How to Find the Best Pots for Your Plants
Grow your green thumb.
Choosing the best pot for your houseplants depends on the unique care requirements and aesthetic of each plant. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the best planters for common houseplants so you can have a thriving display of greenery in your home.
Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs can be finicky as they thrive in high humidity but are prone to root rot if overwatered. The best pots for fiddle leaf figs have drainage holes and are made of terracotta – a porous material that promotes air circulation to the soil which in turn helps prevent root rot. These houseplants can become quite tall, so it’s best to choose a deep pot that can accommodate their root systems and support vertical growth. Choosing a heavy planter made of terracotta, ceramic, or concrete will also help prevent tipping as your fiddle leaf fig grows taller.
In terms of style, you should choose a planter that lets the foliage of your plant shine. Fiddle leaf figs make a dramatic statement with their height and broad leaves. They make great standalone accents in modern homes and pair well with sleek, minimalist planters. Choose a simple, cylindrical floor planter to provide a stylish but stable base for your plant. Opt for a matte-finish, solid-color pot for a subtle supporting accessory to your plant that complements the modern fixtures in your home.
Pothos are low-maintenance houseplants that can thrive in a variety of environments and planter types. They prefer to dry out between watering so it’s best to plant them with well-draining soil. Whether you opt for a plastic, terracotta, or ceramic pot for your pothos, it's important to choose a planter with drainage holes to prevent water retention that can lead to root rot. Pothos have relatively shallow root systems and don’t require a deep pot, but they grow quickly so monitor your plant’s health to ensure it doesn’t become root bound.
Pothos plants come in many varieties – from the variegated golden type to the bright neon kind – making them a versatile houseplant that complements any style. Pothos plants have a casual and playful aesthetic that fits especially well in boho-style spaces. Colorful planters or earthy ceramics make the perfect base for these flexible houseplants. As they grow, pothos vines will climb walls or drape off shelves for a lush effect in your home, so consider choosing a hanging planter to highlight the cascading vines.
Snake plants are hardy indoor plants who tolerate low light and infrequent waterings – making them a popular starter houseplant. These plants prefer to let their soil dry out completely between watering, so using a breathable terracotta or unfinished ceramic pot with drainage holes will allow the excess water to evaporate quickly. Snake plants tend to have deep root systems, but they’re known for being slow growers. Choose a deep planter but don’t go more than 1" – 2" wider in diameter than the root ball of your plant.
When it comes to choosing a planter style for your snake plant, consider its pointed leaves and structural design. Snake plants are common in any style home, but they are especially well-suited to modern spaces due to their clean lines and angular shape. The best pots for snake plants have a minimalistic design that makes the foliage the focal point. Choose a round or cylindrical pot to balance the rigidity and sharp angles of the plant.
Succulents and cacti are native to arid desert environments, so they have shallow root systems and are extremely sensitive to overwatering. Small, shallow pots with drainage holes will ensure the thin roots of your succulents won’t sit in moist soil for extended periods of time and develop root rot – a common issue caused by overwatering. Opt for planters made of porous materials like terracotta and concrete that will help wick away excess moisture that your plant doesn’t absorb from the soil.
The best planter styles for succulents will complement their unique shape and allow their individual colors to shine. Choose a simple geometric terrarium or rectangle pot to add an edge to your succulent display and bring a modern aesthetic to your home. Pots with warm, earthy tones like terracotta orange and sandstone yellow will enhance the desert aesthetic of succulents if you’re looking to achieve a more rustic or Southwestern style.
Tip!
Once you find a planter style you love, be sure to read our related articles The Ultimate Guide to Planter Sizes and How to Repot Plants Correctly to ensure your plants will be happy and healthy in their new homes.
