# IKEA's £2 self-watering pot keeps plants alive during summer holidays The VÅRDTRÄD range ensures your plants stay hydrated while you're away - **Source:** [Latest from Ideal Home in News](https://brifing.si/source/02eb50e1-30c6-4c23-9764-bbec266c1242) - **Published:** 2026-08-12 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/06787cab-3af3-483a-9cf9-ea7f7b5806ca ## Holiday plant care solved With heatwaves hitting the UK and summer holidays approaching, IKEA's £2 VÅRDTRÄD self-watering pots have become a lifesaver. Traditional watering methods fail when plants aren't clustered together. These pots offer an ideal solution for solitary plants. Their affordability and positive reviews make them stand out in the market. ## Innovative watering system Designed around the philosophy that 'Forgetting to water is human', VÅRDTRÄD pots feature an integrated reservoir and capillary wick system. Water stored in the base slowly travels upward through a fabric wick, mimicking drip irrigation. This delivers optimal moisture directly to roots, maintaining perfect hydration levels for days. ## Expert endorsement Sophie King, Garden Editor at Ideal Home, calls these pots 'absolute lifesavers': 'When I'm on holiday, I don't want my plants drying out. These take the weight off my shoulders - I can relax without garden worries. Worth every penny.' Professional approval adds credibility to the product's effectiveness. ## Proven user results The VÅRDTRÄD range boasts impressive 4.7/5 ratings. One user reports: 'Revived my dying aloe vera - now it's producing babies.' Another shares: 'My yellowing peace lily became healthy again.' Particularly praised by those who struggle with watering consistency, with many reporting miraculous plant recoveries. ## Size and design options Available in three sizes (9cm, 19cm, 24cm) with transparent and anthracite color options for indoor/outdoor use. The smallest starts at just £2, while 19cm and 24cm versions cost £5 and £7 respectively. This range offers budget-friendly choices for various plant needs and home aesthetics. ## Alternative purchasing options For those without IKEA access, similar products are available at B&Q and Amazon. B&Q's 3-pack sells for £12, while Bamworld's 6-pack costs £18. Verve's glazed terracotta pots provide more decorative alternatives. Most garden centers also stock comparable self-watering solutions. ## Ideal plant matches User testimonials confirm success with aloe vera, peace lilies, spider plants, and miniature roses - especially those sensitive to irregular watering. Some report reviving near-dead plants. While versatile, extra monitoring is advised for water-loving tropical species. The system adapts well to most common houseplants. ## Pre-holiday preparation Experts recommend transitioning plants 1-2 weeks before travel for system adaptation. Key steps include completely filling the reservoir and avoiding direct sunlight. With proper preparation, these pots can safely maintain plants for 10-14 day absences, letting travelers enjoy worry-free holidays. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.idealhome.co.uk/garden/houseplants/ikea-vardtrad-plant-pots — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._