Whether you’re growing succulents for the first time or creating an entire indoor garden, choosing the right succulent pots is the most important decision you can make. Here we’ll cover everything you need to consider when choosing succulent pots to help you make the perfect choice for both you and your plants.
Choosing succulent pots is almost as fun as choosing the succulents themselves! There are different shapes, sizes and materials of succulent pots, and most of them will work well for succulents, but some will ruin them.
With the wide variety of types, shapes and colors of succulents, choosing a container is probably the last thing on your mind. But the pot you choose affects not only the appearance of your succulents, but also how well they grow.
Choosing the wrong succulent pot can make care much more difficult or even cause your plants to die early if you are not careful.
Table of Contents
Succulent Pots’ Materials
The first choice you need to make concerns the materials for your succulent pot.
With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your succulents.
Aesthetics aren’t the only concern: the materials you choose will affect the growth of your succulents and may change the way you care for them.
Here are some of the most popular options for succulent plants, each with their own pros and cons.
Terracotta or Clay
Terracotta or clay is one of the most popular options and a favorite of professional florists.
Consider terra-cotta first for its overall aesthetics and its benefits for houseplants.
Pros:
- Clay succulent pots are breathable and porous, which improves air exchange around the roots and removes excess moisture from the soil.
- In addition to a drainage hole at the bottom from which water can drain, the material helps prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged around the roots. This is especially important for succulent plants, which are much more susceptible to root rot.
- In addition to these advantages, it is also one of the most beautiful materials. The clay matches the desert nature of many succulent plants and instantly brings out the green leaves. It also provides uniformity without looking boring or monotonous.
Cons:
- These containers have several disadvantages, especially the high cost compared to other materials.
- They also splinter easily on impact, so are not suitable for high-traffic areas or interiors with curious pets.
But if you only need to plant a few small succulents, terracotta or clay are a great option.
Ceramics
Ceramic is another option that is popular among succulent gardeners due to the wide variety of designs available to perfectly match the plant you are growing.
Pros:
- Large ceramic succulent pots are used to create succulent arrangements where multiple species are combined in one container as a focal point rather than individual plants. This highlights the creative or artistic aspect of the container, not just the plants themselves.
- Ceramic pots also drain quickly and promote air flow for healthy roots.
Cons:
- If you’re willing to deal with the cost, since ceramic tends to be more expensive than other options (along with clay), keep these succulent pots away from eaves and high-traffic areas where they could get damaged.
- Like terracotta, ceramic pots are prone to deterioration and may even crack if the temperature drops too low.
Plastic
Plastic does not have the best reputation among professional gardeners. Although, with proper preparation of the pot, this option has a place.
Pros:
- First, they are cheap or even free if you clean and reuse the containers of the plants come in from your local nursery.
- They also come in almost any color or design you can think of, and can even be repainted to match your garden and extend the life of the container.
Cons:
- Plastic containers don’t drain water as well as materials like terracotta and ceramic, which can be a problem for succulents.
- But if you choose a pot with multiple drainage holes, plant the plant in the correct soil mixture and allow excess moisture to drain freely from the container, then there will be no problems.
Concrete
Although it may seem unusual, concrete planters are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability.
Pros:
- Concrete is another porous material that promotes drainage, making it ideal for succulents.
- It’s also incredibly durable, and you can even make your own pot using pot molds, creating the perfect size and shape for your chosen succulents.
Cons:
- If you buy concrete pots from a local nursery or online, they may cost a little more than some of the other options on this list.
- They are also incredibly heavy and difficult to move, so only choose them if your container will stay in one place.
Wooden Succulent Pots
You’ve probably seen pictures of succulents planted in wooden sweet polka dots or, more popularly, in the crevice of decorative driftwood.
Pros:
- This natural material has many aesthetic benefits and complements succulents well, but may not last as long as some other options.
- There are ways to preserve wood to extend its life, but you need to choose plant-safe sealants to ensure that chemicals do not negatively impact growth.
Cons:
- Planting plants in snags is especially difficult. Gaps often don’t hold enough soil to support succulents for long, and watering such plantings can be difficult.
- Wooden succulent pots work well for short-term use as decorative items, but do not perform well over the long term.
Glass
On store shelves there are a huge variety of stunning compositions of succulents in glass terrariums. They usually have a shallow layer of pebbles, a small amount of soil and a stunning echeveria in the center.
Those who have experience growing succulents will probably guess that after a while the plants die in this beauty.
Pros:
- Glass containers are quite popular in stores, especially for succulents. They look good, sell well, and make great gifts for last-minute plant lovers.
- Unfortunately, none of these factors contribute to plant health.
- If the idea of crafting a succulent terrarium has crossed your mind, this is our complete guide to help you bring it to life.
Cons:
- Without drainage holes, you will have a hard time keeping your succulents alive in glass containers for long periods of time.
- You can add layers to prevent excess moisture from getting into the soil, or water very carefully, but finding the right balance that prevents root rot and stops bacterial growth in stagnant water is very difficult.
It’s best to avoid glass altogether or replant succulents in a more suitable container when they begin to show signs of illness.
Houseware
If you want a unique container that will save your budget, you can always choose items from your home or garden and turn them into pots.
Pros:
- This cheap and fun option allows you to get creative.
- Many creative gardeners have turned old teapots or shoes into containers for succulents by drilling a few holes in the bottom.
Look around your home (or the neglected back corner of your garage) for items you no longer use that can be turned into containers.
You can also take a stroll through your local store to find a few items or inspiration.
Cons:
- You need to make sure that the material you use is safe for your plants and that you can drill drainage holes without breaking the container.
- Additionally, it should be the right size and depth for your growing plants.
But if you can meet these requirements, then making your own containers is always an exciting adventure.
Size of succulent pots
Once you have decided on the materials, you need to choose the right size container. Getting this step right is critical to keeping your succulents happy and healthy.
Large Succulent Pots
You might think that a larger container will promote faster growth. But it’s not for nothing that succulents are sold in such cramped containers.
Excess soil in a container can hold excess moisture in areas where roots cannot reach, leading to the development of fungus and possibly root rot.
The extra space also encourages roots to grow further than necessary, causing the plant to focus on growing roots rather than leaves and stems.
If the plant’s growth slows after transplanting into a large container, the cause may be the container itself.
Tiny Succulent Pots
A pot that is too small will also negatively impact the growth of your succulents.
Although succulents love tight containers and grow well in tight spaces, they will eventually struggle without a space to move.
Tight containers also increase the likelihood of fungal problems due to lack of air flow.
Ideal Size for Succulent Pots
- Aim for about an inch of space between the succulent and the edge of the container.
- Another common rule is to use a pot about 10% larger than the size of the plant.
The same goes for planting multiple types of succulents in one container.
Leave 3cm of space between each plant to give them space to grow.
The pot may look sparse at first, but the plants will quickly grow and fill the voids.
Drainage of Succulent Pots
Drainage is essential for all container plants, but especially succulents.
They do not like to sit in soggy or even wet soil and generally prefer the dry, sandy conditions of their native habitat.
Each succulent is different, but they all have the ability to store water in their leaves; they are very sensitive to root rot.
Whatever container you choose, it should have drainage holes in the bottom if you want to keep your succulents happy.
There are ways to use succulent pots without drainage holes, but since there are many risks involved, it’s always better to play it safe and pay attention to drainage from the start.
How to Drill Drainage Holes in Succulent Pots
If the succulent pot you want to plant in doesn’t have drainage holes, you can make your own, depending on the material you choose.
Some succulent pots are more prone to cracking than others, so you need to be careful when drilling holes. To do this correctly, follow the following instructions.
If you are careful, you can drill holes into your succulent pots without breaking them.
Step 1: Choose the right drill bits
Regular drill bits are not ideal for making holes in decorative containers, especially if you want to avoid cracks.
The fastest way to drill a drain hole with minimal damage is to use a diamond-tipped drill bit. Don’t be afraid of the word “diamond” in the name—these drill bits aren’t too expensive and are incredibly useful if used in the right way.
You can also try a glass and tile attachment for ceramic succulent pots, but they tend to take longer to use and be more careful to handle than a diamond tip attachment.
Step 2: Mark the holes and add water
Then turn the container upside down and mark the center of the pot.
One hole is suitable for small containers, or you can drill three holes equally spaced for larger containers.
Use a marker to determine the location and make drilling more precise.
When you are ready to drill, add some water to the bottom of the container before starting to prevent overheating.
Step 3: Start drilling slowly and at the exact point
Diamond bits can slide along the bottom of the container without having a point of support to start the work.
To avoid slipping, start drilling slowly at a 45° angle until a small notch is made.
This will provide the necessary grip to keep the drill bit in place, allowing you to drill further.
Step 4: Drill Straight Down
Finally, move the drill bit over the container to drill straight down, creating an easy drainage hole in the base. Before planting, clear the hole of debris with water.
Design of Succulent Pots
While aesthetics are not the only concern when choosing succulent pots, they do play a role.
At the end of the day, we want our succulents to shine in their pots and not be detracted from the appearance of the container.
Luckily, the design options are almost endless. There are a variety of materials available in a variety of colours, patterns and shapes, allowing you to choose a pot to suit your plant of choice and your garden as a whole.
Muted tones always work well with succulents, especially those that have a green-gray undertone.
- You can use white succulent pots for a clean and modern look, but natural colors like beige and brown are trending right now and always look good in interiors.
- If you prefer bright colors, choose bright colors that contrast with the greenery without overwhelming the plant.
- You can also play with different shapes as long as the size suits the succulents you choose. Get creative and make your own containers with something more unique than the standard round container.
Ultimately, design is a personal choice. Choose what matches your home and what makes you stand out, while keeping the health of your succulents in mind.
Soil for succulents
Once the perfect container is chosen, all that’s left to do is fill it. This step is no less important than choosing the container itself.
Even with the perfect container, your succulents can struggle if you choose the wrong soil.
The easiest way to keep your succulents happy is to find a specialized potting mix for succulents and cacti.
These mixtures are formulated with the right ratio of ingredients ideal for succulent plants.
They are designed to hold enough moisture to satisfy the roots while drying quickly to prevent root rot.
Those who prefer to make their own potting mixes can experiment with recipes as long as the soil drains well and has a grainy texture.
Start with equal parts potting mix and sand, adding drainage or organic matter as needed.
Fill the container with a small amount of potting mix and add water to see how quickly it drains.
If drainage holes are blocked or water pools at the top, add more sand or perlite to improve conditions before planting.
Choosing the right succulent pots can seem daunting due to the many steps involved. But once you’ve considered the basics, such as drainage and soil, then your choice largely comes down to personal taste. Take the opportunity to get creative and create your perfect succulent garden.