Flower Pots Buying Guide

Consider the size and weight of your plant, its watering needs and how big it will grow before selecting a planter. For plants under 10 inches in diameter, the best plant pots will be two or three inches bigger in diameter. For example, for a plant with a root ball that's eight inches in diameter, select a plant pot that's at least 10 to 11 inches in diameter. If your plants are more than 10 inches in diameter, the best plant pots for them will usually be one or two inches bigger in diameter.

You want to select flower pots that are deep enough for your plants, as well.

Check that the planter has drainage holes or is made from a material you can drill into. In most cases, you can improve drainage simply by poking or drilling holes in the bottom of the planter. If you're using a separate saucer, choose one slightly larger than the bottom of the pot to catch excess water.

Clay pots or terra cotta containers are more porous than other types of flower pots. They let air and moisture move in and out, which is important for the health of your plant. They're usually heavier than wood or plastic planters, so they're less likely to tip over if your plant is top-heavy.
Clay pots are susceptible to winter weather damage. You'll need to empty and store them during winter.

The best flower pots for your needs may be containers that withstand harsh weather conditions. If you plan to leave your planters outside year-round in a cold climate, look for frost-resistant containers that will survive harsh weather.

Ceramic pots come in many styles and sizes with a variety of beautiful glazes. They can make a decorative statement in your yard or garden. Bring them inside if you live where it's cold. Ceramic can crack with temperature changes.

Composite pots are made out of fiberglass, fiberstone or other mixed materials. They are often lightweight and come in many sizes and ornamental styles.

Read your plant's tag or label to see how much light it needs. For full sun, a pot made from a nonporous material helps reduce the amount of moisture that evaporates from the soil. Dark-colored pots absorb more light and heat than light-colored ones, a tip to remember if your plant likes to stay on the cool side.

Follow the watering recommendations for your plants. If you can't water as often as needed, a self-watering pot may be the best flower pot for your needs. If you prefer, use a drip irrigation kit to water your pots and planters.

Ceramic planters:

• Ceramic pots are attractive and available in a variety of colors and designs.
• They retain water better than clay.
• Ceramic is breakable and heavy. It may crack if left outside in the cold.
• It's usually more expensive than other materials.
• Ceramic containers may have poor drainage and come without a saucer.

Metal planters:

• Metal planters are affordable and often acquire character as they age.
• Metal, especially tin, is usually lighter in weight than other pot materials.
• Metal dents easily.
• It may overheat in warm weather, damaging roots.
• Unless used with a liner, metal pots rust easily.
• Metal planters may have poor drainage and come without a saucer.

Plastic planters:

• Plastic flower pots are available in a variety of styles.
• They are lightweight, long-lasting and resist breaking.
• Plastic can be manufactured to resemble other materials, such as wood or stone.
• Plastic pots do not usually weather well and colors can fade.
• They can look artificial.
• Top-heavy plants may fall over if the plastic pot is lightweight.
• Plastic pots may have poor drainage.

Clay planters:

• Clay flower pots are available as unglazed clay (terra cotta).
• They're often attractive and easy to mix and match.
• They offer good drainage and let air reach plant roots.
• They're reasonably priced and readily available.
• Clay pots can be breakable and may freeze or crack in cold weather.
• Clay planters are usually heavy.

Wood planters:

• Wood planters acquire character with age and add rustic style to your plantings.
• Wood is affordable.
• Wood pots offer good drainage and natural wood retains moisture.
• These pots can be heavy.
• They can be affected by excess moisture although a liner will help avoid splitting and rotting.
• Stained wood pots kept outdoors fade over time.

Composite planters:

• Composite flower pots are attractive and available in many colors and designs.
• They retain water better than clay pots.
• Composite planters are strong and glazes resist scratching.
• They are frost-resistant.
• Be aware, they are breakable and may be heavy.
• Composite may be expensive.
• Composite planters may have poor drainage if they lack holes.

Caring for your planters helps them last longer and keeps your plants looking attractive.

• Minerals and salts from hard water and fertilizers can build up and form a white, powdery residue on clay pots. The residue does not harm your pots or plants. You can remove it with a stiff brush and wash the pots with warm water and a little dish soap and vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
• Wash, rinse and dry other dirty pots in the same way, but do not use a stiff brush on surfaces that can be scratched.
• Purchase potting soil made especially for containers.
• Garden soil can develop plant diseases and often doesn't drain well, so use fresh potting soil every year to provide good aeration. Use fresh potting soil with slow release fertilizer to give your plants the nutrients they need when they need it. Make sure the fertilizer is labeled for the type of plants you're growing.
• Remember that potted plants need more fertilizer and water than plants grown in the ground. You'll probably need to water more often during hot weather.
• Soil in pots freezes more quickly than the ground, so move tender plants inside before frost hits your area.
• Bring terra cotta and ceramic planters inside to prevent breaking or cracking during harsh weather.

Many planters come with optional accessories such as saucers to protect the surface under the plant and catch excess water after watering. Porous saucers, like those made with clay, will not completely protect the surface beneath them, so you may want to consider plastic or ceramic saucers.

Cache planters do not have drainage holes. They are great for drop-in plants already in pots.

Metal, copper and tin planters are attractive and provide a unique accent to outdoor areas, although these materials may not weather well.

Half-whiskey barrels are large, wooden planters for large plants or large container gardens. They also make attractive additions to a yard or deck.

Hanging baskets often come pre-planted and have a hook for hanging, but you can also buy a hanging basket and plant it yourself. These baskets can be heavy when filled with soil and water so make sure you have sturdy hardware in place before you hang them. They're often used on porches, decks and patios or, if they're filled with sun-loving plants, around swimming pools. Look for plant chains or extender hooks to customize the height that you hang baskets.

Low bowls are growing in popularity and have a wide opening for easy planting. They're great for succulents or other plants with shallow root systems and can also be used for decorating or centerpieces.

Orchid pots are ideal for plants that need plenty of air around their roots. These planters have extra holes that allow the orchids to "breathe".

Pocket planters are ideal for small spaces. This kind of flower pot has multiple openings for planting small plants, such as strawberries, herbs or succulents.

Self-watering planters have a reservoir for water and a mechanism, like a wick, to provide the plant with a sustained water supply. Self-watering planters tend to be a bit more expensive than standard planters, but they reduce the frequency of watering. They are also helpful when growing plants in locations that are difficult to access.

Window boxes come in plastic or wood and are available in a variety of lengths. They provide an attractive accent to your home, displaying seasonal foliage, flowers and more.

Hanging planters made of wire with coconut fiber liners are available pre-planted, with plants growing through the liner for a nice, full look. They are not waterproof, so use them outdoors only where water drainage is not an issue.