weeks!)
  • May not hold enough water for very large or thirsty plants
  • Glass ones can be fragile (but pretty!)
A hedgehog shaped water globe.

My Favorite Water Globes

There are so many cute and clever designs out there, but not all water globes are created equal. I’ve rounded up a few of my absolute favorites—from stylish to super practical.

Some are perfect for smaller pots, while others are just right for larger plants or outdoor use. Whether you’re looking for durability, a narrow neck for proper insertion, or just something that matches your decor, I’ve got you covered!

Multi-colored set of 6 water globes

2 pc iridescent rainbow glass water globes

Blue small plant watering globes

Iridescent mushroom water globe

Hand-tiled disco water globe

Kitty cat water globes

Bird water globes

Strawberry water globes

Gradient hot pink flamingo water globes

Tips for Using Water Globes Like a Pro

A few simple tricks will help your water globe work its magic:

  • Water the soil first. Dry soil can block water flow. Give your plant a little drink before inserting the globe.
  • Insert at an angle. Don’t push straight down—slanting the globe helps water flow better and prevents breakage.
  • Check the neck. A narrow neck gives more control. Watch for air bubbles when inserting to make sure it’s working.
  • Avoid direct sunlight. Too much sun can heat the water and affect the flow.
  • Clean them now and then. Rinse with warm water to remove dirt and keep the inside clear and flowing freely.
Dirt stuck in the bottom of a water globe stick.

DIY Water Globes Using Wine Bottles

Want a fun and easy project? You can make your own watering bulb using a wine bottle!

It’s one of my favorite DIY versions, and it works surprisingly well, especially for larger plants or outdoor pots.

Here’s how to make your own wine bottle watering globe:

  1. Clean the bottle and remove any labels or residue.
  2. Fill it ¾ full with water. You can add a drop of liquid fertilizer if you’d like.
  3. Flip it upside down and quickly insert the neck into the soil.
  4. Make sure it’s stable and positioned near the base of the plant.
A DIY wine bottle water globe.

That’s it! The bottle will slowly release water just like a store-bought globe.

It’s a good way to upcycle and works especially well in outdoor plants with deeper soil. Just be sure to use a bottle with a long neck and place it in the right place—ideally off to the side and not jammed down in the very bottom of the pot.

The Final Sip

Whether you’re caring for one happy fern or a whole jungle of greenery, water globes for plants can be your magical little helper.

Hedgehog shaped water globe stuck in a plant.

They’re part décor, part tool, and totally helpful for keeping your plant care routine simple and stress-free. Try a glass globe, test out a DIY wine bottle, or mix in both depending on the types of plants you have.

Sometimes the easiest gardening tricks are also the most charming!

Cheers!

A Little About Me

Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!

“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness.”

I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.

I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!

– cheers –

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Hedgehog water globe.

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