Plants are happiest when placed in the correct size planter. With a few simple steps, it's easy to find a planter that will allow your plants to grow and flourish – and look good while doing it! Read on to discover how to choose the right planter size for your indoor or outdoor display.

1. Pick Out Your Plant (or Plants!)

(Shop this image: wall-mounted planters, hanging planters, picnic benches, and jute outdoor rugs)

First, you’ll need to decide which plants you will be potting, as this is key to determining the size of the planter. Think about what you’re trying to achieve with a planter – are you potting a houseplant for your tabletop or looking for a planter to grow a garden in? Here are some common volume capacities of planters and what you can use them for:

Small (Under 0.31 qt.): Small pots are a great option for houseplants, succulents, and herbs. This is the most common size for tabletop plants.

Medium (0.31 – 3.1 qt.): Medium planters give you more space to accommodate outdoor flower arrangements, larger houseplants, and even some small vegetable plants. This size is better suited for floor plants.

Large (3.1 – 46.9 qt.): This planter capacity can be used as raised garden beds or to display small trees or large shrubs in outdoor spaces.

Extra-Large (Over 46.9 qt.): Most extra-large planters come in the form of raised garden beds and are intended for outdoor use.

Tip!

Want to learn more about types of planters and planter materials? Check out Types of Planters: How to Choose an Indoor Planter for tips on choosing indoor planters, or read How to Choose the Right Outdoor Planter: Garden Planter Guide to find info on outdoor planters.

2. Determine the Width of Your Plant

(Shop this image: live cacti, ceramic planters, concrete garden stools, and modern wall art)

When you purchase a plant from a store or a nursery, the size of the plant is determined by the diameter of its container rather than the width of the leaves. For example, a 4" plant is any plant in a 4" pot, regardless of its height or the spread of its leaves. This measurement will help you choose the right planter size to accommodate your new plant.

Select a planter that is at least 2" wider than the diameter of the plant’s current pot. It's best to pick a pot that is slightly larger than the plant itself to provide plenty of space for the roots to grow and develop. But be careful not to size up too much – a pot that’s too big will leave your plant susceptible to root rot because the soil is slow to dry.

3. Consider Root Depth

(Shop this image: live monstera plants, white planters, wood patio coffee tables, and outdoor throw pillows)

Planters come in a variety of heights to accommodate different plant root systems. The right planter height should have enough room to house the roots, plus additional 1" – 2" of extra space at the top for watering. Planters that are short and wide are better suited for plants that have shallow roots – such as succulents, cacti, African violets, and spider plants. On the other hand, tall planters are a great option for plants with deep root systems – like philodendrons, pothos, ivies, and monsteras.

4. Factor In the Growth Rate

(Shop this image: gray plant pots, wooden end tables, southwestern outdoor rugs, and rattan patio sets)

As a plant grows, so do its roots. The growth rate of your plant directly impacts what size pot you should choose for it. Plants that grow quickly – typically leafy or vining plants – should be in larger pots to accommodate their expanding root systems. For these plants, choose a pot that is 2" – 4" larger than the current one to allow for growth. Plants with slow growth – usually succulents and some herbs – have less need for root expansion and will thrive in small pots. In these circumstances, choose a pot that is only 1" – 2" larger so as not to overwhelm their roots.

Tip!

Ready to repot your plants? Check out our guide How to Repot Plants Correctly for step-by-step instructions.

5. Monitor Your Plant’s Health

(Shop this image: live ivy plants, white garden stools, concrete end tables, and blue outdoor rugs)

After repotting your plants, continue to monitor their health to assess if the planter is the correct size. If your plant shows overgrown roots or its growth has become stagnant, this could indicate that the pot is too small and it’s time to upgrade. If your plant shows yellowing from root rot, this probably means the pot is too big and you should immediately transfer to a smaller pot with fresh soil.

Tip!

Proper drainage is an essential part of ensuring your plant’s health and preventing root rot. Here are some drainage tips to help your plants thrive:

• Place a nursery pot inside a cachepot. Nursery pots often have drain holes at the bottom.
• Fill the bottom of your planter with lava rocks. These porous rocks will absorb the excess water.
• When purchasing a planter on Wayfair, our Product Overview will inform you whether that item has drainage holes or not.

You Might Also Like