Make sure your landscaping or interior design projects don’t fail by choosing the best types of pots for plants!
Since every type of plant container has its own advantages and drawbacks, weigh them out before you make any decision. To do this effectively, you need to take into account:
- the climate where the planters will be installed
- the size of the property or landscape
- how the pots and containers will complement the existing design
Choosing the right type of plant containers is a smart investment. You want them to last year after year.
In this article, we’ll look at the best plant pot materials, shapes, and sizes, so you can make an informed decision on your plant pot sourcing mission!
Ready to start sourcing? Learn more about our custom planter manufacturing services and how they can benefit your organization!.
- What Are Other Names For Plant Pots?
- 2 Types Of Pots – Indoor And Outdoor Planters
- 7 Types Of Plant Pots For Outdoor And Indoor Plants
- The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Types Of Plant Pot
- What Is The Best Material For Plant Pots?
- Using Cachepots For Indoor Plants
- Planter Sizes
- Planter Shapes
- Browse All Our Planter Types
- Bring Your Container Gardens Fantasy To Life With Vietnam CDM
What Are Other Names For Plant Pots?
Plant pots, planters, planter boxes, garden containers – all of these terms refer to the same thing – plant pots! Though there are many different types of plant pot materials and styles – which we will look at later, for now, let’s look at the 2 categories that you must consider first.
2 Types Of Pots – Indoor And Outdoor Planters
Indoor and outdoor planters are two distinct categories of gardening containers that serve different uses.
Indoor planters are usually smaller in size and have more decorative designs compared to their outdoor counterparts. They are perfect for housing small plants and herbs, making them a great addition to the home or office.
Related article: Best Pots For Indoor Plants
Outdoor planters, on the other hand, often have larger capacities and typically feature more robust designs such as our planter’s UV and frost-resistant finish that can stand up to extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow and wind. Many outdoor planters also come with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape while this is not recommended for indoor pots.
Related article: Best Pots For Outdoor Plants
7 Types Of Plant Pots For Outdoor And Indoor Plants
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Types Of Plant Pot
1. Plastic Containers And Plant Pots
Plastic is a marvel material that first appeared on the global scene in 1907. Since then, plastic has been used to make a wide range of containers. Nowadays, many various types of plastic are available for a variety of applications, such as PVC, which is regarded safe for use in food cultivation.
Advantages
- Cheap – Plastic is the most mass-produced material in history. It is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and mold into any form or design.
- Lightweight – Plastic’s remarkable strength-to-weight ratio is one of the reasons it is so popular across the world. Plastic pots can be incredibly thin, sent around the world, and dropped a few times, and still function well.
Disadvantages
- Environment impact – Plastic pot has several negative environmental consequences. For example, plastic is so resilient that it takes thousands of years to decompose, causing havoc to entire ecosystems.
- Not durable – Despite its reputation for durability, plastic may become exceedingly brittle and break when exposed to sunlight and heat over lengthy periods of time. Therefore, plastic pots can be used only for one season.
2. Terracotta Pots And Ceramic Pots
Terracotta and ceramic pots are planting pots made from a variety of clay-based materials. Terracotta, which means “baked earth” in Italian, is a kind of unglazed, slightly porous pottery composed of clay. These are the well-known reddish-brown clay pots used as planting containers.
Ceramic pots tend to be made of denser, less porous earthen materials, and they are always glazed, both inside and out. All these types of ceramics have similar properties when used as planting containers.
Advantages
- Visually appealing: Terra cotta pots are traditional planting pots with a neutral and warm tint that complements practically any outdoor or indoor plants.
- Wide range of quality and cost: Terracotta pots are available on the market from super cheap to incredibly expensive.
Disadvantages
- Heavy: Terracotta pots may be fairly weighty when filled with soil. Fill the base of large pots with empty, unopened plastic bottles before filling them with potting mix to make them lighter.
- Not durable: Terracotta pots are extremely fragile and will almost always break if dropped. Though, glazed ceramic pots, or terracotta that have been glazed on the inside so that the inside surface is shiny, are less prone to drying out and are also more durable.
Into larger pot? have a look at our Manufacturer’s Guide To Large Pots For Trees | Sizes, Care, And Best Plants
3. Concrete Pots And Stone Pots
Concrete pots are ideal if you have a love of succulent plants. These are porous in nature, allowing water to readily absorb or evaporate. Aside from that, they are incredibly durable, dependable, and long-lasting. They can be used as decorative items.
Advantages
- Various color options – Because of its natural light-gray tone, concrete planters can be aesthetically neutral in a crowded color scheme.
- Good for outdoor use – Concrete is a tough and heavy material. This makes it perfect for use as an outdoor planter for large plants in areas where high winds and weathering might normally cause damage.
- Variety of shapes and sizes – Concrete containers can come in any form and size due to the nature of the molding process. It also implies that manufacturers would be able to offer unique designs for custom orders.
Disadvantages
- Environment impact – Along the supply chain, the production of concrete is ecologically detrimental. Manufacturing cement, for example, emits a significant amount of CO2, which adds to global warming.
- Not durable – Concrete, while sturdy, is also fragile. After a couple of heavy hits after delivery, you must purchase replacements.
- Plant health – Lime from concrete might leach into the potting soil. This results in an alkaline pH balance, which is ideal for succulents but can be detrimental to the growth of many other plants.
4. Metal Container Gardening
Metal containers may be really attractive and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from massive feed troughs to brushed stainless steel boxes and tin cans. A repurposed filing cabinet can even be used as a planter.
Advantages
- Variety of shapes and sizes: Metal planting pots are distinctive alternatives that provide a one-of-a-kind look in the yard and are frequently used as accent pieces.
- Longevity: Metal containers, while progressively rusting or corroding, may typically endure for many years.
Disadvantages
- Weight- Metal containers, especially big ones, may be rather heavy and difficult to transport.
- Overheating – Metal pots may become exceedingly heated when left in direct sunlight, damaging the roots of your plants. As a result, it’s better to keep metal pots in the shade or bring them inside on hot days.
Have big metal pots? elevate your garden with 10 Tips for Decorating with Large Planters
5. Wooden Pots
Wooden containers are manufactured from a range of natural materials. Rosewood, cedar, hemlock, fir, and pine are the most prevalent types. Other materials, such as bamboo pots, are exceedingly light.
Advantages
- DIY: Constructing wooden planting pots is a simple DIY project that requires just common equipment and supplies.
- Affordable: Wooden containers can be significantly less expensive than high-end terracotta or ceramic pots, especially if they are handcrafted.
- Available resource: Many common wooden containers, such as wine boxes and tiny storage boxes, may be transformed into planting planters.
Disadvantages
- Not weather-resistant: Wooden containers can rot in a year or two if not properly cared for. When keeping the pot for the winter, the dirt should be removed to avoid decomposition.
- High maintenance: Wooden containers require considerable upkeep since the wood must be resealed on a regular basis to extend the life of the pot.
6. Hanging baskets
Hanging baskets are one of the most popular garden accessories today. They offer a number of benefits that set them apart from other garden options, such as hanging pots or planters.
Hanging baskets are traditionally seen as old-fashioned, but this is because there are so many different types and styles to choose from. Many people believe that hanging baskets provide many benefits, including aesthetic appeal and better soil aeration. They are great as balcony hanging pots and in verandahs.
Advantages
- Visual appealing: Hanging baskets add a touch of beauty and elegance to any outdoor space. They can double as planters and also be used to store plants or flowers.
- Various materials: There are traditional baskets made from wood, metal, or plastic that are perfect for adding visual interest to a room.
- Environmentally-friendly: Hangings baskets provide environmental benefits by using less water than traditional plants and reducing waste.
Disadvantages:
- High maintenance needed: Hanging pots dry out quickly and must be watered often. They must also be fertilized on a regular basis since they will soon deplete the nutrients in the planting mix in the basket. If these duties are neglected, a hanging basket will decay quickly and become an eyesore.
- Vulnerable to harsh weather: Plant leaves, branches, and stems can be damaged if they are blown against the chains of your hanging basket during a storm or severe winds.
7. Fiberglass Pots
The best material for outdoor planters and plant pots on the market is undeniably fiberglass. Fiberglass pots are gaining popularity because of their versatility, durability, and sustainability for professional landscapes.
Fiberglass planters are created by shaping spun glass fibers and joining them with resin. The individual fiberglass fibers are too small to see, but as Michelle Korwin-Edson, a senior scientist at Owens Corning says: “They’re small, but they sure are mighty.”
Wondering how strong the resin is? Have a look at: Are Resin Planters Durable? FAQ & Guide
Advantages
- Durability: Fiberglass containers are extremely strong and flexible. They can be used both indoors and outdoors and are resistant to all types of weather. Minor scrapes and wear and tear are also readily wiped away or painted over.
- Low maintenance: The planter is UV-resistant, weather-resistant, and shatter-proof. You won’t have to worry about color fading thanks to the layers of protective coating. Cleaning with a mild soap solution on a regular basis helps keep it looking new.
- Good for plant health: Fiberglass is well-known for its plant-protection abilities. UV protection for hot climates and waterproofing are two of the health benefits of purchasing fiberglass, and because it is not a porous material, it will not leech chemicals into the soil and harm your plants, making it ideal for growing edibles!
- Visual appeal: Fiberglass planters come in different shapes and sizes. They are elegant, and suitable for a casual garden or a commercial one.
Learn more about our fiberglass planter material and finishes and what makes them the experts’ top choice!
Disadvantages
- Initial cost – Fiberglass pots are less expensive to make than heavier materials like wood and metal, but they are more expensive than plastic and clay.
- Manufacturer dependent – Some producers take shortcuts while producing this material. This is accomplished by adding extra resin and fillers that have no structural function but add weight. Be aware of heavy fiberglass planters; this is a sign of poor quality.
Get a professional insight into: How Long Fiberglass Takes To Decompose and why you should care!
What Is The Best Material For Plant Pots?
Overall, we believe fiberglass containers are the best material for plant pots when stacked up against the other most popular pot materials.
Although plastic planters are inexpensive, they decay when exposed to sunshine, and you may end up losing money in the long term. Other planter materials, such as wood, terracotta, metal, or concrete, are subject to water damage and will fade, split, and fracture due to exposure to the weather.
Since it is robust and light enough to be moved inside when necessary, as well as being able to survive all the elements of the great outdoors, our fiberglass planters have become the best planter collection to supply to landscapers, developers, and home & garden retailers.
In short, fiberglass is the best material since it performs above class in all manner of situations – from use in a simple home garden to adorning the terminals of busy airports.
Using Cachepots For Indoor Plants
Cachepots are decorative planters that provide an elegant and stylish way to show off your favorite indoor plants while allowing the plants to stay in their original pot. Cachepots are also tasked with protecting the plants from the elements so they must be durable. The biggest users of cache pots are landscape architects who want to design a beautiful yet easy-to-manage landscape or interior.
Manufacturers often design their planters to allow cache potting, such as our 69418 Cube Planter which was specifically designed to house 6-inch grow pots!
Let’s look at planter sizes in more detail!
Planter Sizes
It can be quite challenging to choose the right pot size for plants, especially when new to container gardening. Nursery pots like plastic or clay are usually included when you buy any new baby plants, but these are not ideal for plant growth at all.
In general, pick a pot size that is double the diameter and depth of the root ball. This is the grouping of roots under the surface. Another method is to purchase a pot that is one-third the diameter of the canopy spread.
Learn more about the best custom and standard pot sizes for plants.
When choosing a pot for a new plant, make sure you select the right size, and that the planter has drainage holes and gives the plant room to grow. If you don’t have a drainage hole for your potted plants, make sure to learn how to plant in pots without drainage
Planter Shapes
Planters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique application.
Rectangular planters are the most common planter shape, and they can be used to create a linear design when placed side by side. Take the 69367 Rectangular Planter for example, which is great to create a more private or intimate retreat.
Square planters such as the 69050.C Tall Corner Planters are perfect for adding visual interest to outdoor spaces and creating a sense of order.
Round planters like 69230 Extra Large Round Planter make excellent focal points when used solo or as part of an overall planter display.
Oval planters add a distinctive style to any setting and look great lined up along pathways or driveways. Have a look at the one-of-a-kind 69225 Oval Planter and give your garden containers a splendid touch of nature.
Tapered planters‘ sleek shape and tapered design like the 69505 Tall Tapered Square Planter give them a modern edge, while their ample surface area provides plenty of space for plants to thrive.
Flute planters such as the 69587 Tall Fluted Round planter offer an interesting alternative to traditional planter shapes by having fluted sides which create distinctive ripples along the planter’s exterior making it an excellent statement piece.
Browse All Our Planter Types
Interested in the possibilities of fiberglass planters? Get to know our catalog of fiberglass planters!
Bring Your Container Gardens Fantasy To Life With Vietnam CDM
With spring planting season in full swing, there is no better time to invest in your outdoor or interior space than with Vietnam CDM’s quality fiberglass planters!
As a planter manufacturer, we understand the importance of plant containers and wish to support you in meeting your client’s expectations. We understand that cost and quality are the most crucial elements, which is why we picked Vietnam to manufacture our pots.
Contact us to learn more about the exciting opportunities and value we can deliver!