ARIANA COLLECTION by Bloem: The Ariana planter will quickly become one of your favorite pots because it helps keep your plants from drying out and will reduce the time you spend watering. Inside the planter there is a hidden reservoir located at the bottom of your pot and holds approx. 1?-3.5? (depending on planter size) of water. This self-watering insert keeps dirt and roots above the hidden reservoir while constantly providing healthy ?greenhouse-like? moisture through the evaporation process. How a Self-Watering Planter Works: When big drainless pots are given more water than the plant can use right away, the water settles to the bottom and the potting mix begins to rot, eventually becoming a stinky, waterlogged mess that will kill plant roots. But inside Bloem's self-watering planter, the potting mix is held above the water line by a sturdy screen. The water chamber is connected by small porous channel filled with soil, which then acts as a wick. As water is used by the plant or evaporates from the surface of the soil, capillary action draws more water up from below. The soil has just the right amount of water all the time, but also maintains air pockets, which the plant roots need to stay healthy. Save you time by reducing watering frequency and provides a consistent water supply that helps plants thrive Perfect solution for going on vacation and busy schedules Potting mix is held above water chamber and connected by small porous channels filled with soil which act like a water wick through the evaporation process Top width 17.75" (x) base width 9" (x) 13.75" height Matte finish is perfect for resisting scratches, dirt, and fingerprints 100% UV stabilized polypropylene plastic ensures long lasting color and withstands extreme weather conditions + BPA free When to add drainage holes? While various kinds of plants have different drainage needs, few can tolerate sitting in stagnate water for extended periods of time. If exposed to intense periods of rainfall or storms, your soil may not be able to absorb or evaporate the water fast enough. When the pot is in an unsheltered location we recommend punching out drainage holes. The process is extremely quick and easy with the right tools. Flip pot upside down and locate areas marked ?X? for recommended hole locations. Then punch out holes by using either a drill with a drill bit or a hammer and a nail. The process should only take a minute or two, then the pot will be ready to fill with potting soil and plants of your choice.