How to choose the right pot for your plant

Selecting the correct pot for your plant is more complex than it may seem. Pot material, size, shape, and drainage all influence root growth, water retention, and overall plant health. Here’s how to choose the perfect pot for your plant’s unique needs, ensuring its best chance for growth and longevity.

1. Pot material: choosing the right base 🌿

Each pot material offers unique benefits. The best choice will depend on your plant’s needs and environment.

Terracotta (Clay) Pots
Terracotta is made from natural clay and has a porous structure, allowing airflow and moisture to pass through. This prevents waterlogging and root rot, especially for plants that prefer drier conditions, like succulents and cacti. However, terracotta pots are heavy and can crack in cold temperatures, making them ideal for indoor or mild outdoor climates.

• Pros: Good airflow, prevents root rot, natural look.
• Cons: Heavy, dries out quickly, prone to breaking.
• Best For: Succulents, cacti, and plants that thrive in dry soil.

Ceramic Pots
Ceramic pots are often glazed, which makes them non-porous and good at retaining moisture. Their stylish designs make them popular for indoor decor, though the glaze can limit airflow. They’re best for plants that prefer consistent moisture, but always check for drainage holes to prevent root rot.

• Pros: Moisture retention, decorative, durable indoors.
• Cons: Can be heavy, might lack drainage.
• Best For: Moisture-loving plants like ferns and peace lilies.

Plastic Pots
Plastic pots are affordable, lightweight, and versatile. They’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants and are less likely to break in cold temperatures. Plastic holds moisture longer, so these are best for plants that need even watering. Make sure they have drainage holes to prevent overwatering.

• Pros: Budget-friendly, retains moisture, lightweight.
• Cons: Non-breathable, risk of root rot if drainage is inadequate.
• Best For: Indoor plants, moisture-loving plants like tropicals.

Metal Pots
Metal pots are stylish and durable but can heat up in direct sunlight, potentially harming roots. They’re best used indoors or in shaded outdoor areas. Lining metal pots helps protect the roots from excess heat.

• Pros: Modern look, durable.
• Cons: Can overheat, may rust.
• Best For: Indoor or shade-tolerant plants, trailing plants.

Fabric Pots
Fabric pots are eco-friendly and encourage airflow, preventing root-bound growth. They dry out faster, making them ideal for plants that prefer well-drained soil, like vegetables or herbs. These pots often require more frequent watering in dry climates.

• Pros: Allows airflow, lightweight, sustainable.
• Cons: Dries out quickly.
• Best For: Vegetables, herbs, plants that prefer well-drained soil.

2. Pot size: getting the right fit 📏

Size affects water retention and root space. Here’s how to choose the best size for healthy growth.

Choose the size based on root ball
A pot should be 1-3 cm larger in diameter than the root ball for small plants and 2-3 cm larger for large plants. Pots that are too large retain excess water, increasing the risk of root rot. Fast-growing plants can benefit from incremental potting rather than a large size increase to ensure consistent moisture levels.

Consider pot depth
The depth of a pot impacts root stability and space. Shallow-rooted plants like herbs or succulents do well in short pots, while deep-rooted plants need more room. Taller plants or those that prefer downward growth, such as fiddle leaf figs, require deep pots for stability and root expansion.

3. Pot shape and stability ⚖️

Different shapes influence plant growth and stability, so let’s look at some common options.

Standard round pots
These allow for even soil distribution and root expansion, making them suitable for most plants. They’re a staple choice for general indoor plants.

Tall, narrow pots
These work well for plants with deep roots or for those that need a more stable base, such as fiddle leaf figs or rubber plants.

Wide, shallow pots
These are ideal for plants with shallow roots, like succulents and bonsais, as they help prevent excess moisture buildup. The shallow depth prevents the soil from staying too wet, reducing the risk of root rot.

Hanging pots
For vining or cascading plants like pothos or spider plants, hanging pots allow natural growth patterns and save floor space. Choose lightweight pots with good drainage for easy hanging and prevent excess moisture.

Self-watering pots
Self-watering pots feature a water reservoir, ensuring consistent moisture levels for plants that like even hydration, like peace lilies. However, always monitor soil moisture levels, as excess water can still lead to root rot.

4. Drainage: essential for root health 🌊

Proper drainage is crucial for healthy roots, so here’s how to choose the right setup.

Drainage holes
Most pots come with drainage holes, which help excess water escape and prevent waterlogging. Ensure holes are not blocked, and use a saucer to catch runoff water.

Double potting
Use a plastic pot with drainage holes inside a decorative pot without them. This way, you can remove the inner pot for watering, ensuring excess water drains properly while maintaining aesthetics.

5. Environmental considerations 🌞

Your plant’s environment, both indoor and outdoor, affects its potting needs.

Outdoor vs. indoor
Outdoor pots should withstand changing temperatures, sunlight, and wind. Materials like terracotta or metal work well outdoors, while ceramic and plastic are better for indoor plants where temperature is stable. Outdoor plants also require pots with ample drainage, as rain can increase soil moisture.

Temperature and season
In cold climates, materials like ceramic and terracotta can crack, so consider bringing plants indoors during winter. In hot climates, avoid metal pots in direct sunlight, as they heat up and may harm roots. For regions with high rainfall, choose pots with excellent drainage.

Humidity
In dry climates, moisture-retaining pots, like plastic or ceramic, reduce evaporation. In humid regions, use pots with good airflow, like fabric or terracotta, to avoid excess moisture buildup.

6. Matching pot aesthetic with style 🎨

Your pot choice is a chance to express your decor style, so here are a few suggestions:

• Modern: Look for sleek, minimalist pots in neutral colors like black, white, or gray.
• Rustic: Terracotta or glazed ceramics with natural patterns are ideal.
• Space-saving: Hanging or wall-mounted pots save floor space.
• Eclectic: Mixing materials and patterns can bring vibrancy and character to your plant display.

Final tips for choosing the right pot 🌱

1. Understand your plant’s specific needs: Some plants need well-drained soil, while others need moisture. Knowing your plant’s requirements is key.
2. Always prioritize drainage: Drainage prevents many issues, so choose pots with holes or double-pot when necessary.
3. Size incrementally: Avoid overly large pots to maintain proper moisture levels.
4. Style matters, but so does function: Choose a pot that fits your aesthetic while still meeting your plant’s needs.

If you’re planning to repot your plant and unsure about the best pot to choose, jump on a quick call with one of our plant doctors to get personalised advice!