Pick Your Pot: An Indoor and Outdoor Pottery Guide

Pick Your Pot: An Indoor and Outdoor Pottery Guide

So many pots, so little time.

We’re here to make your choice a little bit easier!

Whether you’re looking to upgrade from the shiny plastic grower’s pot, or completely flummoxed (word of the day?) by the sheer amount of choices regarding pottery, this guide will help you decide both when to repot, and what kind of pot to get for indoor and outdoor plants.

Looking for step by step instructions on how to repot your plants? Check out our guide here for all the details!

When to repot your plants

If you’re getting the itch to repot, make sure your plant has had time to acclimate to your home before doing so! Remember, repotting can be stressful for plants, so only do so if your plant is giving major red flags.

Aforementioned red flags:

  • Roots are poking out of the top of the soil
  • Roots are busting out of the drainage holes
  • The plant is rootbound (check by gently lifting your plant out of the nursery pot)
  • You see that your green amigo could be ill (wilting, fuzzy grey mold, yellowing or discoloured leaves) or new growth is very small

What to look for in selecting a pot

Size

  • Root Space: Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. A pot that's too small can stunt growth, while one that's too large can retain too much moisture. If selecting a pot for an outdoor plant, consider getting one slightly larger, as they plants grow rapidly and will require more space. This will also make it studier and less likely to topple over.
  • Growth: Consider the plant's growth rate and future size. If you’re upgrading the size, opt for a pot around 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot.

When shopping with us for a plant, we’ve done the tough work for you by adding matching pot sizes to the product page! Simply select the style you like. Or, if you’re shopping for pots only, head to our pots page and filter by size.

Here’s a breakdown of our plant and pot sizes:

  • Small plants = 4 in or 10 cm pot size
  • Mediums plants = 6 in or 15 cm pot size
  • Large plants = 8 in or 21 cm pot size
  • Extra large plants = 10 in or 25 cm pot size

Pots are listed with their total diameter in centimeters. Look for the "fits _ inch" for the correct inner measurements.

Drainage

Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot. If it doesn't, consider adding some or placing a layer of rocks at the bottom. Our pots do not contain drainage holes, so consider using plastic nursery pots to “nest” inside the decorative pots instead! Outdoor plants will require drainage holes, so be sure to check for that before purchasing, or you can drill a drainage hole yourself.

Material

  • Plastic: Lightweight, affordable, and available in various colors. Good for plants that require consistent moisture as they retain water well.
  • Terracotta/Clay: Porous material allows air and moisture to pass through, preventing root rot. Ideal for plants that prefer dry soil, like succulents and cacti.
  • Ceramic: Often glazed, these pots come in all styles and shapes, but they often won’t have drainage holes.
  • Concrete: Very durable and great for outdoor plants, but very heavy.
  • Metal: Great for outdoor plants as well, but can heat up and cool down very quickly, which may stress your plants.

Our favourite pots right now:

  • Boule: timeless, chic, and unassuming. This pot will go with any decor style and any plant.
  • Isaac: modern, sleek, and clean. Isaac has a straight silhouette and goes well with a modernist, minimalist aesthetic.
  • Salamander: textured, warm, and lived in. This pot will go along with a variety of styles, including mid-century modern, bohemian, or eclectic.

Insulation

For areas with extreme temperatures, pots with good insulation properties (like wood or double-walled plastic) can help protect roots from temperature fluctuations.

There you have it! Plant and pot pairing made easy. Check out our pottery page for our full catalogue!

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