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 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 they are 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
- WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN YOU HAVE: Watering can features an extra-long spout that makes it easy to water plants. One-piece construction that reduces the risk of leaks. Watering can for outdoor plants is sweet, sleek, and attractive in all the right ways to make your garden happy.
- UPGRADED SHOWER HEADS NO LEAKAGE: Watering pitcher for outdoor plants spout or rain shower watering perfectly. Just remove the rose petal if you want to water quick. Watering can 1 gallon with sprinkler head has a good gasket so there is no leakage, and that head can also be removed.
- STURDY WELL DESIGNED WATERING CAN: If you're looking for a sturdy, well designed, lightweight and practical watering can for your indoor and outdoor plants that doesn't spill everywhere, buy this. Garden watering can 1 gallon from NERUB fits the bill.
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE ESSENTIAL GARDEN HELPER: Plant watering can made from sturdy shatterproof plastic and is built to last. Gallon watering can has a balanced handle design for comfortable carrying and pouring. The one gallon size is about the maximum capacity comfortable for carrying.
- PERFECT WATER CAPACITY FOR PATIO: Watering can 1 gallon pours out evenly. Makes watering plants and garden much easier, especially in hot spells. The one thing you particularly like is that watering pot holds a lot of water, easy to carry and the shower is very gentle so it doesn't break the delicate plants.
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 from customers.
Our verdict: 5 out of 5
2. Yowo – Best metallic watering can
- HIGH-QUALLTY FINISH: Made of rust-proof stainless steel, the watering can is protected from wear and rust, lasting for indoor and outdoor use.
- EASY TO FILL: Its semi-open top and 2L capacity makes filling up the watering can a more convenient and less tedious task.
- PUT ON DISPLAY: A watering can that doesn’t need to be put away, it can be displayed and kept out of cabinets, making an eye-catching statement even when not in use.
- CIRCLE HANDLE: The watering can’s circle handle let you hold the can at any angle to reach into your plants with ease.
- REMOVABLE SPOUT: Removable spray spout creates a gentle shower of water to leave mulch and soil undisturbed, perfect for young seedlings.
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
- Made of light and durable materials , no odor.
- Suitable for cleaning and garden use
- To adapt to the daily needs of home gardening, your family is a good helper.
- Can be used in the temperature of minus 20 degrees to 100 degrees
- Pale colours ,concise and easy appearance suitable for every family
The plastic watering can by Layboo 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 watering 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
- Effortless Watering - Keep your indoor and outdoor plants thriving with this Homarden metal watering can. Holding 81 oz of water, it's perfect for small house plants too, weighing only 0.57 kg.
- Built to Last - Crafted from high-quality galvanized steel, this bonsai watering can is rust-resistant and durable, ensuring long-lasting use for all your outdoor gardening needs.
- Versatile and User-Friendly - Our watering can features a multifunctional design with a removable spout and dual handle system, making it easy to use both indoors and outdoors.
- Convenient Refilling - Refilling is a breeze with the free-standing fill hole in these Homarden small watering cans for house plants. No more spills or mess.
- Stylish Decoration - With its attractive copper color and unique retro design, it adds beauty to your home or garden and thoughtful gift for plant lovers. Measuring 15.75H cm x 34.54L cm x 13.97W cm.
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
- PERFECT FOR INDOOR PLANTS – The Haws miniature watering can is a small, well-balanced, mini version of the classic haws watering can that is just the right size for watering succulents, orchids, African violets and seedlings.
- REMOVABLE BRASS FACED ROSE – Our rust-proof rose features precisely drilled holes for a consistent sprinkle when watering delicate plants or newly sprouted seedlings. You can also remove it for delivering fast doses of water to larger plants
- CONSISTENT FLOW – The Haws Mini Water Can features a long spout to provide a consistent, yet soft flow so you can avoid splashing and give each plant the exact amount of water that it needs.
- EASY TO USE FOR ALL AGES – Our lightweight watering can is perfect for all ages, even kids. The ergonomic handle and small capacity make it easy to fill and pour.
- Bosmere is a family owned business that has been bringing you fine British garden products for over 30 years. We believe everyone can be a gardener, but why not do it with finely crafted tools and products made to classic British standards?
This watering can by Bosmere 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
- 【Premium Materials】- Made of premium and durable plastic, thick wall of the kettle, anti-fall and compression, not easy to age or break, no odor.
- 【Long Spout with Shower Head】- With a detachable shower head, you can choose between a steady stream or a gentle shower. The long spout easy to reach hanging or wall mounted plants . Great for both indoor and outdoor plants.
- 【Large Capacity Watering Can】- The watering pot has a large water storage capacity of 1 Gallon/4 Liter, which can reduce the trouble of frequent fill water.
- 【Easy to Use and Clean】- Spout to comfortably water the plants at any height, detachable stainless steel spout, easy to clean.
- 【Multi-purpose Watering Can】- To adapt to the daily needs of home gardening, a good helper of your family is.
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
- Comfortable and Easily Use - The capacity is generous enough to water several plants before refilling. A high front lip prevents water from spilling from the top of the can during watering
- Long-Stem Spout - The spout is long and able to reach into plants that were difficult to water, no spills and no waste
- MEASUREMENT MARKING – Easy to check water level, eliminate any guess work
- TRANSLUCENT MATERIAL - The see-through design allows you to see when it needs to be cleaned or when the water is getting low
- MODERN DESIGN - Perfect for small house plants, desk plants/small potted, or for little kids to water his/her small potted bonsai. It's compact enough to sit in a small space on a shelf
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 a capacity of 34 fluid ounces (1 liter).
It is also affordable.
Although it received 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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