Any GCSE Science certificate holder knows that for our planet’s plants to photosynthesize and thus survive, sun is of the utmost importance.
The other essential element required to make these lush, green, oxygen-producing marvels thrive is the stuff of all life: water. That wonderfully flowing, crystal-clear sustenance that no living organism can go without which keeps our plants, food sources and physical beings from wilting away.
From the first Homo sapiens and ancient civilisations to the modern day, human beings have developed ingenious systems and devices to ensure the health and wealth of crops. In fact, the first irrigation system can be traced all the way back to 6000 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Developed in response to the yearly flooding of the Nile, these ancient civilisations created a means to divert the excess water into nearby crop fields.
Later, Roman civilisations were also believed to bring certain plants inside their homes for decoration, some of which are the very same species that are popular amongst modern horticulturalists today – ferns, palm trees and laurel trees. Likewise, in ancient China, potted plants were shown off by budding gardeners in exhibitions over 2,500 years ago. As such, our historical friends also had to develop an innovative, sustainable means to keep indoor plants watered, healthy and happy.
Roman watering cans - otherwise known as Chantepleures, thumb watering pots or watering bells - were used before the invention of modern watering cans. These jug-shaped, earthenware vessels are enclosed except for a small opening atop the vessel’s narrow spout, and a series of perforated holes at the bottom.
Designed to be partially submerged in a pool of water, these antiquarian watering cans soak up liquid so long as one’s thumb is placed on the top hole. To release a hefty shower of water, simply remove your thumb from the vessel’s top, et voilà, you’ve created your very own miniature rain shower.
Embrace antiquity by purchasing your very own watering bell, and watch your plants thrive. We’ve rounded up a selection of the best on the market for you to dip your feet into.
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Terracotta Thumb Watering Pot
Handmade by Bristol-based sculptor and ceramicist Steve Maddicks, this Toast-exclusive piece embraces traditional 16th-century Chantepleure designs. Crafted from terracotta with a natural, unglazed finish, this slightly larger than usual watering bell is made easy to carry between houseplants and kitchen garden crops thanks to the large handle connecting the bottom of the vessel to the top of the thumb hole.
Buy now £35.00, Toast
Chantepleure watering can
The French horticulturalists at Bacsac are constantly taking inspiration from gardening methods used in the past, this gorgeous, butternut squash-shaped watering bell is as much a design feature as it is a practical must-have accessory for anyone with green thumbs.
Due to the slightly thinner spout and wider base, this watering bell is designed for use with the index finger, rather than the thumb –making it a perfect option for gardeners with weaker opposable digits.
Buy now £72.85, Finnish Design Shop
Watering Bell Thumb Pot, Juniper Berry Blue
Glazed to perfection, these remarkably blueberry-like watering bells are almost reminiscent of Violet Beauregarde’s antics in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Handcrafted by a mother-daughter duo based in Ohio in the US, AntB Pottery creates watering bells in just about every colour of the rainbow – though we were particularly drawn to these delightful Juniper Chantepleures.
Buy now £41.43, Etsy
Cloud Girl Watering Bell
Currently available for pre-order, you might have to wait a little while before receiving your very own Cloud Girl watering bell, but it will certainly be worth it.
Designed in Tilburg in the Netherlands and crafted with stoneware clay, high-quality glazes and gold lustre, Studio Meleon’s luxurious designs are fully functional works of art. We adore how this bell has embraced the rain-shower effect it produces with its perfectly fluffy cloud shape and golden lightning, raindrop and sun motifs.
Buy now £202.00, Studio Meloen
Cute Watering Bell for House Plants
This is an ideal option for collectors of small succulents and miniature plants. The adorable smiling dumpling watering bell is sustainably made and more durable than fragile clay and terracotta options. Clumsy plant-lovers will rejoice for this biobased PLA Chantepleure which certainly won’t break if accidentally dropped.
Buy now £20.45, Etsy
Esschert Design Thumb Watering Can
As traditional as it gets, this classic terracotta watering bell is a great mid-sized option for gardeners tending to medium-sized houseplants and home-grown herbs.
Buy now £51.00, Amazon
