November 2, 2022, 11:57 am | Read time: 3 minutes

While some houseplants need a lot of light, others thrive in darker rooms. Plants also have different water needs. However, one thing is the same for all: The pot must fit, or the plant won’t do well. The selection is vast, but not every pot suits every houseplant. An overview of the types of containers, the importance of material, and key considerations.

Size Matters

Especially with houseplants, people pay attention to the appearance of the flowerpot–after all, it should match the rest of the decor. However, when choosing the right pot, it’s primarily about the right size, not just aesthetics.

Choosing the wrong size can be problematic for the plant. If the pot is too large, the roots of the houseplant won’t find support and will be unstable. A pot that’s too small can hinder growth. As a rule of thumb: The larger the plant, the larger the pot should be. The pot’s diameter should be 10 to 15 centimeters larger than the plant’s root ball. About every two years, the plant should be repotted into a larger pot with fresh soil.

Also interesting: 5 houseplants that thrive with little light

While the size of the flowerpot is essential, you can freely choose the shape. There are round, square, or cylindrical containers. The plant doesn’t care–in this case, you can focus on the exterior and choose a pot that you like and that matches the decor.

Flowerpot or Cachepot–Which is Better?

Basically, a houseplant always needs a flowerpot–but not necessarily a cachepot. The latter primarily serves a decorative function. However, planting directly into a pretty cachepot risks the plant’s quick demise. Due to waterlogging and limited space, the houseplant is likely to die quickly in the pot.

Instead, the plant should first be placed in a flowerpot with holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain. Then, the plant can be placed in the usually more aesthetically pleasing cachepot.

Tip: If you don’t have a cachepot, you can use a saucer under the flowerpot to catch the water. Otherwise, read here how to create drainage for the flowerpot and avoid waterlogging.

Also interesting: 4 first-aid tips for dried-out houseplants

More on the topic

Simple Guide How to Repot Houseplants Correctly

In the Flowerpot Protect Plants from Waterlogging with Effective Drainage

Overview of Flowerpot Materials

Flowerpots and cachepots come in a variety of materials. Especially with cachepots, you can choose what you like. However, each material has its pros and cons–an overview:

Plastic

Advantages:

• lightweight, especially practical for large plants
• doesn’t break easily
• water doesn’t evaporate quickly
• roots aren’t damaged during repotting as they don’t stick to the smooth surface
• often have multiple holes

Disadvantages:

• limited durability
• not a sustainable material
• sun exposure makes plastic pots brittle

Ceramic

Advantages:

• many shapes and colors
• durable
• sustainable
• high stability

Disadvantages:

• usually very heavy
• easily breakable
• lime stains from watering
• often no holes

Metal

Advantages:

• stable and robust
• durable

Disadvantages:

• heats up extremely in summer
• often no holes

Glass

Advantages:

• durable
• high stability
• low maintenance

Disadvantages:

• easily breakable
• get lime stains
• often no holes

Wood

Advantages:

• robust
• high stability

Disadvantages:

• must be protected from the inside to prevent water from reaching the material directly
• heavy

Which Material for Which Plant?

For houseplants, it’s crucial that the pot size fits and has holes to prevent waterlogging. Otherwise, choose the flowerpot that visually appeals to you and highlights the houseplant beautifully.