Ollas
The olla regulates water flow according to each plant's needs
You love your plants. You really do. But between life, your plans and that series you still haven’t finished, watering sometimes (often) slips your mind. That’s exactly why we created our ollas. These little terracotta objects, also called ollas, step in when your memory lets you down. And honestly, they do it in style.
A terracotta olla is a bit like a quiet companion for your houseplants. Fill it with water, place it in the pot, and it takes care of the rest. No guilt, no yellowing leaves giving you that look. Just happy plants and a lovely object that belongs in your home.
What is an olla for houseplants?
An olla — or oya — is a handmade terracotta water diffuser that you place directly in your plant’s pot. It’s actually one of the oldest self-watering systems around: evidence of its use in agriculture goes back thousands of years. What’s different about ours is that they’re designed entirely for your home, with thoughtful finishes that make them decorative objects in their own right.
Put simply, water passes very slowly through the microporous terracotta, via tiny pores you can’t see. Your plant takes a drink when it’s thirsty, without you having to do a thing. No programming, no sensors, no cables. Just porous ceramic and water. Simple, effective, elegant.
This automatic capillary watering system is particularly well suited to houseplants: it follows their natural rhythm, prevents too much or too little water, and fits discreetly into any pot.
How does this automatic watering system work?
The idea is as simple as it is clever. Microporous terracotta acts like a natural membrane: water inside the olla slowly passes through the porous ceramic wall and moistens the potting mix around the roots. Is your monstera thirsty? It takes a drink. Is your ficus doing fine? The water stays put. It’s micro-irrigation in its simplest form, with no technology involved.
A watering can delivers a big splash all at once — sometimes too much, sometimes not enough. This automatic watering system releases water continuously and gently, at just the pace your plant needs. The kind of care your plants deserve, without you needing a botany degree to give it to them.
The result: fewer roots rotting from too much water, fewer leaves dropping from a lack of hydration. And, best of all, real peace of mind for you.
The everyday benefits of ollas
Let’s keep it practical. In the morning, you walk past your plant and glance at the olla. If it’s empty, fill it with water. If it’s still full, get back to your coffee. That’s the whole instruction manual.
Usually, filling your self-watering system once a week is enough — but that can change with the season and how thirsty your plant is. In summer, when it’s hot and the soil dries out faster, you might need to top it up twice. In winter, some ollas easily last ten days. You’ll soon get into the rhythm, no overthinking required.
And then there are the times when automatic watering for houseplants feels downright essential:
Holidays: fill your olla before you leave and it will release water gradually while you’re away. Depending on the plant and the season, that can last a whole week — sometimes longer.
Busy weeks: when your mind is elsewhere, your plants stay hydrated without you having to think about it.
Long weekends: no need to ask your neighbour to water your plants while you’re away.
And between us, an olla isn’t just an accessory to hide in a pot. It’s a beautiful object that peeks out from the foliage, adding a touch of colour or texture. We choose one as much for how it looks as for what it does.
Which olla should you choose for your plants?
Good news: choosing is really simple. The only practical thing to consider is your pot size. After that, it’s all about style. You can explore our full range of ollas on our website: www.pepinplantcare.com
Mini ollas for small plants
Is your pot less than 15 cm across? Mini ollas are made for it. Perfect for little plants on a shelf or windowsill, they fit into smaller spaces without compromising on effectiveness.
Our Trio Mini Ollas is ideal for taking care of several small plants at once. Fancy a little whimsy? The Trio Mini Ollas - The Lovers is our favourite for gifting (to someone else or yourself — we don’t judge), while the Trio Mini Ollas - The Striped Ones brings a bit of pep to a whole collection of little plants.
Classic ollas for medium and large plants
Is your pot 15 cm across or more? Any of our classic ollas will fit right in. For the biggest pots, the Olla Terracotta does the job in style: its natural colour works with any décor, while its raw terracotta nods to the ancient roots of this watering method.
If you prefer something more understated, the Olla Grainy White slips into minimalist interiors with its soft, almost mineral texture. For fans of bolder décor, the Olla Leopard won’t go unnoticed in a pot — and that’s exactly the point. The Olla Heart is perfect for anyone who puts love into everything (even their plant pots). And the Olla Pink and Red Stripes adds a pop of colour to any foliage.
Want to take care of several plants at once, or looking for an original gift? Our Ollas Duo and Ollas x4 pack are just the thing.
When it comes down to it, choosing your olla is a bit like choosing a piece of décor. You go for what you love, what suits your home, what makes you smile when you walk past. And if you can’t decide, get a few. Your plants won’t complain.
Your questions about ollas
What is an olla?
An olla (also called an olla) is a handmade terracotta water diffuser that you place directly in your plant’s pot. The porous ceramic lets water seep through ever so slowly, so your plant can drink when it’s thirsty. No programming, no sensors, just terracotta and water. The idea is as old as the hills, and it still works beautifully.
Do ollas really work?
Yes — and it’s not just us saying so. The principle of porous ceramic releasing water has been used in agriculture for thousands of years. The practical benefit? This self-watering system helps prevent both overwatering (rotting roots) and underwatering (leaves looking a bit sorry for themselves). Your plants get just what they need, even when you forget. Especially when you forget. As a bonus, this capillary watering method uses less water than conventional watering: the water goes straight where it’s needed instead of evaporating from the surface.
We’d rather be honest with you. There are a few things to bear in mind with ollas: they cost a little more upfront than a simple watering can. For the first few days, it helps to keep an eye on the water level while you learn how much your plant drinks. And for very small plants in pots under 8 cm, even our mini ollas may be too big. In every other case, they do exactly what they’re meant to.
How do you use ollas to water plants?
Three steps, no more:
1. Push the olla into your plant’s potting mix, pointed end down, leaving the neck above the surface.
2. Fill the olla right to the top with clean water.
3. Watch your plants grow with next to no effort!
It can keep your plant watered for up to 10 days, depending on its needs. In summer, you might need to top it up twice. In winter, some ollas last ten days or more. You’ll soon find the right rhythm.
What’s the most effective watering system?
There are several options: watering by hand, wick-fed reservoirs, electric drip systems... Among them, terracotta ollas stand out for their simplicity and natural approach. No electricity, no tubes, no programming. The porous ceramic watering system automatically adapts to what the plant actually needs, making it one of the gentlest and most water-efficient ways to care for houseplants.
How do you water plants while you’re on holiday?
That’s exactly the olla’s superpower. Fill it before you leave and it will release water gradually while you’re away. Depending on the plant and the season, this automatic holiday watering system can easily last a week — sometimes longer for plants that don’t need much water.
How do I care for my olla?
Rinse the olla with clean water now and then to remove any mineral deposits. And that’s it!
An olla lets you enjoy seeing your plants thrive without watering becoming a chore. A beautiful terracotta object, one simple step each week, and plants that never hold a grudge. All that’s left is to choose your colour.