Selecting the right planter for your plant is key to helping it thrive and look its best. The planter provides both a functional pot to contain the plant and soil, and acts as a decorative element to enhance your plant’s visual appeal. Follow these tips to pick a planter that will perfectly complement your plant.
Consider the Plant Type and Size
The first step is to consider the specific needs of the type of plant you will be potting.
- For large plants or trees, look for big planters that provide ample room for growth. Make sure to pick a planter that is 2-4 inches wider than the current root ball or container of your plant. This will leave breathing room for root development.
- For smaller houseplants, opt for planters sized just an inch or two larger than the plant’s current pot. Too much extra space can retain moisture and lead to root rot.
- Check that the planter has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent overwatering.
- Consider how quickly your plant grows – fast growers will outgrow a pot quickly. Size up accordingly.
- For vines or trailing plants, use a planter with horizontal space or whose shape allows the vines room to drape.
Matching the planter to the right stage of your plant’s life cycle ensures healthy growth.
Complement Your Plant’s Colors and Features
Picking a planter that enhances your plant’s natural colors, textures, and shapes creates a cohesive look.
- For plants with variegated or multicolored foliage, use a neutral planter color like white or tan to really make the colors pop.
- For plants with interesting leaf textures, pair them with contrasting smooth, shiny planters. The juxtaposition highlights the plant’s unique look.
- Use wide, shallow planters for plants with round shapes, and tall cylindrical planters for columnar, upright plant forms. The planter silhouette can accentuate the plant’s structure.
- For flowering plants, use planters that coordinate with the flower colors for a cohesive effect. White and blue planters really make vibrant pink or red flowers stand out.
Matching planters and plants is an artistic endeavor – have fun finding combinations you love!
Pick Planter Materials Suited to the Plant
Consider the growing needs of your plant when selecting a planter material. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic planters are inexpensive, lightweight, and come in endless shapes, colors and sizes. However, they retain moisture, so pair plastic with plants that like consistently damp (but not wet) soil. Avoid pairing plastic with drought-tolerant plants.
Ceramic planters have a beautiful, decorative look and keep roots cooler in summer heat. However, thick ceramic can crack if a plant’s roots swell too much. Monitor rootbound plants in ceramic.
Wood planters lend a modern, rustic vibe and allow air exchange to plant roots. Ensure wooden planters have a drainage hole and use durable outdoor woods like cedar. Avoid pairing moisture-loving plants with wood’s drying effect.
Metal planters conduct heat well, so are good for heat-loving plants but may burn roots in hot climates. Use galvanized metal for rust resistance. Matching the material to the plant’s preferences ensures it stays healthy.
Pick a Shape that Fits Your Space
Consider the shape of the planter in addition to size. The shape you pick can create very different looks and optimize fitting into a space.
- Round planters work well in gardens, patios, or anywhere you want a classic, symmetrical look. Group multiples together.
- Square planters give a formal, modern look. Pair square pots with modern architecture for clean lines.
- For small spaces, use columnar or cylindrical planters. They take up less floor space while still giving plants vertical room to grow tall.
- Hanging planters maximize vertical gardening potential on walls, balconies, patios, or ceilings. Go for lightweight plastic or fiberglass.
- For tabletops, choose planters with lip or plate features to catch overflow water. Ceramic and porcelain work well.
Get creative with shape to design personalized plant displays.
Add Artistic Planter Accents
For extra flair, accessorize your plant-planter combo with decorative enhancements. Here are accent ideas:
- Attach macrame or twine hangers and holders for a bohemian vibe.
- Place coordinating ceramic figurines like animals next to your planters as fun accents.
- Use artfully arranged groups of multiple mini planters together for herb gardens.
- Weave strands of fairy lights or mini LEDs into the planter or soil for a whimsical glow.
- Glue tiles, beads, shells or pebbles along the planter exterior for eclectic texture and shine.
- Use paint or plant-safe markers to customize and personalize terra cotta planters.
Adding accents reflects your unique personal style while enhancing the look of your plants. Get inspired searching sites like Pinterest for do-it-yourself planter ideas you can recreate at home. With the right planter choice made for both aesthetic appeal and proper plant care, your plants will thrive and improve the look of any indoor or outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pick the right sized planter?
Choose a planter 2-4 inches wider and deeper than your plant’s current pot or root ball, depending on plant size. This gives space for growth without going too big.
What type of planter is best for indoor vs. outdoor use?
Outdoors, use weather-resistant planters like ceramic, metal, wood, or composite. For indoor plants, use cachepots without drainage holes to contain soil. Opt for plastic or glazed ceramic indoor planters.
Should I put rocks or pebbles at the bottom of my planter for drainage?
No – adding rocks traps moisture at the base leading to root rot. Only use soil or potting mix, leaving the drainage hole unobstructed.
What are the best planters for hanging plants?
Opt for lightweight plastic, resin, fiberglass, or natural woven basket planters for hanging plants. Make sure they have drainage holes. Include a plant catch tray.
How often should I repot a plant into a larger planter?
When roots are pot-bound and visibly circling the bottom or emerging from drainage holes, it’s time to size up the planter. Typically indoor plants need repotting every 2-3 years.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect planter transforms an average houseplant into a stunning centerpiece. Evaluate your plant’s size, growth habits, and features to pick a properly sized, complementary, on-theme planter suited to the plant’s care needs. Use shape creatively to design one-of-a-kind plant displays. With the myriad of planter styles available, you can really showcase your plants’ best qualities while adding artistic flair. Keeping your plant’s health and your personal style in mind when shopping for planters will help you create living spaces full of thriving, gorgeous greenery.