From a cluster of succulents to a leafy monstera, plants are the perfect way to bring a little bit of nature inside. Their fresh, vibrant colour will brighten up your space, improve your air quality, and even boost productivity. To make sure your plants flourish, it's important to choose the right type of planter. Our guide covers all you need to know when choosing an indoor planter, including planter types, planter materials, and plant pot drainage. Read on to find tips for picking the best indoor planter for your home.

Types of Planters

Ready to watch your plants thrive? We've highlighted the five main planter types below to help you select one that meets your needs.

Pot: Pots are a classic type of planter and one of the most popular options. These planters are bowl- or U-shaped and come in a variety of materials and designs to match your aesthetic.

Wall: These planters are mounted on the wall and often come in small matching sets that can be arranged into a cohesive design. Wall-mounted planters are best suited for small plants like succulents or trailing vines.

Hanging: Hanging planters have a basket-like shape that holds the plants so they can be hung from wall or ceiling hooks. This planter type adds visual interest to the room without taking up any valuable surface space.

Terrarium: Terrariums are mostly used for cacti and succulents. They have a cage-like, geometric silhouette and feature sheer panels made of glass or plastic that let sunlight shine through.

Cachepot: A cachepot is a type of decorative planter that holds a smaller planter inside. Cachepots are simply a decorative outer layer and are often used to house a plant that is still in the nursery pot it was purchased in.

Statue: These planters have a stylish design that looks like a statue with a planter component. Statue planters come in a wide range of designs, such as animals or Grecian-inspired busts.

Tip!

Check out The Ultimate Guide to Planter Sizes to discover which size works best for your home.

Planter Materials

Material is another key consideration when choosing the right type of planter. Not only does the material impact the overall appearance of the planter, it can also make a difference in a plant's health and growth. We've outlined some of the most popular planter materials to help you find the best fit.

Plastic: As a lightweight and affordable option, plastic is a common plant pot material. Plastic planters come in plenty of colours, shapes, and sizes to suit your space. The material isn't porous and keeps the soil moist, which makes plastic planters best for plants that need a lot of moisture.

Resin: Similar to plastic options, resin planters are lightweight, durable, and suitable for plants that require moist soil. They require little maintenance and can be designed to mimic the texture of other materials, such as wood or wicker, at a more affordable price point.

Ceramic: Ceramic planters are made of clay and glazed on both the inside and outside for a waterproof finish. These planters are strong and long-lasting, and the glazed finish ensures the soil won't dry out quickly. Because of its ability to retain moisture, ceramic planters are well suited for plants that need a lot of water.

Metal: Typically made of copper, zinc, aluminum, or steel, metal planters are very strong and durable. The metal surface won't crack, chip, or scratch easily, and the sleek metal finish adds a stylish edge. Metal is more prone to overheating than other planter materials, so metal planters are best kept out of direct sunlight and not used for plants that can't handle heat.

Concrete: Concrete planters are a chic choice and pair well with contemporary aesthetics. Because the wet concrete is poured into molds, there are plenty of sizes and shapes to choose from. Concrete often contains lime, which can leach into the potting soil and make the soil pH more alkaline. Therefore concrete pots are great for plants like succulents, which thrive in alkaline soil, but might not be the right fit for other types of plants.

Fiberglass: This planter material is made from glass spun into a fiber and mixed with resin to form a strong composite. This fiberglass material is then placed into a mold to create different shapes and sizes. Fiberglass planters offer excellent protection for plants. The material is incredibly durable, provides UV protection, and has a nonporous surface that is designed to withstand both extremely hot and cold climates.

Clay & Terracotta: These planters are incredibly durable and can last for a long time in any climate. They are budget-friendly, and the porous material helps promote plant health. The porous surface allows for airflow and drainage, making clay and terracotta planters a great choice for plants that prefer a drier soil.

Glass: Often terrarium-style planters, glass planters allow the plants to receive plenty of sunlight through the sheer glass panels. Closed glass planters are ideal for plants that love moisture, while open glass planters work well for plants that prefer drier environments like succulents or air plants.

Rattan: Rattan planter types are stylish and earthy, which echoes the natural environment your plants originally came from. Since rattan planters are wrapped like vines, this material adds texture to your indoor plants and complements the earthy, green hues of your plants.

Natural Fibers: Planters made with natural fiber materials consist of recycled materials that can easily fit the bohemian aesthetic. Celebrating greenery and simplicity, these stylish planters can look good in any room to highlight your plants in their natural state.

Wood: If durability is more of your focus in an indoor planter, consider opting for a wooden option. Because of how solid and tough wooden materials are, the boards are unshakable and able to withstand harsh force that may hit your planters. Not only are they easy to move around in your home and appealing to the eye, but they’re also made of natural materials that do not harm plant growth.

Stone: Stone planters sport a weathered look that pairs visually well with plants. Stone planters are also around for the long haul since they are very sturdy and built to last longer than some other planter materials, which means you won’t have to replace them after a few years of use.

Planter Drainage

Plant pot drainage is another important element to consider when choosing a pot. There are a few main reasons that a planter should have adequate drainage. Drainage lets the soil drain excess water and prevents the roots from sitting in the water or developing rot. Drainage also promotes healthy air flow throughout the soil and allows the water to flush any salts leftover from the fertilizer. Many indoor planters often feature a small hole at the bottom of the vessel so that water can drain properly. Planters with drainage holes are often placed on top of a saucer to catch any excess water, and some include a saucer that pairs well with the planter. For planters that don't have a drainage hole, you can place a layer of pebbles at the bottom that will help filter out excess water and keep the roots away from the still water.

Now that you know about the different types of indoor planters, it's time to find your new favorite planter!