Part of being a Houseplant Addict is filling your home with plants. Part of keeping plants in your home is finding the right pot for each one. Everyone has their own style. Some people try to create a uniform look with the same style of planter throughout their home. Some people hunt for the perfect pot for each plant. Some enjoy mixing and matching their collection. Let’s explore how to choose the perfect pot or planter!
There are so many varieties and designs of pots, you might find it difficult to figure out which one is the right one for you. It helps to know a bit about what each option offers. We put together a list to help you decide what type of pot will be best for you and your plants.
Table of Contents
Terracotta
Terracotta pots are porous clay pots with a distinctive color, the ones that come to mind when you think ‘flower pot.” The clay used to make them is very porous, so the soil will dry out faster. This makes them ideal for plants that don’t like to get their feet wet for long periods of time, such as succulents, rather than ones that are very thirsty.
Ceramic
Glazed ceramic pots are beautiful, in a wide range of colors and designs. Some are glazed on the inside, making them non-porous, while others have fired clay interiors. While the fired clay does soak up some water, it is less porous than unfired clay like terra cotta. Ceramic pots can be heavy, which helps to keep top heavy plants from toppling over. They can be a bit pricey, especially if they are hand-thrown, but these are works of art in their own right.
Plastic
Most nurseries use plastic nursery pots, as they are pretty cheap and simple. That doesn’t mean they’re the only option out there for plastic pots! Plastic pots can come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs. Plastic doesn’t wick up any moisture, making it important to have proper drainage to avoid root rot. Plants that need a lot of water, especially ones that are considered “drama queens,’ do very well in pots like these.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pots are made from a blend of glass fibers and resin. They are durable and lightweight, and offer similar properties to plastic pots. They are often molded to resemble terra cotta or stone, without the weight or fragility of these materials. In some cases, the manufacturers will even mix in some other materials to make a more pleasing texture.
Wood
Wood planters can be attractive, but will soak up any water put in them unless they are sealed. While this is an excellent option for a rustic look, be sure that you have lined the inside or sealed it off properly to ensure it doesn’t rot. For a similar natural look, bamboo is also an excellent and versatile option for pots.
Metal
Perfect for the trendy farmhouse look, metal planters are strong and durable. They don’t offer a lot of insulation and can heat up in warm weather, which may damage roots. Metals such as aluminum don’t rust and can offer an attractive look without requiring a lot of work.
If you’re using an older pot or you aren’t sure what type of metal it is, make sure to treat it with an anti-rust coating. Older metal containers may contain lead, so be careful if you have pets, children, or plan to grow food in them.
Concrete
Concrete is an attractive modern option for planting. Like terra cotta, concrete is porous so water is not retained for long periods of time. Concrete is high in lime, which can be lethal to some plants. If not properly cured, concrete can affect the pH levels of your soil.
If you decide to use a concrete planter or pot, plan ahead for where you put it. Concrete is heavy, so moving it after it is set up can be a challenge.
Which kind of pots are your favorite? Did we miss a type of pot that you are in love with? Have a pot or two you want to share with the world? Let us know in the comment section and check out more green reads on the Houseplant Addicts blog!
Excellent information ☺️!!!