“Typically, planters will have drainage holes at the bottom so that water can flow freely so the plant’s roots are not sitting in excess moisture,” said Alfred Palomares, Vice President of Merchandising and Resident Plant Dad at 1-800-Flowers. “Plants that live in pots without drainage holes require additional attention to ensure there is no overwatering. An excess of water can lead to root rot and affect growth.” Here are the best indoor planters. You can choose a finish for your indoor pot–glossy or matte, with a color choice of white or black if you opt for matte. It also comes in five sizes as well as one paired set and a family grouping. We recommend getting a saucer or opting for the white matte pot, which includes an optional saucer. The pot does include a drainage hole, which is good for plant health, but note that water will drip down on your floors or furniture if it’s not resting in a saucer. Because this indoor planter features a modern, minimalist design, it doesn’t do much on its own to add style to its surroundings. The pop comes from the plant you put inside. The pot has a wide lip, which makes it look substantial and stylish, but this does reduce the actual available real estate for your plant’s roots. It’s best to get a larger size if you expect your plant to grow much. These indoor-ready pots come in four colors: blue, gray, white, and green. The sets of three come in varying combinations of these three, as well as all white. The bottom is speckled to replicate a natural pebble finish. Because the pots are made of plastic, note that they will wear faster than more durable materials. But it’s hard to beat the price for the adorable little pots. The planter is watertight, which is good if your plant can take heavy watering without drainage. If you do need a drainage hold to prevent roots from getting waterlogged, this isn’t the best option. This indoor pot is also quite expensive, and you don’t want to risk cracking it if you try to drill a drainage hole in the bottom. This pot is more decorative than well-designed for most plants. If your plant doesn’t need a lot of drainage or space, it’s a great choice with a stylish exterior that’ll work well. However, if you’re trying to pot or propagate a plant that’s very picky about its soil and environment, you’ll likely get frustrated trying to keep track of the moisture level in this compact planter. Because this indoor planter is made of concrete, it’s quite heavy. It does, however, have a drainage hole and is UV-resistant so you don’t need to worry about moving it outdoors in the milder seasons or putting it close to a window. There are visible pores in the concrete, which adds to the overall style. At the base of this indoor-ready planter are four felt pads that go under your plant. This lets the herbs “drink” water from the felt as needed, reducing the frequency with which you actually have to refill and water. Because herbs grow quickly if not used often, your plants may outgrow this small planter within just a couple of weeks if you’re not active in the kitchen. The self-watering design lets your plant’s roots absorb water as needed without getting too much or too little at once. It also cuts down on your need to constantly water a picky plant. The planter comes with an interior tray that lifts the plant and its roots out of the water reservoir, as well as inorganic granules to further regulate the path of water to get up to the plant. The water level indicator lets you know when it is time to refill. There are a few color options to choose from, including white, nutmeg, slate, and purple garnet. As long as these compliment your decor and your plant’s foliage, you’ll be happy with the variety. White is always a popular neutral choice that works with any style. At the base of this indoor pot, you’ll find built-in drainage holes and a clear plastic saucer. While the saucer also fits in the stand, it does detract from the streamlined look a little bit. We still think it’s worth using for your plant’s health—not to mention protecting your floor underneath from water spills. You will need to assemble the rope somewhat to get it at just the right height and spot you want for your space. Tying instructions are included; you’ll want to follow them closely to prevent your pots from falling down, spilling both dirt and plant. You will need to care for this plant once it comes to your home. Depending on how far it traveled, you may want to repot it with fresh soil or prune any leaves that didn’t survive the trip. Each plant will be unique and give you a great chance to start a plant collection in your home. Don’t worry—the pothos is easy to care for, doesn’t need much water or sunlight, and comes with instructions. Terracotta and wood planters offer high levels of porosity, allowing soil to dry more quickly. This can reduce the chance of root rot. Fiberglass planters weigh less, making them a good choice for potting a very large plant. Other materials, including ceramic and stone, are chosen for their visual appeal. Alfred Palomares, Vice President of Merchandising and Resident Plant Dad at 1-800-Flowers, recommends thinking about the watering requirements of your plants when choosing a planter: “Planters, such as terracotta, are porous and allow air to circulate in the soil and draw away excess moisture.”
Drainage
Indoor planters usually have a drainage hole, though some planters have more than one and others have none. Ideally, you should look for a planter with at least one drainage hole. Some include a plug that you can either leave in place or remove, depending on your watering routine. Since poor drainage is a common reason houseplants die, this is not a feature to be overlooked.
Size
The diameter of an indoor planter should match the size requirements of your plant. A planter that is too small can stifle the growth of your plant, while one that is too large may look out of proportion. If you’re repotting a plant, check the size of your current pot and plant, and move up only one pot size. A dramatic change in pot size may lead to soil that doesn’t dry out quickly enough, causing root rot for your plant.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. When moving from a home with an outdoor garden to an apartment, she brought many of her plants indoors, using them to add style and function to her space. To compile this list, Katie looked for planters that would ensure plants stayed healthy while also being easy to maintain. She also talked to Alfred Palomares, Vice President of Merchandising and Resident Plant Dad at 1-800-Flowers, about the best materials, design, and plant care tips for indoor plants. “Ultimately, planters should provide the drainage and air flow needed to keep greenery healthy,” said Palomares. “Ceramic and clay pots that have a natural finish work best as they are porous and will help absorb excess water.”
