Better Homes and Gardens says wow—but are your planters actually sabotaging your houseplants?

May 16, 2025

Forget Fancy Pots — This Is What Actually Matters When Choosing Indoor Containers

You’ve seen them on Better Homes and Gardens: perfect plant shelves packed with pretty pots and thriving Fiddle Leafs. But if you’ve ever stood in the aisle at your local shop wondering why some of your indoor plants are, well, slowly giving up…it’s not just your watering schedule.

Choosing the right container can mean the difference between a sad spindly herb and a bench-top basil bush that smells like heaven. And here’s the kicker — it’s not about trends. It’s about the basics.

Beautiful containers don’t grow beautiful plants — good ones do.

We’ve seen firsthand what happens when first-time plant lovers unknowingly choose shallow, glossy pots with no drainage. The result? Soggy roots, yellow leaves, and frustration. Once they switch to breathable, suitable containers — it’s like plant CPR. Growth comes back. The greens deepen. And confidence? Through the roof.

Why the Right Container Isn’t Just a Pretty Shell

Think of plant pots like housing. A beautiful-looking home without plumbing or airflow might photograph well... but you’d never want to live in it. Your plant won’t want to either. Here’s what actually matters when choosing containers for your indoor jungle:

1. Drainage: The #1 Non-Negotiable

No hole at the bottom? No deal. Plants hate wet feet. Containers without proper drainage trap water, choke the roots, and increase the risk of root rot faster than you can say, “Why is my peace lily dying?” Look for:

A decent-sized drainage hole (not just a pinprick)
A matching saucer to catch overflow (especially for indoors)

“The best pot is one that actually lets your plant breathe and drink—without drowning it.”

2. Material: More Than Just Aesthetic

Each material has pros and cons. Matching pot to plant? That’s where magic happens.

Terracotta: Porous, great airflow, dries out faster — perfect for succulents and herbs.
Ceramic (glazed): Retains moisture longer. Ideal for ferns and indoor tropicals. Just make sure it has drainage.
Plastic: Lightweight, holds water well, budget-friendly. Pair with thirsty plants and heavier soil blends.
Metal: Trendy, but can overheat or rust — not the best for heat-sensitive roots.
Wood: Rustic charm, but breaks down over time. Better for decorative outer containers (cache pots).

3. Size: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Going up too many pot sizes at once? That’s like moving a small fish into an Olympic pool. Overly large pots can cause water to pool and roots to rot. Match pot size to plant size, and only go up 1–2 inches at a time when repotting.

4. Shape: Round, Deep, Shallow — It All Matters

• Shallow pots work best for plants with shallow root systems (like succulents and bonsai).
• Deep pots are ideal for root veggies or tall, top-heavy plants.
• Wide pots help with stability and can become mini-gardens for a mix of herbs or a cluster of houseplants.

Styling Tip: Outer Beauty Meets Inner Needs

It’s okay to love a floral ceramic pot or a velvet-touch matte finish. You can always double-pot — placing a functional plastic nursery pot inside a decorative outer pot (called a cachepot). Just remember to remove the inner pot when watering to let it drain fully before popping it back in.

It’s form and function — not form instead of it.

How to Pick the Right Container for Your Specific Plant

Here’s a quick-reference list that’s worked brilliantly for those just starting out:

Peace Lily: Ceramic with good drainage. Loves humidity, hates soggy roots.
Snake Plant: Terracotta or breathable ceramic. Let soil dry between waterings.
Basil (indoors): Plastic or glazed ceramic for moisture retention, but must drain well.
String of Pearls: Shallow terracotta — they hate sitting wet.
Fiddle Leaf Fig: Deep, heavy pot with drainage — they get tall, fast.

Remember: The container you choose becomes the plant’s whole world. Make it a good one.

A Shift Worth Remembering

Potting used to be about matching your curtains. Now it’s about matching your care style. Once you realise good pots aren’t just accessories — they’re plant partners — you’ll stop buying purely for looks. And you’ll start watching your plants reward you.

Green thumbs aren’t born. They’re grown — with simple systems that work from the roots up.

Happy planting,
Candeece