Self-Watering Planter (Semi-Hydro Pot)

Introduction

Here is a collection of flower pots to use with inexpensive nursery pots, whether transparent or not. They can be used in a semi-hydroponic setup, with or without a wick. Any type of substrate can be used (organic, pon, LECA, pumice, bark and moss, etc.).

Models

The pots come in two versions: one with a window to view the water level in the reservoir, and one without. The window can be printed in translucent plastic or made from clear resin.

The different models are organized into folders corresponding to the inner pot models they are designed to be used with.
The name of each print file details the model’s characteristics:

• D for the internal diameter of the pot at the top, in millimeters

• H for the height of the pot, in millimeters

• Win or NoWin for with or without a window

Inner Pot Models

I bought my inner pots on AliExpress. Here are their references and a link to help you find them, as long as it remains valid. This is not a recommendation of any particular seller, just for reference. I advise you to compare prices and ratings from different vendors.

• Clear Nursery Pot: 36 Packs 6.7/5/4/3.5 Inch Reinforced Clear Nursery Pots with Drainage Hole, Transparent Variety Pack Plastic Plant Pot Seedling  - (16,49€ in 2025)

• Plain Nursery Pot: Flower Pot Plastic Grow Box Fall Resistant Tray For Home Garden Plants Nursery Cup Transplant Flower Plant Pots E2 - 12cm-20pcs (3,47€ in 2025)

• Orchid Meshpot: 20/1x Meshpot Clear Plastic Orchid Pots Root Control Breathable Growth Flowerpot with Drainage Hole Garden Desktop Orchid Pot - 14x12cm-10pcs (9,29€ in 2025)

Printing tips

These models can be printed using any type of plastic you prefer (I tested them with PLA, PETG, and ABS). I recommend following the guidelines available here: https://blog.prusa3d.com/watertight-3d-printing-pt1-vases-cups-and-other-open-models_48949/

The print settings I used are as follows:

• Layer high: 0.25

• Line width: 0.46

• Wall: 3 layers

• Shell: top 4, bottom 3 layers

• Surface pattern: Archimedean Chords

• Support: No

I recommend testing the watertightness for at least 24 hours. If the pot leaks, it can be made watertight by sealing any printing defects with glue or by applying a resin coating to the inner surface.

Window

If you choose to print a model with a window to see the water level in the tank, you have two options:

• Print the window using translucent plastic and glue it into place

• Pour a small amount of transparent resin directly into the slot

Printing the window

I do this using transparent PETG, I haven’t tried other types of plastic.

Choose the print file that matches the size of your flower pot. The first number in the file name corresponds to the inner diameter of the transparent pot, and the second to the length of the straight section of the window (all in mm). The orchid meshpot and the seedling plain pot both use the 50 mm window.

Print setting (using OrcaSlicer):

• Layer high: 0.20

• First Layer high: 0.25

• Line width: 0.46

• First Layer width: 0.65Print setting (using OrcaSlicer):

• Wall: 3 layers

• Shell: top 4, bottom 1 layer

• Bottom Surface Pattern: Rectilinear

• Support: No (ignore warning)

To glue it, I use cyanoacrylate glue. Simply place the pot horizontally with the window slot facing downward, apply glue into the inner groove all around, and position the printed window from the inside. 

Resin window

I use UV resin for 3D printing, but other types of single- or two-component resin should also work.
To do this, seal the window slot on the outside with adhesive tape. If you plan to apply a textured surface, make sure to leave a smooth area around the slot or use another method to seal it.
Then, with the flower pot positioned horizontally and the window slot facing downward, fill it with resin. Allow any bubbles to escape, then cure it with UV light if needed, or let the resin set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.