How to Find the Best Indoor Planters and Pots That Don’t Cost a Lot

Indoor gardens are a resourceful and natural way to decorate a living space. Even the simple addition of one tiny potted plant can bring freshness and a wild, agrarian feel to an otherwise cold and austere room. This is what nature does: it brings beauty into space thereby freeing humanity from rigidity and stuffiness.

So, how can natural beauty be tamed, or at the very least, utilized to its fullest? It begins with bringing a plant into a building and giving it a space that will allow it to thrive. That space will be its home, whether it is a planter or a pot. 

Main Differences Between Planter vs Pot

The main differences between planter vs pot are:

  • A planter is typically rectangular in shape; whereas, a pot is typically round in shape.
  • A planter is typically designed to hold numerous plants; whereas, a pot is typically designed to hold only one plant.
  • A planter is typically used outdoors; whereas, a pot may be used either indoors or outdoors.

What is a Planter

Planter

This is a container designed to hold several plants. It is usually long and narrow and meant to be placed outside; however, it can be shaped as a square, circle, or any other shape also. Many gardeners consider hanging baskets and hanging cones as planters.

Pros of a Planter

  • It holds more than one plant
  • It comes in a variety of shapes

Cons of a Planter

  • Its size and shape make it more difficult to fit into indoor spaces

What is a Pot

Pot

This is a container that usually only has room for one plant. It is typically round and can come in large and small sizes. It is suited for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Pros of a Pot

  • It can easily be used indoors and outdoors
  • It comes in a variety of sizes

Cons of a Pot

  • It usually only has space for one plant
  • It only comes in one shape

How to Find the Best Indoor Planters and Pots: Things to Consider

When looking for an indoor planter or pot, there are a few things to consider before purchasing one. Let’s look at these in more depth.

Drainage

Adequate drainage may be the most important factor to consider when selecting a planter or a pot. Some types of plants, such as succulents, are very sensitive to overwatering and can easily get root rot from sitting in undrained soil. Most plant containers come with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.

If a container doesn’t have a drainage hole, there are four different ways to manage this issue, and they can be combined for even better results.

  1. Drill a hole in the bottom
  2. Use the container without a drainage hole as a cachepot. This means that the container without a drainage hole is there for looks and a container holding the plant is set inside it. The container that actually holds the plant will have drainage holes so the plant can be watered regularly. The water will either be allowed to drain into the cachepot, and then, dumped out later, or the plant and its real container will be removed and watered in a normal fashion.
  3. Use very precise watering methods. This means measuring out the amount of water used during each watering session, testing the soil regularly, and learning how and when to water the plant. A plant watering app is an excellent way to assist in this method.
  4. Use additional drainage materials. Adding drainage rocks, activated charcoal, and succulent/cacti potting soil to the container will help deal with drainage issues.

Material Make-up

It is important to consider what the planter or pot is made of because this can affect how well it drains and how hot the soil will get. Most plant containers come in either wood, ceramic, terracotta, metal, cast stone, or plastic. Let’s take some time to examine each of these materials to better understand what each type offers.

Cast Stone

Cast Stone

A planter made from cast stone offers a natural look, durability, and uniqueness.  It is most commonly set in outdoor gardens, but it can still function very nicely inside as a cachepot.

Pros of Cast Stone Plant Containers

  • They are strong and durable
  • They are weather-resistant
  • They can be made or bought

Cons of Cast Stone Plant Containers

  • They are heavy and can be difficult to move when they are large
  • They don’t come in a variety of colors

Ceramic

Ceramic Planters

This type of plant container is very popular and very stylish. Ceramic pots and planters are glazed with lacquer that will keep the soil inside wetter longer. This means that they are not ideal for plants that are easily susceptible to root rot, such as cacti and succulents. However, they do very well with other types of plants, such as, Boston Ferns and Spider Plants, that enjoy moist soil conditions.

Pros of Ceramic Plant Containers

  • They are very stylish and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors
  • They provide extra moisture to plants that need it
  • They are heavy so they can be used to grow taller or heavier plants
  • They protect plants from sudden temperature changes

Cons of Ceramic Plant Containers

  • They do not drain well
  • They can chip and break easily
  • They can crack when exposed to extremely cold temperatures
  • They are difficult to remove plants from for repotting
  • They retain more heat

Metal

Metal Planters

This material has become more and more popular as a stylish planter for urban garden spaces. Metal can make a great-looking plant container and it also affordable and easy to find.

Pros of Metal Plant Containers

  • They don’t break or crack
  • They can be very stylish
  • They come in a variety of shapes and sizes
  • They can be made from repurposed materials and items

Cons of Metal Plant Containers

  • They do not drain well
  • They heat up quickly and can cause heat damage to plants
  • They can contain lead
  • They can be heavy

Plastic

plastic planter

Plant containers made from plastic are inexpensive and generally easy to obtain. They offer some great features but do have a few negatives that need to be discussed.

Pros of Plastic Plant Containers

  • They are extremely lightweight
  • They don’t break easily
  • They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and styles
  • They are inexpensive
  • They do not conduct heat very well so they are good at keeping the soil warm when it gets cold outside
  • They are easy to drill drainage holes in

Cons of Plastic Plant Containers

  • They are not eco-friendly
  • They can be made out of toxic materials
  • They do not last more than a few seasons of use
  • They do not allow water to evaporate well
  • They do not allow air to flow through very well

Terracotta

Terracotta

This type of material is common and familiar. These are the planters that are rust-red in color and are frequently used to represent gardening paraphernalia.

Pros of Terracotta Plant Containers

  • They allow air to flow through
  • They are excellent for water drainage and evaporation
  • They are inexpensive
  • They work well indoors and outdoors

Cons of Terracotta Plant Containers

  • They don’t work well in cold weather
  • They don’t work well with plants that prefer moist soil

Wood

Wooden Plant Containers

Plant containers made of wood are versatile and stylish. They can function in both indoor and outdoor settings and they offer a lot of positives for a low cost.

Usually, this type of plant container is good at draining excess water, but to know for sure, you can test it by filling it with water and timing it to see how long it takes for the water to drain out. If it takes over a minute, the container will need some drainage holes drilled in the bottom.

Pros of Wooden Plant Containers

  • They are usually lightweight
  • They are inexpensive
  • They can be made or purchased
  • They insulate the roots of plants from sun and heat
  • They can be painted, stained, or decorated in a variety of ways
  • They are durable and can handle heat and cold

Cons of Wooden Plant Containers

  • Some pieces of wood may have been treated with dangerous chemicals that should not be used around food crops
  • Wood has a tendency to split after years of usage
  • The bottom of wooden containers can rot away when soaked in water for several years

Size

Plants are measured, not by the size of the actual plant, but by the diameter of the pot that it is growing in. So, a reference to a 4” succulent is actually a reference to the size of the pot that the succulent is sitting inside of, not the size of the succulent.

Size is an important factor to consider when selecting a container for plants because plants need a certain amount of space for healthy growth. If houseplants are set in a container that is too large, they are more susceptible to root rot since there is more soil in the container and it takes longer for all the soil to dry out. If houseplants are set in a container that is too small, they are more susceptible to tipping over, not getting enough water, and constricted roots.

Some general guidelines for selecting the appropriate size of planter or pot are:

  • Make sure the planter or pot is not too heavy or too big to move.
  • If the plant is currently in a pot that is 10 inches in diameter or less, choose a new pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger than its current pot size.
  • If the plant is currently in a pot that is 11 inches in diameter or more, choose a new pot that is 2 to 3 inches larger than its current pot size.

Style

This aspect of plant containers allows individuals to find the color, shape, and size they prefer. Gardening shops are full of stylish options that will suit any style. These online shops offer some of the best selections of stylish plant containers.

Here you will find some eclectic options that will inspire you to grow a jungle inside your home.

This is a one-stop-shop for all styles. You will never tire of browsing the plant container selections offered here.

Find your chic and modern planters here.

Best Planter for Hanging Plants: Teak&Tides Genuine Leather Plant Hanger

planter

This plant hanger is cute and versatile. It will fit into almost any home and style, plus, it holds plants ranging in size from 4” up to 12”. Its simplicity will put all the focus on the most important thing – the plant.

Best Planter for Herbs: Catleza Wicker Planter Pot

CATLEZA Medium Wicker Rectangle Planter Pot

This planter is designed to care for delicate herbs and still look great. It features an easy-to-assemble self-watering system to keep the plants healthy.

Best Planter for Walls: Cardona 9-Piece Pot Metal Wall Planter

Cardona 9-Piece Pot Metal Wall Planter

This planter is designed to conserve space. Its vertical form fits perfectly on a wall and still allows the plants to get the light and air they need.

Best Planter for Tabletops: Ribbed Ceramic Nesting Planter Pots

ceramic planter pots

These planters can be separated or styled together. Either way, they are sure to look beautiful on any tabletop in any room.

Best Planter for Windowsills: Flowerplus Planter Pot

FLOWERPLUS Planter Pot

This slim planter will look sensational on every windowsill. It is simple but in no way boring.

Best Planter for Large Plants: The Simple Pot

pots

This pot is designed to hold large plants securely and stylishly. It also is designed to help care for plants through its self-watering saucer system.

Best Planter for Succulents: Kimisty 10” Succulent Planter Bowl

Kimisty 10 Inch Mid Century Large Round Succulent

This planter is complete elegance and will look lovely when placed in any style of home décor. Not only does this planter come with elegant features, but it also offers the perfect setup to grow succulents.

Best Planter for Beginner Gardeners: Bamboo Fiber and Rice Husk Mini Planter

succulent pot

This tiny planter is ideal for growing succulents, herbs, or any small plant. It is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, easy for beginner gardeners to use, and environmentally friendly.

FAQs

Question: How Should Planters and Pots be Cleaned?

Answer: Plant containers should be cleaned regularly to ensure that the plants growing inside them are not exposed to bacteria, salt build-up, or other diseases passed on through dirt and chemicals left in these containers. Cleaning a plant container is simple, just follow these steps.
• Set up a time before planting season begins.
• Remove visible dirt from the inside and outside of the planter with a brush.
• Scrub salt residue with soap and water and a stiff brush.
• Soak the containers in a 10% bleach solution for ten minutes.
• Rinse the containers thoroughly. Terracotta containers should be soaked in clean water for an extra ten minutes before rinsing.
• Set the containers in a place where they can air dry in the sun.

Question: What Should You Set Under Indoor Plant Containers?

Answer: Most plant containers come with a saucer or a tray to catch excess water and keep it from spilling out onto floors. This is especially important for indoor plants where water can damage carpet and wood flooring.
It is best to keep a saucer or a tray under a plant container for this reason, but even this may not be enough to prevent other types of floor damage.

Consider placing a cork pad under your plant container to prevent your floors from being scratched. A cork pad can also alleviate the worry that a water saucer or tray might sweat onto a floor.

Question: Is the Color of the Plant Container Important?

Answer: This can be an important factor when selecting a plant container, especially if it is a container that will be kept outdoors in direct sunlight. The reason for this is that dark colors will absorb more heat and retain it longer than pots that are lighter in color.

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