Which pots are best for indoor plants?
A beautiful ceramic plant pot is often people’s first choice of home for a new or flourishing plant. They make lovely gifts, and a pretty colour or intricate pattern can add interest and fun to a small corner of a room.
However, be aware that unglazed ceramics are porous, so they can hold too much water and damage your plant's roots. That said, the heavyweight nature of ceramics means they are stable and less prone to being accidentally tipped over by a curious cat.
Plastic planters are lightweight and cheaper; this is especially useful if you’re planning to fill your home with plants but don’t want to go bankrupt.
Like unglazed ceramic, plastic is also non-porous, so airflow is minimised, and it can repel water. As a result, they make an excellent choice for plants that need watering regularly.
Sadly, unless you choose a bold colour, plastic pots can look plain and boring and aren’t usually a sustainable choice.
Which pots are best for outdoor plants?
Plastic pots usually have a contemporary look. They are robust, so they won’t break easily if dropped, and they are lightweight, so they can be moved around the garden, even when they have plants in them. Also, try and choose plastic pots that are UV resistant; otherwise, they can become brittle and fade in hot weather. It’s also easy to add extra drainage holes.
Terracotta pots will give your garden a traditional look, and their heaviness makes them stable even in inclement weather. However, they are porous so water can leach into the pot instead of the plant roots. They can also suffer white discolouration from fertiliser, and it’s tricky to drill more drainage holes.
Glazed ceramic is the ideal choice if you’re seeking colour and pattern from your outdoor plant pots. A huge range of designs are available, but they can be expensive. Glazed ceramic pots will be heavy and more stable, though you won’t find it easy to carry them around the garden. They also balance holding too much water like plastic and absorbing too much like terracotta clay.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
As a lover of lush green plants and colourful flowers, our writer Gemma understands the importance of finding the right home for all her leafy friends. So she was determined to provide honest and independent advice on the most stylish and practical plant pots to keep your home and garden looking fabulous all year round.
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