1. Select whether you measure in US or metric systems.
2. Choose your plant type (or closest match). Don't forget to select the corresponding thirst level box.
3. Select or enter your plant's primary conditions like light, soil, pot size, etc. 
4. Get your exact watering recommendation in seconds.
   
5. Get a recommendation of how many Cowbell Minis or Cowbell Classics your plant will need for 2+ weeks.
   

Pro tip: Your calculator result shows the ideal Cowbell Mini/Classic setup and quantity for your plant's unique variables for ~2 weeks. If you do not water with Cowbells, we recommend splitting the water estimate in half and watering once a week.

Latest app updates & bug fixes

Sep 02, 2025 Update Version 1.2: Fixed if plant type is unknown and smaller than 6" pot. 

Aug 30, 2025 Update Version 1.1: Fixed missing hardiness zones, and fixed expanded zip code inputs for US customers. 

We are constantly working to make this app better! If you detect any bugs, or have any feedback, please let us know in the chat (you'll see a chat icon floating on the bottom right of the screen) and that will reach our engineer.  

Works for these plants (and hundreds more)

Medium Thirst: Christmas Cactus, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Ficus, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ivy, Money Tree, Peperomia, Philodendron, Pilea (Chinese Money Plant), Pothos, Maranta (Prayer Plant), Rubber Tree, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, ZZ Plant

Low Thirst: Cacti and succulents such as Aloe, Euphorbia, Firestick, Jade Plant, Lithops, Ponytail Palm, Strings of Pearls/Dolphins/Turtles

Thirsty: Most tropical plants, herbs & vegetables, fruit trees and patio flowering annuals/perennials fall under this category, including African Violet, Aroids (e.g. Alocasias, Anthuriums, Caladiums), Begonia, Bird of Paradise, Calathea, Clerodendrum, Croton, Fittonia (Nerve Plant), Fruit Trees (Potted), Fern (e.g. Asparagus, Birds Nest, Boston, Maidenhair), Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Impatiens, Monstera, Orchids, Palms (Parlor), Peace Lily, Tradescantia (Wandering Jewel)

Pro tip: If your plant isn’t listed, choose the closest match from the drop-down menus based on approximate thirst levels (e.g., “medium thirst", "low thirst", or "thirsty").

Key watering inputs for the calculator 

• Indoors vs Outdoors: Outdoor plants drink more on average than indoor plants

• Light: Brighter light means faster evaporation and more growth → more water.

• Pot Size: Larger pots require more moisture to evenly water all the roots.

• Pot Material: Unglazed terracotta wicks moisture faster than plastic because the pores absorb more water than glazed ceramic pots.

• Soil & drainage: A well-draining mix may evaporate faster or allow water to drain into a cache pot during watering. A denser substrate might retain water longer.

• Season & climate: Growth slows in winter or low light; dry, warm rooms (or AC/heat) speed up drying.

Note: These are not exhaustive and many variables such as humidity, proximity to a radiator or window, fertilization, plant age, and root strength/health all contribute widely to how much water your plant needs.

Why pair your result with Cowbell?

Traditional watering is guesswork. Cowbell uses a pressure-regulated, on-demand system so roots draw just what they need without an exact watering schedule—often extending the time between refills to 2+ weeks. Perfect for busy schedules and travel, and a lifesaver for over- or under-waterers.

Recommendation: Your calculator result shows the ideal Cowbell Mini/Classic setup and quantity for your plant's unique variables for ~2 weeks. If you do not water with Cowbells, we recommend splitting the water estimate in half and watering once a week.

All Cowbells are in stock and ready to ship same day from our Florida headquarters if ordered before noon ET!