Plants like seedlings, bonsai, and other delicate houseplants need a special watering can.
They need a much gentler sprinkle because they have delicate leaves and are usually potted in small pots where too much water at once can flood, splash and overflow, and the soil could be hydrophobic and compacted with difficulty in absorbing water.
The best watering cans should have long, thin spouts with fine nozzles and a diagonal rose to distribute water in a gentle sprinkle. It should be durable and have a capacity of ½ to 1 gallon (1.9 to 3.8 liters).
However, it is not easy to find a watering can with these features.
We have reviewed 7 watering cans and found the best ones to give a gentle sprinkle.
Quick Summary
Watering Can | Features |
Editor's Pick 1. Nerub   | Pros: - long spout - diagonal-cut, removable showerhead - no leakage at the sprinkler - 1 gallon (3.8 liter) capacity - durable plastic - affordable Cons: none |
Best metallic watering can 2. Yowo   | Pros: - Long spout Cons: - Expensive |
Best value 3. Layboo   | Pros: - Long spout Cons: - Plastic |
4. Homarden   | Pros: - made of copper - attractive - removable spinkler head - 0.6 gallon (2.4 liters) capacity Cons: - galvanized metal can rust outside - relatively more expensive |
5. Bosmere   | Pros: - Long wand Cons: - Small (2 3/4 cup capacity) |
6. Ebristar   | Pros: - Wide mouth Cons: - Cheap appearance |
7. Tennedriv   | Pros: - 34 liquid oz (1 liter) capacity Cons: - No rose, so no option for sprinkling |
How to select a good watering can?
To find a good watering can that gives a gentle sprinkle, you need to check the following features:
Nozzle
A good watering can for bonsai should have a nozzle with small holes through which water gently sprinkles through.
This is to ensure that the water does not overflow out of the small pots. Also, this helps water to slowly seep through the soil, especially if the soil has become compacted. This is especially common for succulents where the soil often turns hydrophobic and does not absorb water easily because it is dried out in between waterings.
Ideally, the nozzle will also be removable, in order to easily rinse out any dirt or debris that may get stuck inside. It is also recommended to regularly rinse out your watering can, including the nozzle, sprout, and can itself to prevent the buildup of any dirt.
Rose
The rose is the “shower head” of a watering can that helps distribute water from the spout. It should be removable to clean out the dirt accumulated inside.
It also comes in two varieties: the round cut and diagonal cut. A good rose should have a diagonal cut because it releases water gently and evenly. On the other hand, the round cut releases water straight out at a stronger pressure which can splash soil out of small pots.
Spout
The Spout – also called the wand – is the long tube that attaches to the reservoir of the can. A good watering can for delicate plants should have a long spout, measuring twice as long as the can.
Having a watering can with a long spout has two main benefits:
- it helps get water to the hard-to-reach areas, especially if you have many pots and you need to reach to those in the back.
- it prevents high-pressure water from splashing on the soil because the water takes longer to travel out of the spout.
Capacity
For indoor use, we believe that the best size should be between ½ to 1 gallon (1.9 to 3.8 liters).
Smaller than that would require many refills and bigger than that would be too heavy to hold and take a lot of indoor space to keep.
Small watering cans are always more versatile, especially for indoor plants. And small cans can easily be placed on a windowsill or shelf.
But ultimately, the right size depends on how many plants you have.
Material
A good watering can should be made of materials such as stainless steel, copper, or may be durable plastic.
Stainless steel is valued because it is lightweight and resistant to rust.
Copper watering cans have an attractive golden look and can keep the water inside from rotting or growing harmful bacteria due to the metal’s antibacterial properties. However, it is more expensive than other materials.
Plastic watering cans, especially if it is made of durable plastic, may work in the short term, but be aware that plastic breaks down after a few years and becomes brittle and malformed especially if left out in the sun.
Watering Can Reviews
1. Nerub – Editor’s pick
The Nerub watering can is our favorite. It features a long spout, with a removable shower head that is made out of metal and has a diagonal cut to release a gentle sprinkle.
It has a good size of 1 gallon capacity and is made of durable plastic.
It is decent looking, practical and is affordable.
It has a handle that is comfortable to hold and pour.
It has also received the highest number of positive reviews by customers.
Our verdict: 5 out of 5
2. Yowo – Best metallic watering can
This watering is made of stainless steel. Not only is it durable and resistant to rust, it also has an attractive retro look.
It features a long, thin spout, making it easy to get to hard-to-reach places.
It holds 1/2 gallon (1.9 liters) and comes with two removable fine nozzles that help ensure a gentle, consistent water flow.
The only downside is that the sprinkler head is plastic and has a round cut. It is also one of the pricier cans on our list.
But for those who want a metallic and attractive watering can, this would be the best choice.
Our verdict: 5 out of 5
3. Layboo – Best value
The plastic Layboo watering can features a long spout that is 13 inches (33 cm) long and a removable rose with a diagonal cut that can rotate 360 degrees.
It can hold 1/2 gallon (1.9 liters) and comes in five attractive pastel colors.
Its compact size and attractive design make this can great for setting out on display on a table, shelf, or windowsill.
While it’s made of plastic, the plastic is durable and high-grade, meaning it won’t degrade as easily as other plastics.
The only downside could be that the design may not be considered attractive.
However, it serves its practical purpose and is also very affordable.
Our verdict: 4.5 out of 5
4. Homarden
This metallic watering can features an attractive retro look.
It has a removable sprinkle head and a good capacity of 0.6 gallon (2.4 liters).
However, unlike the Yowo watering can, this one is galvanized zinc with copper paint. If it is left outside, it has been reported to rust after a few months of use.
It is also a bit more expensive than the other watering cans.
verdict: 3.5 out of 5
5. Bosmere
Bosmere’s watering can features a rust-proof rose with a diagonal cut to release a consistent, gentle sprinkle for delicate plants. It can also be removed and attached to the spout when not in use, making sure that it doesn’t get lost.
The wide mouth makes it easy to refill.
It comes with an attractive design in various colors and is made of durable plastic.
It is also affordable.
The only downside is that it only holds 2 3/4 cups, or 700 milliliters, making it suitable only for those with only a few plants or seed trays that do not need much water.
Our verdict: 4 out of 5
6. Ebristar
The Ebristar has a 1-gallon capacity and is made of plastic.
The removable parts make cleaning and assembly easier, and the rose rotates 360 degrees. The rose is made of rust-proof stainless steel with fine holes.
However, the plastic has been reported to be not very durable and broke after some use. The handle is also said to be not very comfortable to hold.
Our verdict: 3 out of 5
7. Tennedriv
This is a compact watering can with a sleek, modern design that makes it perfect to set out on display.
It has a removable stainless steel spout and has a capacity of 34 fluid ounces (1 liter).
It is also affordable.
Although it receives a high number of positive reviews, it doesn’t have a sprinkler head, which may not be suitable for watering delicate plants.
Our verdict: 3 out of 5
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