The right plant pot can really enhance the look of a house plant. Whether you’re looking to show off succulents, cacti, trailing house plants or dramatic large showstoppers, there are tons of options to choose from. From classic terracotta to simple silhouettes in white, grey or black, earthy stoneware in muted or bright colours, or pots with a textured finish, there are oodles of choices that will not only show off your house plants to their best advantage, but will complement your decor, too.
Most ceramic plant pots are designed as pot covers – in other words, you put your plant in its plastic pot inside the decorative ceramic pot. To water your houseplant, it is best to take the plant out of the pot cover, water it, drain, then return to its pot cover. Do not be tempted to water the plant while it is sitting inside its ceramic pot – you risk allowing the plant to sit in a pool of water at the bottom, which might seem useful but will actually result in wet, boggy compost that can kill plants.
When choosing a pot, go for one that has a diameter that is 1-2cm larger than the plant’s plastic pot (or 3-4cm for larger plants), so that it will fit comfortably inside. Also check its height – you don’t want the plastic pot peeking over the top of the ceramic one. Bear in mind that if the decorative pot tapers at the base, it might not be wide enough for your plant to sit at the bottom. In this case, you could add an upturned plant saucer, pebbles or gravel at the base. Remember that this will raise the height of the pot in the planter.
Here are some of our favourite ceramic plant pots to buy.
Best ceramic plant pots
Nicola Spring Reactive Glaze Plant Pot
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Show off your house plants in this eye-catching ceramic plant pot. Crafted from stoneware clay, it is hand-glazed, with a beautiful ombre pattern and a glossy finish. The chemical reactions during the firing process mean that no two pots are the same, and every one is unique. Available in a range of colours, including mustard, navy, pink, grey and emerald, shown here, and two sizes. The pots come with a two-year warranty.
Diameter: 14cm Height: 12cm (a smaller 10.5cm x 10cm pot is also available).
Positano pot
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The beautiful Positano Pot from Garden Trading will complement any house plant. It has three feet and a distinctive crackle glaze. It is available in three sizes, 7.2cm (£3.50) 13.5cm (£10) and 20cm (£26), making it suitable for tiny succulents or cacti or larger plants. It is available in two colours – Forest Green (pictured) and Stone.
Stripe pot
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This contemporary stoneware ceramic pot has an on-trend stripe pattern that would look good with a mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansieveria), Swiss cheese plant (monstera) – or pretty much any house plant, really. It measures 19cm x 15.5cm and costs just £18.
Coral ribbed plant pots
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These ribbed plant pots are a fresh and pretty spin on a traditional terracotta pot. They are available in two colours (coral, shown here, and chartreuse), and come in two sizes, medium (16.5cm x 15cm, £16.95) and large (17.5cm x 19.5cm, £26.95). They would look good with lots of different house plants, including peperomias.
Ceramic bobble planter
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This large ceramic planter from Marks & Spencer is a worthy home for a larger or taller house plant, such as a dragon plant. It has an on-trend bobble finish, and is excellent value for money at just £15. Height 18cm x width 19.5cm.
Looped stone plant pot
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Another pot from Graham & Green, which offers a fantastic range of plant pots. This simple but original stoneware pot has a rustic finish and unusual, scalloped circle handles. From 12cm x 13cm diameter, £21.
Textured glazed planter
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This textured mustard yellow planter will bring a touch of retro to your home and would complement many different types of house plant, including trailing house plants. The pot is cylindrical, so is the same height from top to bottom. It comes in five different sizes, from 10cm to 19cm in diameter. Prices range from £4.99 to £16.
Leaf ceramic geometric planter
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This attractive and sturdy ceramic planter by Leaf Design UK has a distinctive textured appearance and a turquoise glaze. It would look particularly good if paired with an arching plant such as a spider plant, asparagus fern or blue star fern. It comes without a drainage hole, so it could also be used as a vase. As it has a rounded bottom, it could be hung in a macrame hanging planter for a retro feel. It even looks good on its own. It measures 15cm x 15cm x 12.5cm, and the top opening is just over 8cm in diameter.