Choosing a clay pot starts with your plant’s needs, how you want to use the pot and where it will sit. Size, drainage and watering all matter alongside the way it looks.
Start with how you’ll plant
Decide whether you’ll plant directly into the pot or keep the plant in its nursery pot. For a nursery pot, compare its widest point, including the rim, with the planter’s inner diameter and usable depth.
If you’re planting directly, choose a size suited to the root ball and the plant’s growing needs. A much larger pot can leave more potting mix wet for longer.
Understand how clay behaves
Clay brings earthy texture and quiet character into a home. Unglazed terracotta is porous and can dry out more quickly than less porous containers. The way a planter holds and loses moisture also depends on its finish and the growing conditions.
A clay pot alone does not prevent overwatering. Check the potting mix and your plant’s needs, and adjust watering to the light, temperature and conditions in your space.
Pay attention to drainage
For direct planting, choose a planter with a drainage hole, use a suitable potting mix and keep the hole clear. Allow excess water to drain, then empty the saucer rather than leaving the pot standing in collected water.
Find a place for it
Check the planter’s overall width and height against your shelf, windowsill or table, allowing room for a saucer if you’re adding one. Choose a shape and colour you enjoy living with, as well as a size that suits your plant.
