You don’t necessarily need a beautiful, ergonomic watering can to keep your potted plants alive. But it doesn’t hurt to have one.

While any old pitcher or repurposed soup can could do the job, it’s not as much fun to use — so you may not be inclined to use it as often. And a good watering helps deliver the right amount of water to the right place while reducing spills.

“One of the perks of having a watering can is that it gives you a little more directionality with your watering,” said Lisa Muñoz, an interior plant designer and the founder of Leaf and June, based in Brooklyn.

For small indoor pots, a watering can with a narrow spout provides pinpoint accuracy. For larger containers, one with a rain shower rose can deliver a gentle spray. A model with a removable rose can do it all.