The device most commonly associated with manually hydrating plants is the watering can, but the term “plant waterer” encompasses a diverse range of tools. These tools vary significantly in design and function, from simple handheld containers to complex automated systems. The choice depends on the garden’s scale, the plant’s specific needs, and the gardener’s desire for precision or automation. Understanding these different waterers helps ensure plants receive the proper moisture level without the risk of over or under-watering.
The Classic Answer: The Watering Can
The watering can is the historical and most recognizable answer to what a plant waterer is called. Its design has remained largely consistent since the term first appeared in 1692, though precursors existed as far back as A.D. 79 in Roman culture. The modern version typically consists of a main vessel, a handle, and a spout.
A defining feature is the “rose” or sprinkler head, a perforated cap at the end of the spout. This attachment breaks the steady stream of water into a shower-like spray, preventing water pressure from disturbing delicate soil, dislodging seeds, or damaging fragile seedlings. Removing the rose allows for a concentrated stream, necessary for deep, targeted root watering in established plants.
Watering cans are broadly categorized by their intended use, primarily indoor versus outdoor. Outdoor versions are constructed from durable materials like galvanized steel or thick plastic and feature larger capacities, often 5 to 10 liters. This reduces the need for frequent refills over large garden beds, and their sturdier construction supports the weight of the water and helps them withstand exposure to the elements.
Indoor watering cans are designed for precision and maneuverability in confined spaces. These models are smaller, typically 0.5 to 1 liter, and often feature a long, slender spout. This specialized spout allows the gardener to reach the soil beneath dense foliage and deliver water directly to the root zone without splashing leaves, which prevents fungal diseases.
Specialized Manual Tools for Plant Hydration
Beyond the classic can, numerous handheld tools provide controlled hydration for specialized gardening tasks. Handheld misters and spray bottles apply a fine, vaporized layer of water to leaves, useful for cleaning foliage and briefly raising localized humidity around tropical houseplants. A quality mister produces fine droplets that evaporate quickly, reducing the risk of fungal issues that can arise from prolonged moisture.
For highly targeted watering, particularly in small containers, pipettes and squeeze bottles are preferred. These tools deliver minute, measured volumes of water directly to the soil, bypassing sensitive foliage like African violets or hydrating small succulents and terrarium plantings. A long-handled water ladle or scoop also allows gardeners to pour water into deep pots or hanging baskets without straining, providing a mid-size solution between a can and a hose.
Passive and Automated Plant Watering Systems
A final category includes systems that operate automatically or passively, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention. Self-watering planters and wick systems rely on capillary action. These systems use a wick or soil column to draw water upward from a reservoir, continuously moistening the root zone as the plant uses water. This sub-irrigation method maintains a consistent moisture level, ideal for plants that thrive in perpetually damp conditions.
Watering globes and terracotta spikes are slow-release devices that provide a set volume of water over days or weeks. A watering globe releases water as the surrounding soil dries out, allowing air to enter the globe’s neck and creating a vacuum-release effect. Terracotta spikes operate similarly, using their porous clay walls to slowly wick water from an attached reservoir into the soil.
Larger-scale systems like residential drip irrigation use a network of tubing, emitters, and a pressure regulator to deliver water directly to the base of each plant. This micro-irrigation technique is highly efficient, achieving 90% water efficiency by minimizing evaporation and directing a slow, steady flow right to the root zone. Drip systems are often paired with a timer to automate the process entirely, ensuring consistent hydration with minimal runoff.