The planter you choose isn’t just about looks — it’s about plant health, root growth, moisture control, and overall success. While stylish pots can transform your space, using the wrong type of container could leave your plant unhappy (or even dying).
In this article, we’ll break down how to choose the right planter for different types of plants, explain the importance of drainage, and help you match pot material, size, and shape to keep your green friends thriving.
Why the Right Planter Matters
Your planter affects your plant more than you think:
- 🪴 Drainage prevents root rot
- 📏 Size influences how fast a plant grows
- 🪨 Material affects soil temperature and moisture retention
- 🌀 Shape supports root structure and overall stability
- 🎨 Style complements your décor — but that’s just the cherry on top!
A happy plant starts from the bottom up — literally.
1. Understand Drainage: It’s Non-Negotiable
Drainage holes allow excess water to escape, preventing root rot — one of the most common causes of plant death.
✅ Best practice:
- Use a pot with at least one drainage hole
- Place a saucer or tray underneath to protect furniture
- If using a decorative planter without holes, keep the plant in a nursery pot inside (aka double potting)
🚫 Avoid:
- Sealed-bottom containers without a proper drainage plan
- Letting water sit at the bottom of the pot
2. Match the Planter Size to the Plant
Too big = soggy soil
Too small = cramped roots
General sizing tips:
- Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the current root ball
- For fast-growing plants, size up more — but not too much
- For succulents or slow growers, tighter pots help prevent overwatering
Warning sign: Roots growing out of the drainage hole? Time to upgrade!
3. Pick the Right Planter Material
Different materials hold water, heat, and air differently. Here’s how to choose:
🟤 Terracotta (Unglazed Clay)
- Breathable, allows air and water to pass through
- Great for succulents and cacti that hate soggy soil
- Dries out quickly — not ideal for moisture-loving plants
- Earthy, natural aesthetic
⚪ Ceramic (Glazed)
- Retains moisture well
- Good for most houseplants (e.g., pothos, philodendron)
- Heavier and more decorative
- Often comes without drainage — double-potting may be needed
⚫ Plastic
- Lightweight and holds moisture longer
- Ideal for busy people or dry environments
- Affordable and easy to move
- Can overheat in direct sun
🔵 Metal
- Sleek and modern, but can conduct heat quickly
- Best for indoor decorative use only
- Always double-pot to protect roots from heat
🟢 Concrete or Cement
- Heavy and stylish
- Porous like terracotta — good drainage
- Best for larger floor plants like rubber plants or fiddle leaf figs
- May need sealing for indoor use
🟡 Fabric Planters (Grow Bags)
- Great breathability and root health
- Good for herbs, edibles, or rotating outdoor/indoor plants
- Not decorative — but functional and affordable
4. Match Planter Type to the Plant’s Needs
Every plant has different preferences. Let’s match them up:
🌵 Succulents & Cacti
- Terracotta or unglazed ceramic with drainage
- Shallow and wide pots
- Avoid plastic (retains too much moisture)
🌿 Tropical Plants (Monstera, Philodendron, etc.)
- Ceramic or plastic pots
- Medium-depth containers with drainage
- Choose a pot with enough room to grow
🍃 Ferns, Calatheas, & Moisture-Lovers
- Plastic or glazed ceramic to retain moisture
- Self-watering pots can work well
- Avoid terracotta — too dry
🌳 Tall Plants (Fiddle Leaf Fig, Rubber Plant)
- Concrete or heavy ceramic for stability
- Tall and deep pots to anchor root systems
- Consider pot feet or wheels for easy moving
🪴 Trailing Plants (Pothos, Ivy, String of Pearls)
- Hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters
- Ensure good drainage
- Use lightweight materials like plastic or thin ceramic
🌿 Herbs & Edibles (Indoors)
- Fabric grow bags, ceramic pots, or terracotta
- Choose individual containers for easy rotation
- Shallow pots for herbs like basil, parsley, or mint
5. Think About Pot Shape and Depth
Yes, shape matters too — especially for root health.
🪴 Shallow pots:
- Great for succulents or shallow-rooted plants
- Dry out quickly
📦 Deep pots:
- Needed for plants with deep taproots (e.g., ZZ plant, rubber tree)
- Retain more water — make sure drainage is strong
🍥 Round vs. Square:
- Round pots are easier for root growth and repotting
- Square pots fit better in tight corners or grouped arrangements
6. Consider Style (But Don’t Let It Lead)
Of course, you want your pots to look good! Just make sure form doesn’t override function.
Style tips:
- Stick to a cohesive color palette for a clean look
- Use neutral planters and let the foliage be the star
- Mix textures (matte, glossy, woven) to add depth
- Don’t forget to include plant stands or risers for height variation
Pro Tip: If you love a pot without drainage, just drop a plastic nursery pot inside. Style + safety = win.
A Good Pot Makes a Great Plant
Choosing the right planter is more than a design decision — it’s part of plant care. The right size, material, and drainage setup can make the difference between a struggling plant and one that thrives.
When in doubt, start with a simple pot with drainage, sized just right, and match the material to the plant’s moisture needs. Add your personal flair with colors and textures — and your plant will feel (and look) right at home.