Buying pots and planters

Pots and planters are much more than a decorative container for your plants – they are the ‘support act’ for the greenery and can help to bring character to your indoor and outdoor living spaces. However, choosing the right pot can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for.

When choosing a pot, there are important functional considerations, such as drainage, size and material, in addition to the design considerations of colour and shape. You’ll want the style you choose to complement your home and garden aesthetic. When you match the right plants with the right pots, you can easily convert your space into a lush, low-maintenance haven.

Consider size

The right size garden pot is more than a matter of aesthetics; it’s crucial for the health of your plants. Here are some tips from our horticultural editor, AB Bishop, to help you choose the right size pot:

• Ideally, you should choose a new pot that’s 4–10cm larger than the nursery pot the plant comes in.
• If the plant is going into its ‘forever pot’ and is going to grow much bigger than it currently is, the new pot can be up to 15–20cm larger than the existing pot. In this case, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as it initially won’t have enough roots to take up all the moisture that the potting mix will hold and the roots could rot, killing the plant.
• Always take into consideration the preferences and habit of the plant. Orchids, for example, prefer to be pot-bound, but fast-growing trees like wattles and eucalypts can quickly outgrow their pots.

Choose the right material

The material determines the pot’s weight, durability, airflow and drainage. Start by deciding whether you need an outdoor or an indoor plant pot. Outdoor pots need to be weatherproof, resist the elements, and cope with fluctuations in temperature, while indoor pots don’t need to be as hardy. “There are pros and cons to all materials,” says AB. here are some options:

• Lightweight materials such as plastic and lightweight fibreglass are great options for balconies or if you like to move your plants around. They are available in a variety of attractive finishes, that mimic materials like stone or timber.
• Glazed ceramic pots are durable and protect roots from overheating better than plastic and fibreglass. They usually have drainage holes and often come with saucers. Large pots are very heavy when filled with potting mix.
• Porous pots, made from clay or terracotta, allow air to reach the plant’s roots, which can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the plant. Seal them to prevent staining and to hold moisture in for longer.
• Concrete, cement or terrazzo, are good materials for large garden pots. They are hardy and provide an architectural look and feel. These materials insulate heat, so are ideal for growing plants that come from warmer climates. They can also be quite heavy.
• Steel or aluminium pots are relatively light. Keep them in a shady location to avoid them becoming too hot to touch.

Pot pointers

Adequate drainage is key to fostering healthy plant growth. When moving your plant to a new container, it’s vital to choose one with drainage holes. This safeguards against root rot by preventing excess water from pooling at the bottom.

If you choose a decorative cover pot that doesn’t have drainage holes, re-pot your plant into its original nursery pot (or a slightly bigger plastic pot) and sit it inside the cover pot. You can elevate the plant from the base using small blocks, 1cm or 2cm in height.

If you’re showcasing your potted plant indoors or on your patio, you might prefer to use a saucer to catch running water and soil. It’s important to exercise caution and avoid leaving the plant standing in water for prolonged periods, as this could potentially lead to root rot.

Design considerations

Ensure the style of your pot enhances and harmonises with the aesthetic of your home or garden. “Pots and planters layer outdoor spaces and add a finishing touch. And of course, in some instances, gardens are made entirely using pots and planters, so it’s important to get it right!” says Richard Unsworth, garden designer and author. Here’s a few tips to get you started…

Work with space
Whether you have a backyard or a small balcony, there are ways to bring plants into the space. You can choose from a wide variety of containers, including large planters, plant stands and hanging pots, to make the most of both vertical and horizontal areas. As landscape designer Adam Robinson advises, “The key is to not create too much clutter. If you have a seriously small space, it’s better to have one really large pot with an amazing, lush foliage plant for wow-factor rather than lots of tiny pots with miniscule plants.”

Be careful with colour
Avoid strong primary colours, which can be jarring to the eye and draw too much attention to the pot. “Soft lilac or lavender is having a real moment and it looks amazing against green foliage,” says Adam. “Soft peach and salmon to sienna and topaz, caramel, sandy hues are all gaining popularity.” Using pots of the same colour helps create a cohesive look, even if there are different sizes and styles.

Create a composition
When clustering pots, it’s important to create an engaging visual composition by mixing textures and sizes. “It comes down to contrast,” says Richard. Opt for a cluster of three or five planters, each of varying sizes. Conversely, if you aim to establish a cohesive and connected ambiance across your courtyard or terrace, use a series of three or five identical pots.

Create harmony
Your choice of a plant pot should harmonise with your overall home decor and the personality of your plants. “If the house is quite minimal and zen, it would be better for the plant to be the hero of the space, rather than the pot,” says Adam. “In a more decorative and colourful home, you could let the pot and plant shine together.”

Image credit: Getty Images