Choosing Container Materials
When it comes to planters, there are many colors, styles and materials to choose from. Some of the most common types are traditional planters, hanging baskets, window boxes and repurposed items (baskets, wheelbarrows, old boots, crates, etc.). In addition, fabric pots are always a popular choice for both hanging planters and planters with stands. Theoretically, anything that can hold soil and has holes for drainage can be used as a plant container.
Types of Planting Pots
There are many types of pots for planting almost any variety of plant that you can think of. The following materials are common for plant containers:
- Fabric Pots: Plants can grow in fabric pots, whether they stand alone above the ground or are planted into soil to help establish long tap roots.
- Fiberglass or Resin Planters: These have the look and durability of heavier materials, particularly ceramic. They're lightweight and generally can be used both outdoors and indoors.
- Clay or Terracotta Pots: These options offer a traditional look, but they're porous and dry out more quickly than other materials. The porosity also helps prevent the soil from getting too saturated. Plants in clay pots may need watering more frequently.
- Wood Containers: Wood gives a natural look. Moisture can be a problem however, so put other containers inside of the wooden one to prevent decay.
- Plastic Planters: These are durable and lightweight. They're available in styles ranging from the nursery pots you get when you purchase plants to highly decorative versions.
- Concrete Planters: Concrete offers a formal statement to the garden and is a durable option.
- Ceramic Containers: These are available in many decorative options and are primarily used for indoor houseplants because they don't work well in freezing temperatures.
- Metal or Wire Containers: Both metal and wire are common for hanging baskets and window boxes that use planter liners. Metal planters can provide a modern or rustic look but some work best indoors.
Annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and even trees or shrubs can be grown in a container. Check out our Container Garden Ideas article for tips on attractive planter combinations and creative container gardens.
What Is the Best Material for Fabric Pots?
If you are using fabric pots, stick to soft yet durable materials like denim or felt. These can also be easily hand-sewn if you'd prefer a DIY option.
Planter Styles and Designs
In addition to the range of planter materials, there are different planter styles and designs, allowing you to match the look of your home and outdoor décor. Understanding the different planter styles can help you create a consistent look or make a bold design statement.
- Modern or contemporary planters share uncomplicated styling and clean, neat designs. Contemporary planters often have a more ornamental look while modern plant containers focus more on functionality and geometric styling.
- Traditional planters have designs that tend to balance elegance, comfort and familiarity. The designs of traditional planters tend to work well with symmetric groupings.
- Rustic décor planters often have the look of weathered wood or aged metal to give your outdoor spaces a relaxed feel. If you want to add container plants to an outdoor space with friendly, welcoming décor, rustic planters create the right look.
- Bohemian planters embrace the free-spirited nature of this relaxed and relatable style. Often beautifully patterned, bohemian-style planters are available in hanging or stand varieties to elevate the look of your greenery and add dimensional style to your home.
- Farmhouse planter designs add a bit of whimsy to your home with charming patterns and shapes that complement both traditional and modern farmhouse designs. Mostly neutral in nature, farmhouse planter designs bring in natural elements, like wood accents or earth tones.
What Container Size and Shape Do I Need?
When sizing indoor planters, make decisions based on the type of plant you intend to grow, and make sure the container is big enough to allow root growth. Check the plant tag to get an idea of the plant's mature size before planting. If in doubt, get a larger container. The container width should be two times the width of the plant's root ball.
A container should also be heavy enough to resist the wind. Square- and cylinder-shaped planters have straight sides and are more stable than traditional-shaped planters. To relocate easily, place large containers on a plant caddy or cart.
At Lowe’s we carry a wide variety of pot and planter sizes to fit almost every size of plant for indoors or out.
- Small – up to 8 quarts
- Medium – 8-25 quarts
- Large – 25-65 quarts
- Extra Large – 65 quarts or more
How Much Does a Flowerpot Cost?
The price point of your planter may fluctuate depending on size, décor and extra features. However, Lowe's carries high-quality planters from top brands that will fit within any budget. When budgeting for planters, consider how important extra features such as stands, hangers or self-watering capabilities are versus the cost-saving simplicity of plainer pots.
What Is the Best Color for a Planter?
When choosing colors for your planters, balance practicality with aesthetic preferences and consider the following pointers:
- Lighter-colored planters may be healthier for your plants in the long run. This is because dark-colored planters absorb more heat in the summer, which causes soil temperatures to fluctuate and may cause root damage.
- Try picking color hues based on the colors of the plants you intend to grow. Bright colors will look good with bright-colored flowers, for example, so long as you don't pick clashing colors.
- More neutral shades are also a popular option since they'll match anything.
Choose a Pot With Proper Drainage
Good drainage is essential. Most planters have drainage holes already. Many have solid bottoms with markings for where to drill or knock out a hole for drainage. Either way, the container must have a way for water to exit.
Check your container for drainage hole(s) before you fill it up with soil. Make sure the drainage holes are unobstructed. Cover the drainage hole with a piece of window screen or a coffee filter to allow excess water to drain without losing soil. Any pot with a drainage hole in the bottom needs a saucer underneath.
Choose Pots for Indoor/Outdoor Use
Many planters are suitable for indoor or outdoor use but some are not. Consider the following:
- If you plan to keep the container outside, use a frost- or weather-resistant container. Terracotta planters don't work well in the winter and will crumble during freeze and thaw cycles. Also, some plastic containers turn brittle and crack in freezing temperatures.
- Due to wind and heat, the liners used in hanging baskets and window boxes dry out quickly. Expect to water them more frequently.
For tips on indoor plants, read Care for Houseplants.
Plant roots can be protected during fluctuating temperatures by lining the planter with waterproof insulation such as foam.
Features and Accessories
Planters often come will all sorts of extra features and accessory options, such as planters with stands, or options for hanging planters. Additionally, self-watering planters are a perennial favorite for convenience reasons since they're designed to wick water and water-soluble fertilizer up from a reservoir built outside or into the bottom of the container. Consider some of the following feature options:
- Plant caddies and carts help you move planters easily.
- Plant hooks allow you to hang flower baskets and garden décor, like birdhouses and wind chimes.
- Plant saucers protect the surfaces beneath your planters from damage by catching excess water.
- Plant stands work indoors or outdoors to add beauty and style to house your plant containers.
- Planter liners work in hanging baskets, trough planters and window boxes to help contain soil and soak up water.