Choosing the Right Pot Shape & Style to Perfectly Pair with Your Plant 🌿🪴

Dan
Jan 24
5 min read

The right pot can elevate a plant’s look, accentuating its natural beauty and complementing your decor. When pairing a plant with a pot, consider the plant’s shape, size, and growth style to find a pot that enhances its aesthetic. Here’s a guide to choosing the perfect pot style, shape, and material to make each plant shine.

1. Tall and Upright Plants

Plants with strong vertical growth, like Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Fiddle Leaf Figs, look best in pots that balance their tall structure.

Pot Shape: Choose cylindrical or straight-sided pots to emphasize their upright form.
Pot Size: Use a pot that’s proportional to the plant’s height - typically ⅓ to ½ the plant’s size.
Style Tip: Neutral-toned pots work well for upright plants, creating a sophisticated look that lets the plant stand tall without distraction.

Recommended Pot Style: Sleek, minimalist pots with clean lines, such as matte ceramics or modern concrete.

2. Trailing and Vining Plants

Trailing plants like Pothos, String of Pearls, and Philodendrons shine in pots that allow their vines to cascade naturally.

Pot Shape: Round or bowl-shaped pots work well, creating a soft, flowing look as the vines spill over the edges.
Hanging Pots: Trailing plants are stunning in hanging pots, allowing the vines to cascade without touching surfaces.
Style Tip: Try macrame hangers or woven baskets for a boho look, or go for glass and metal for a modern, minimalist vibe.

Recommended Pot Style: Bowl-shaped pots, hanging planters, or pedestal planters to maximize the plant’s trailing effect.

3. Rosette and Compact Plants

Compact, low-growing plants with a central rosette shape, such as succulents, Aloe Vera, and Echeveria, look best in shallow, wide pots that showcase their symmetry.

Pot Shape: Shallow, round, or bowl-shaped pots highlight the plant’s symmetry and natural form.
Material: Terracotta pots complement succulents and rosette plants, as they allow for natural moisture control.
Style Tip: Use a series of small pots for grouping succulents, or go for a minimalist single pot that focuses on the plant’s natural shape.

Recommended Pot Style: Wide, shallow ceramic or terracotta pots for a clean, simple display that doesn’t distract from the plant’s form.

4. Sprawling and Bushy Plants

Plants that spread horizontally, like Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, and Peace Lilies, need pots that provide balance and support for their wide growth.

Pot Shape: Round or low-profile pots are ideal, offering stability and a solid base for the plant’s bushy growth.
Size Consideration: Choose a pot wide enough to accommodate the plant’s spread without overcrowding its leaves.
Style Tip: Try textured pots or unique finishes that add interest without overwhelming the plant’s natural spread.

Recommended Pot Style: Round or slightly flared pots, ideally with a sturdy base to support the plant’s shape.

5. Climbing and Trellised Plants

Plants that need vertical support, like Monstera Deliciosa, Philodendron, and Hoyas, work well in pots that can accommodate climbing aids like stakes or trellises.

Pot Shape: Deep pots with straight sides help support the height of climbing plants and give space for sturdy stakes or poles.
Material: Heavy materials like ceramic or concrete provide stability, helping to balance the height and weight of climbing plants.
Style Tip: Choose modern, monochromatic pots to keep the focus on the height and structure of the plant itself.

Recommended Pot Style: Deep, heavy pots with clean lines that work well with trellises or moss poles for climbing.

6. Large Statement Plants

For large plants that serve as focal points, such as Bird of Paradise, Rubber Plants, and large Monsteras, it’s essential to choose a pot that complements their grand presence.

Pot Shape: Oversized, cylindrical, or tapered pots add presence without overpowering the plant’s natural size.
Material: Durable materials like concrete, metal, or large ceramic pots provide stability and create a polished look.
Style Tip: Go bold with pots that match the statement vibe of the plant, like matte black or high-gloss finishes.

Recommended Pot Style: Extra-large pots with a simple shape and bold finish to create a cohesive, modern look.

7. Soft and Delicate Plants

For delicate plants like Maidenhair Ferns, Calatheas, and Fittonia, choose pots that emphasize their soft textures and add a gentle aesthetic to the arrangement.

Pot Shape: Round, curved pots create a gentle and soft look that suits the plant’s aesthetic.
Material: Light, neutral tones like pastels or natural clay enhance the plant’s delicate nature.
Style Tip: For added character, try vintage or decorative ceramic pots with subtle patterns or textures that add a touch of elegance.

Recommended Pot Style: Softly rounded pots with delicate detailing for a classic, romantic look.

8. Modern and Sculptural Plants

Plants with unique shapes and bold forms, like Alocasia, Fiddle Leaf Fig, and Bird of Paradise, look amazing in modern, sculptural pots that highlight their unique silhouettes.

Pot Shape: Geometric or angular shapes that contrast with the plant’s organic form work well for a modern look.
Material: Matte ceramic, metallic finishes, or concrete create a modern, sleek aesthetic.
Style Tip: Use pots with unique shapes to make the plant feel like a piece of living art within the space.

Recommended Pot Style: Geometric or sculptural pots that create a focal point and emphasize the plant’s bold aesthetic.

9. Small and Playful Plants

For smaller, quirky plants like Cacti, Baby Succulents, or String of Pearls, playful and colourful pots add a bit of fun and personality.

Pot Shape: Tiny pots, unusual shapes, or whimsical designs make small plants stand out and add character.
Colour and Pattern: Go bold with bright colours, patterned ceramics, or pots with interesting textures.
Style Tip: Arrange small plants in clusters of mismatched pots for a playful, eclectic vibe that highlights their unique characteristics.

Recommended Pot Style: Small, colourful, or patterned pots that add fun and personality to compact plants.

10. Minimalist Plants

For minimalist plants like ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, and Pothos, choose pots that reflect their low-maintenance, clean aesthetic.

Pot Shape: Simple, cylindrical pots with clean lines work beautifully for minimalist plants.
Colour: Neutral tones like white, black, or grey keep the look understated and modern.
Style Tip: Opt for matte finishes or ceramic pots that have a streamlined, classic look.

Recommended Pot Style: Modern, neutral pots with a matte or glossy finish for a minimal, chic look.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Pot

Prioritize Drainage: Always choose pots with drainage holes to avoid waterlogged roots and keep your plant healthy.
Consider Material: Terracotta is great for succulents (it dries quickly), while ceramic retains moisture better for tropical plants.
Balance Size and Stability: The pot should be slightly larger than the plant’s root ball and sturdy enough to support the plant’s weight as it grows.
Experiment with Layers: For added interest, use a plant stand or double potting - place your plant in a plain nursery pot and set it in a decorative cachepot.

Selecting the right pot for your plant can enhance its natural beauty and integrate it into your space effortlessly. Whether you’re going for a minimalist vibe, a boho aesthetic, or a modern statement, these tips will help you find the perfect match for every plant. Happy pot pairing! 🌿✨