Quick answer: Choose a planter about one to two inches wider than the plant's root ball, check whether it has a drainage hole and pick a glaze color that suits the room. Use a nursery pot or a layer of pebbles inside planters without a hole, empty saucers after watering and bring ceramic pots indoors before a hard frost.
Why color makes a plant pop
Green leaves look even greener next to a bright glaze. A teal planter makes a jade plant look lush, a coral pot brings out the silver in a string-of-pearls and a sunny yellow planter makes fresh basil look like summer on a windowsill. Plain terracotta and white pots have their place, but a few colorful ceramic planters can turn a corner of a room into a small garden. In a bright, coastal home, they add color without adding clutter.
Measuring before you buy
The most common mistake with planters is buying the wrong size. Measure the width of the plant's current pot across the top. For most houseplants, choose a new planter about one to two inches wider so the roots have room to grow without sitting in a lot of wet soil. Succulents and cacti like a snug fit and a shallow pot. Each product page lists the maker's dimensions, and you can always email us if you need a measurement that is not listed.
Drainage holes and saucers
A drainage hole lets extra water escape, which helps prevent soggy roots. Many of our planters have a hole and some come with a matching saucer; the product page says so when the maker lists it. Place a saucer, a plate or a waterproof mat underneath to protect shelves and windowsills. After watering, wait about fifteen minutes and pour out any water left sitting in the saucer so the plant does not stay wet.
Planters without a hole
Glazed planters without a hole are still very useful. The easiest method is the pot-in-pot approach: keep your plant in its plastic nursery pot and set it inside the ceramic planter. Take the inner pot out to water it in the sink, let it drain and put it back. If you plant directly into a pot without a hole, add a layer of pebbles at the bottom, water lightly and check the soil with a finger before adding more.
Matching plants to pots
Shallow, wide planters suit succulents, small cacti and herb mixes. Taller cylinder pots work well for snake plants, small palms and upright herbs such as rosemary. Small cube or round pots are perfect for a single succulent on a desk or a sunny bathroom shelf. Hanging planters are lovely for trailing plants like pothos. Think about where the planter will sit, how much light the spot gets and how big the plant will grow over the next year.
Potting a new plant
Water the plant a day before repotting so the root ball holds together. Add a little fresh potting mix to the bottom of the planter, set the plant in so the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim and fill around it with more mix. Press gently and water slowly until a little drains out. Use cactus mix for succulents and a general indoor mix for most houseplants and herbs. Keep newly potted plants out of harsh sun for a few days.
Caring for glazed ceramic
Glazed planters are easy to keep clean. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth to remove dust and water spots, and use a soft brush for any soil on the rim. Mineral deposits from tap water can leave a white line; a cloth dampened with a little white vinegar will lift it. Covered porches and patios are fine for ceramic planters, but bring them indoors before a hard frost, since water in the clay can freeze and crack the pot.
Grouping planters for a fresh look
Groups of three or five planters look natural and relaxed. Mix heights and sizes, keep one color family or choose two colors that look good together, such as teal and coral or cobalt and lemon. Place a small planter beside a stack of hand-painted mugs on a kitchen shelf, or set a row of mini pots along a bright windowsill. A trinket dish makes a handy saucer for the very smallest pots.
Quick checklist
Measure the plant's current pot and choose a planter one to two inches wider. Check the product page for a drainage hole and saucer. Use the pot-in-pot method for planters without a hole. Pick shallow pots for succulents and taller ones for upright plants. Empty saucers after watering. Wipe glazed planters with a damp cloth and remove water spots with a little vinegar. Bring ceramic planters indoors before frost. Pair planters with coastal platters and mugs for a bright, coordinated home.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a drainage hole?
A drainage hole makes watering much easier. Without one, keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot inside the planter and empty any water that collects at the bottom.
What size planter should I buy?
Choose a pot about one to two inches wider than the current root ball for most houseplants. Succulents prefer a snug pot that dries out quickly.
Are plants included?
No. Our planters are sold empty so you can choose your own plants, soil and size.
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