When selecting material of pots for indoor plants, it is important to consider the material of the pots. Choosing attractive pots without considering the material of the pots is the most common mistake beginners make. Since plant pots have an essential contribution to the growth of plants. Therefore, picking up the right one makes all the difference between a healthy plant and a struggling one.

Depending upon the type of plant, different materials support the growth of the plant differently. For instance, the pot’s material that is ideal for growing healthy succulents may not be appropriate for a ficus plant. So it is vital to understand the consequence of choosing the planter of the wrong material for your plants.

To ensure you select the best pot for your plant, we have compiled a list of all the common materials of pots for plants.

Types Of Material of Pots For Indoor Plants:

There is a wide range of variety in pot materials depending upon the plant. However, it is important to consider the growing conditions of plants, their moisture preference, and their size before making a purchase. Also, you can adapt your care for indoor plants according to your preferred choice of pot.

1. Terracotta Pots

Clay-based materials are very popular for potting plants. In Italian, Terracotta means “baked earth,” and it generally refers to a non-glazed surface. The reddish-brown clay pots are porous in nature. So these pots release water more quickly, and as a result, the soil does not become too soggy. Since overwatering is the most common factor that results in plants’ death, especially indoor plants, terracotta pots provide an advantage here. However, some plants like moist soil, and if we plant them in terracotta pots, it will affect their growth.

Related Article: 6 Amazing Benefits of Terracotta Pots

Pros: 

• The classic neutral and warm reddish color of terracotta makes any plant look great.
• These pots have a variety of sizes ranging from a few inches to large planters for small trees.
• Terracotta plants are relatively cheaper as compared to other pot materials.
• Suitable for plants that prefer well-drained soil.
• Since pots are heavier, they do not tip over easily.

Cons:

• The material is porous, so the soil dries faster.
• Plants need to be watered more often due to the quick drainage ability of these pots.
• Soil-filled terracotta pots become so heavy to move.
• Since it is made of baked clay, the material is brittle and easily breaks if accidentally dropped.

Plants to grow	Plants not to grow
Cacti Succulents Snake Plants  Aloe Vera Ficus Monstera species. Syngonium species. Philodendron	Ferns Spider plant Pothos Lucky bamboo

2. Ceramic Pots

Ceramic pots are also made of clay. However, they are glazed on the inside and outside. A ceramic pot makes a perfect material for pots. It usually has a coat of lacquer to prevent the drying of soil quickly, as in unglazed terra cotta pots. Moreover, ceramic pots are less porous and denser. Therefore, they are suitable for plants that like moist soil.

Related Article: Are Ceramic Pots Good For Indoor Plants?

Pros:

• Ceramic pots have a vast range of different colors, sizes, and designs.
• They are durable and are not easily breakable like terracotta pots.
• The soil remains moist and does not dry quickly.
• Since these pots are not fast-draining, they help retain the fertilizer.
• Ceramic pots are suitable for plants that like moist conditions.

Cons:

• The ceramic pots, significantly larger ones, are quite expensive.
• Just like terracotta pots, ceramic pots also become heavy when filled with soil.
• Decorative ceramic pots usually do not come with drainage holes, and you have to drill them.
• Repotting becomes a major challenge due to the curved shape of pots at the top.

Plants to grow	Plants not to grow
Golden Pothos Spider Plant Baby’s Tears Fern Lucky Bamboo Aloe Vera Rubber plant	Cactus Succulents Snake plant Monstera Ficus String of pearls

3. Plastic Pots:

Plastic pots have become a favorite material among plant lovers for indoor plants due to their lightweight and ease of use. They have a diverse range in size, color, and style. They are available in every color so you can choose according to your interior. Moreover, you can get premium, attractive and high-end plastic pots as well as cheap and plain pots. However, plastic pots are suitable for moisture-loving plants as they do not have the features of clay pots.

Pros:

• Plastic pots are the least expensive choice for your plants.
• A diverse range of sizes, colors, and styles are available.
• They are lightweight, and carrying them from one place to another is easy.
• They are highly durable and do not break when dropped.
• The soil remains moist as water does not drain quickly.
• Suitable for water-loving plants.

Cons:

• Not suitable for outdoors under hot weather temperatures as they become brittle.
• Plastic pots are not porous, so overwatering makes the soil too soggy, causing root rot.
• Plastic does not give a high-end feel.

Plants to grow	Plants not to grow
Spider Plant Fern Lucky Bamboo Aloe Vera Rubber plant Golden Plam Areca Palm	Cactus Succulents Snake plant Monstera Ponytail palm Ficus ZZ plant

4. Wooden Planters

If you want to give your planter an expensive and high-end look, then wooden is the perfect material of pots for indoor plants. The pot can last several years if the planter is made from long-lasting wood like cedar or redwood. However, if low-quality wood like pine is used in the making, then without chemical treatment, the pot will not have much life. Moreover, it will be damaging to the plant as well.

Although wooden planters are generally preferred for outdoor gardening, wooden pots for indoor plants have also become quite popular lately. People use wooden planters indoors mainly for aesthetics. Wood as a planter material for indoor plants does not last long because it will eventually start to rot by holding damp. Moreover, it has low efficiency compared to terracotta, ceramics, or plastic containers.

Therefore, it is recommended to place a plant in any other pot and then put it in a wooden container to avoid dampness instead of directly potting the plant in a wooden pot.

Pros:

• Less costly than terracotta and ceramic pots.
• Pots can be made from recycled wood.
• Simple to construct as a DIY project.
• Looks aesthetically appealing and attractive.

Cons:

• Prolonged dampness of moist soil can cause plant root decay.
• If the wooden container is not sealed, the soil becomes dry faster.
• Leaks are inevitable so use a tray underneath.
• Wooden containers are high maintenance and need to be resealed properly.

Plants to grow	Plants not to grow
Cacti Succulents Spider Plant Jade Plant Aloe Vera Sedum Snake Plant	Monstera Ponytail palm Ficus ZZ plant Rubber Plant Palm

5. Metal Pots:

For an indoor plant, metal as a material of pot offers a fabulous look. Painted shiny surfaces give a unique look to your house. You can use any metal container like empty milk cans, steel boxes, or cooking pots as a planter. Just make sure to drill the bottom of your planter, and your plant will be ready to flourish.

However, in extreme heat, metal containers tend to overheat, damaging plants’ roots. But with the proper chemical treatment, plant liners, and gardening practices, metal containers can be used. Moreover, they develop rust over time as the soil becomes moist within them. Although, you can place the plant in an inexpensive plastic planter and then put that inside the metal container to avoid such problems.

Pros:

• Metal pots are usually attractive and look fancy.
• They are durable and will not crack or break easily.
• Any metal item can be used as a pot after drilling drainage holes.

Cons:

• Metal containers often lack drainage holes, so you have to drill them.
• They become heat up quickly in hot temperatures causing damage to the plant’s root.
• Metal is non-porous, so over watering becomes a problem.
• Metal pots can develop rust.
• Larger pots become heavy to move.

Plants to grow	Plants not to grow
Cacti Succulents Spider Plant Ivy Aloe Vera Sedum Snake Plant Pothos	Monstera Ponytail palm Ficus ZZ plant Rubber Plant Palm Ficus

6. Fiberglass Planter

Fiberglass pots are an excellent choice as a material for indoor planters. These are synthetic, unlike plastic pots. They are incredibly lightweight but durable. As the material is versatile, so you may mistake it for terracotta or plastic planter. However, fiberglass pots and planters are strong enough to withstand harsh conditions­. They’re rust-proof, shatterproof, and frost-resistant.

Pros:

• Fiberglass pots are lightweight but very durable.
• Available in various sizes and styles.
• Suitable for plants that like evenly moist soil.
• Less water can be used for plants that do not like much water.
• They are rust-proof.

Cons:

• These pots are expensive as compared to regular plastic pots.
• Can retain water, and overwatering can affect the plant.
• Fiberglass pots are more brittle than plastic pots and can break easily.
• Over time, the fibers of fiberglass can wear, giving the pots a rough appearance.

Plants to grow	Plants not to grow
Spider Plant Fern Lucky Bamboo Aloe Vera Rubber plant Golden Plam Areca Palm	Cactus Succulents Snake plant Monstera Ponytail palm Ficus ZZ plant

7. Concrete Planters

Concrete planters are the most beautiful option for indoor plants. The pots’ colors, designs, and shapes will add elegance to your home. Also, the concrete pots are somewhat porous and do not allow to retain a lot of water which is beneficial for plants’ health. Moreover, they are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather as well.

However, concrete releases lime into the soil and changes the soil’s pH level, making it more alkaline. This makes soil less suitable for some plants. But succulents like alkaline soil, so concrete pots are perfect for succulents and cacti.

Pros:

• Concrete plants are durable as compared to terracotta and ceramic pots.
• They are porous and release some water.
• They are heavy weight and have less chance of tripping over.

Cons:

• Concrete releases lime into the soil and changes the pH level of the soil.
• With the added weight of soil, the planter can get heavy to move.
• Large concrete planters are pretty expensive.

Plants to grow	Plants not to grow
Spider Plant Cactus Succulents Fern Lucky Bamboo Rubber plant	Areca palm Snake plant Monstera Ficus ZZ plant Aloe Vera

Conclusion:

With so many choices of material available for pots for indoor plants, one can get confused while selecting the right pot. We hope this article was helpful for you. Just keep in mind that as long as you know the basic needs and requirements of your indoor plant, you can select the container best suited for your plant’s growth.

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