Choosing the right planter might seem like a simple task — just find something pretty, drop in the plant, and you’re done, right? Not quite. The type, size, and material of the planter you choose can impact everything from your plant’s root health to how often you need to water.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to select the perfect planter for your space, your plant’s needs, and your personal style — so your green friend thrives in both health and looks.
Why Your Planter Choice Matters
A planter isn’t just a decorative container. It’s the environment where your plant’s roots live — and the right environment makes all the difference.
A good planter:
- Provides proper drainage
- Maintains ideal moisture levels
- Matches your plant’s growth habit
- Helps prevent root rot
- Complements your interior design
Let’s dive into the most important factors to consider.
1. Drainage Is Everything
The number one rule: Always choose a planter with a drainage hole — unless you’re using it as a decorative cover (more on that later). Without a drainage hole, excess water sits at the bottom of the pot, suffocating roots and leading to rot.
If you fall in love with a pot that doesn’t have drainage, you can:
- Drill a hole carefully (if the material allows)
- Use it as a cachepot — place your plant in a plastic nursery pot inside it, and remove it to water
Bonus tip: Always empty water from the saucer after watering.
2. Match the Size to the Plant
Too big? You risk overwatering and soggy soil. Too small? Your plant gets root-bound and stops growing.
Here’s how to get it right:
- When repotting, choose a pot that’s only 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) larger in diameter than the current one
- The depth should comfortably fit the roots with a bit of space to grow
- Don’t go “up” several sizes at once — it’s tempting, but can cause moisture issues
Tall plants may need heavier pots or wider bases to prevent tipping over.
3. Choose the Right Material
Each planter material has its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick guide:
Terracotta (clay)
- Pros: Breathable, natural look, great for preventing overwatering
- Cons: Dries out quickly, heavy, can crack in cold or when dropped
- Best for: Succulents, cacti, snake plants — anything that prefers dry soil
Ceramic (glazed)
- Pros: Stylish, retains moisture longer, available in many designs
- Cons: Usually heavier, can lack drainage if decorative
- Best for: Tropical or moisture-loving plants, indoors
Plastic
- Pros: Lightweight, affordable, comes in all sizes/colors
- Cons: Less breathable, can retain too much water if overwatered
- Best for: General use — especially if paired with good drainage and proper watering habits
Metal
- Pros: Sleek, modern look
- Cons: Can heat up in direct sun, may rust
- Best for: Decorative outer pots or cachepots
Concrete
- Pros: Durable, great for stability, stylish in modern spaces
- Cons: Very heavy, not great for shelves
- Best for: Large indoor plants like rubber tree, fiddle-leaf fig
Woven baskets (with liners)
- Pros: Boho look, lightweight, stylish
- Cons: Not waterproof unless lined properly
- Best for: Covering plastic pots or grouping plants
4. Consider the Plant’s Growth Habit
Different types of plants need different pot shapes.
Tall plants (like snake plants or dracaenas) do well in deeper pots with a stable base.
Trailing plants (like pothos or philodendron) look amazing in hanging planters or pots on high shelves.
Succulents and cacti with shallow roots prefer wide, shallow pots.
Aroids (monstera, philodendrons) like chunky, airy soil and benefit from pots that let roots breathe — terracotta or unglazed ceramic are perfect here.
5. Think About the Room and Style
Your planter should complement your interior design as much as it supports the plant.
Some ideas:
- Scandi/Minimalist: neutral ceramics, matte whites, soft grays
- Boho: woven baskets, terracotta, hanging planters
- Modern: sleek metal, geometric shapes, black or gold accents
- Rustic: stone, aged clay, concrete
- Colorful/eclectic: painted ceramics, mixed textures and patterns
Also, consider where your plant will live. A narrow shelf? Go with a small pot. Floor next to the sofa? A bold statement planter can anchor the space.
6. Watch the Weight
Planters can get heavy — especially with soil, water, and large plants inside. Keep this in mind if you’ll need to move your plant regularly or place it on furniture.
Plastic and baskets are best for lightweight needs, while concrete or ceramic is best for stable floor pots.
If you’re putting a large plant on a wooden floor, use a tray with felt pads underneath to protect the surface from moisture and scratches.
7. Don’t Forget About Repotting Access
Some pots are beautiful but hard to work with — like very narrow openings or deep, narrow containers that make removing the plant tricky.
Look for pots that:
- Allow for easy access to the soil
- Aren’t too deep for the plant’s root system
- Can be lifted or moved if needed (especially for outdoor sun exposure or cleaning)
8. Clean and Prep Before Use
Always clean a new or reused pot before planting in it:
- Wash with mild soap and rinse well
- Soak terracotta pots in water for 30 minutes to avoid absorbing moisture from the soil too quickly
- Disinfect reused pots with a diluted vinegar or bleach solution to prevent disease
Let the pot dry fully before use.
Final Thoughts: A Planter That Supports Life (and Style)
A planter isn’t just a pretty container — it’s your plant’s home. Choosing the right one means thinking about your plant’s roots, water needs, light exposure, and growth habits. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.
With a little planning, you can find pots that look beautiful and help your plants thrive. Whether you go for terracotta minimalism, ceramic elegance, or boho charm, the right planter is a simple but powerful upgrade to your indoor jungle.
Now that you know what to look for, take a fresh look at your plants — and give them a new home they’ll love to grow into.