Mini Ollas keep houseplants happy and hydrated and look cute, too!
11.6.2026
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
Fill the terracotta cones with water, pop them in your plants and put your feet up. Sound too good to be true? I put Pepin’s self-irrigation system for indoor plants to the test and ended up falling in love with the little helpers.
«A gift straight to the heart» is how the Pepin brand describes its Mini Ollas. And they’re right. As soon as I peeled the three bulbous clay cones out of their gift wrap, they sparked joy immediately. How couldn’t you fall in love with these adorable little plant-watering terracotta teardrops?
The Mini Ollas are certainly decorative, but are they practical, too?
What to expect
My friend warns me upfront. She owns a few of these water dispensers and knows that the cones are meant to be an addition, not a substitute during longer absences. Good to know. I now have a specific job for my Ollas.
For example, to hydrate the few ultra-thirsty plants in my apartment that droop if they’re not constantly watered. My weekly watering session just isn’t enough for them. And that’s exactly where the Ollas come in handy. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, the diffusers are suitable for houseplants with pot diameters under 20 centimetres. That works for my pot plants.
How the Mini Ollas work
The water distributors are ready in no time. Insert the tapered end of the cone into the pot so that only the glazed upper half is peeking out of the soil. Next, fill the cones with water and seal the tops with a cork. The porous part that’s buried in the soil will give off water to the plant in an even manner over the next few days.
How much water fits in a Mini Olla?
The Minis are roughly twelve centimetres long and six centimetres thick at their widest point. Place the clay cone upright and fill it to the point where the cork no longer touches the water and you have a capacity of about 120 millilitres. Pepin also has other sizes and designs.
How long does the system water your plants?
Depending on the location and plant, the containers are empty after three to four days. While water runs through the soil quite quickly when you water your plants in the standard fashion, this method keeps the soil constantly nice and moist. At least my plants seem to like it a lot. I can tell by looking at their healthy-looking upright leaves. Especially my philodendron has been producing one new leaf after another ever since. Yay!
Thoughts on aesthetics
I love playful details that turn my home into a busy book. Pepin’s water dispensers don’t immediately catch your eye, but when they do, they definitely pique visitors’ curiosity. In any case, they prettify pot plants and add touches of colour where you wouldn’t expect it.
In a nutshell
A handy addition to my watering routine
Pepin’s irrigation system won’t be able to replace you when you’re on holidays. However, they do serve a specific purpose in my home: I use the cones to keep the soil evenly moist between my weekly watering sessions without the risk of waterlogging. Of course, this only makes sense for houseplants that thrive in hydrated soil.
Refilling the containers requires minimal effort. Thanks to the Ollas, I no longer have to water my plants every other day or put up with sad, drooping leaves. These little helpers are definitely good to have – both in terms of form and function. They’re also a great gift idea for colourful plant lovers.
Pro
- Playful design
- Prevents waterlogging
- Perfect for plants that prefer moist soil
- Quick and easy to use
- Does its job for up to four days depending on the plant and location
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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