Abstract: Inserts and liners are provided to form self watering systems for potted plants which optimize delivery of the water to the plants and which minimize the time and labor required to maintain the plants. The system also allows the plant to be transplanted to a larger pot without damaging the integrity of the plant or the self watering system. The system consists of an insert and a liner. In each of the preferred embodiments, an insert is provided which can be placed in a pot of any size to provide a self watering system. In the preferred embodiment, the insert is formed from a walled containing device separated into first and second compartments by a barrier extending inwardly from the perimeter of the walled containing device. The first compartment has a greater diameter than the second compartment and has orifices adjacent the barrier along its perimeter. The roots grow through the orifices into the second compartment which contains water.