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
Show off your house plants in this eye-catching ceramic plant pot. Crafted from stoneware clay with a diameter of 10.5cm, 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.
Positano pot
- Buy now from Garden Trading (£3.50).
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.
Dalloway Dash Green Plant Pot Large
This sophisticated large standing plant pot features a captivating green and white striped pattern. With a 15.5cm diameter and designed with ceramic feet, it elevates your plants to new levels, combining functionality with elegance in a stunning geometric motif.
Lava Bowl Relic Planter - Black
- Buy now from Hortology (£129.95).
For an exotic and dramatic feature pot, we love the Lava Bowl Relic Planter from Hortology. Combining ancient technique with a contemporary twist, the lava collection of ceramic planters seamlessly merges the past and the present. Meticulously handcrafted and kiln-fired in traditional wood-fuelled ovens, these planters boast distinctive volcanic textures achieved through 'Sgraffito', a scratch-off techniques used on various surface overlays.
Coastal Large Planter
- Buy now from Dunelm (£30)
Elevate your space with this Scandi-style ceramic planter, elegantly perched on sleek wooden legs, making it an ideal choice for floor placement. Its clean finish exudes a modern touch that complements a variety of decor styles, adding a contemporary flair to any room.
- Buy now from Dunelm (£30)
Textured glazed planter
- Buy now from Etsy (£4.99).
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
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.
From intricate hand-painted designs to sleek minimalist styles, there is a ceramic planter to suit every taste and complement any space. Whether you're an avid gardener or a design enthusiast, we hope you've discovered the ceramic plant pot for you in our roundup.
Looking for more indoor plant pots? Check out the best indoor hanging planters to buy.