Planters

A planter is one of the simplest ways to bring life and colour into a room or outdoor space, but getting the right one makes more difference than people often expect. The wrong size can stunt a plant's growth, the wrong material can retain too much moisture or dry out too quickly, and a style that clashes with the surrounding space can undermine an otherwise well-considered interior.

Size is the starting point. As a general rule, a planter should be roughly the same diameter as the plant's current root ball, with a little room to grow. Going too large too quickly can lead to overwatering problems, as the excess compost around the roots stays wet for longer than the plant needs. For most houseplants, moving up one pot size at a time is the right approach.

Material affects both the look of the planter and the growing conditions inside it. Terracotta is porous and allows air and moisture to move through the walls, which suits plants that prefer drier conditions like succulents and cacti. Ceramic and glazed planters retain moisture for longer, making them better suited to thirstier plants. Fibreglass and resin planters are lighter and more weather-resistant, which makes them a practical choice for larger outdoor planters that need to be moved or repositioned.

For outdoor use, drainage is a critical consideration. Planters without drainage holes will cause waterlogging in the UK climate, which is one of the most common causes of plant death. If you fall in love with a planter that has no drainage hole, using it as an outer pot with a nursery pot inside is a practical solution that protects both the plant and the planter.

Indoors, large floor planters have become increasingly popular as a way to incorporate statement plants like fiddle leaf figs, monstera, and palms into a room. These work particularly well in corners with good natural light, where the plant and planter together can act as a living decorative feature that changes and grows over time.