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To find the best flower pots on the market today, we researched more than 50 models and purchased the 10 best for a comprehensive head-to-head analysis. From plastic to porcelain, we thoroughly reviewed various styles and brands to find the highest-performing models, no matter what your needs are. We tested each contender on form, drainage, durability, and ergonomics to give you a nuanced understanding of each model. Beyond these metrics, we were careful to consider the unique function of each container because several were designed with a specific purpose or plant in mind. Regardless of what you're looking to dig into, we've got you covered.
The D'vine Dev Terracotta Set was our overall favorite. These high-quality flower pots come in a set of three and are made of molded terracotta with a very smooth finish. The classic burnt orange color is updated by a modern cylindrical shape that is both sleek and presentable. Although they don't come with some of the accouterments that fancier models do, these D'vine pots live up to their name as a superlative example of craftsmanship, elegance, and value.
The D'vine Dev Terracotta planters are both versatile and attractive. The various sizes allow you to mix and match different plants within the same form factor, making for a sightly presentation. Though the saucers are too small to collect runoff from a deep watering, they are well-tailored to the profile of the pots. This is a solid deal for a high-quality set of good-looking planters.
These cylindrical terracotta pots look great and also offer a great amount of utility.
The Brajttt Succulent Set of 4 is a functional and economical option. As the only porcelain pots in our lineup, it is worth noting that this set rings in at a fair price per pot. Still, considering that porcelain offers substantial durability, this collection of flower pots is of tremendous value when you consider longevity alone. Each pot sports a unique design, making this set a great option for anyone trying to decorate a space with a distinct yet cohesive style. The included saucers will prevent messes, and the glazed porcelain construction means that your plants stay well-hydrated between waterings.
Though these don't water themselves like some other fancier pots, they offer great utility at a price that's tough to beat. So, if you're in the market for a quality flower pot that won't break the bank, be sure to take a look at the Brajttt set.
Coming as a set of four pots, these porcelain vessels are a great value and also look sharp on the shelf!
Because of their proclivity to be difficult and needy, not everyone is fond of orchids or bulbed flowers. But with the Mkono Plastic Planter, you can rest easy because your moisture-loving tropicals will be easier to take care of. This set of four-inch internal diameter flower pots comes with a removable basket that separates from the external pot. This unique design provides excellent drainage and makes watering much easier.
With included saucers, each pot is really a three-piece setup. And though the saucers won't hold much excess water, the wholly slotted internal basket enables deep drainage while the exterior plastic pot retains relative moisture. The result is a functional design that is well-suited for orchids and other bulbed tropical plants that need consistent moisture without the threat of rot. While the plastic construction is not of the highest caliber, the pots won't be susceptible to cracking and offer a good amount of value for the cost. Orchid lovers take note: the Mkono orchid pots may be just what you're looking for.
Smaller than most but sporting a unique two-piece design, the Mkono orchid pots are exceptional for plants that need supreme drainage.
Vertical sidewalls may make transplanting difficult
Heavy and difficult to relocate
For putting your large centerpiece plant on display, perhaps the best option is the Amazon Rivet Mid-Century. This large, well-built planter pot is branded and exclusively sold on Amazon. Our testers were keen to sift through the hype to find a reliable claim on durability and functionality. In the end, we were impressed by this model's overall design and believed that the raving reviews are well-founded.
Weighing 13 pounds when empty, this is a burly planter that would be difficult to move around once you fill it with soil and foliage. As such, we would have preferred some sort of saucer to collect runoff as it will have to be watered in place. Though, there is enough room beneath the elegant iron tripod that holds the ceramic that you can fit a vessel to catch excess water. (Note that some Amazon reviewers state there is no drainage hole and some state that there is. The Large size we tested came with a drainage hole.) With a high-fire glaze and resilient ceramic design, this pot would do well indoors or outdoors. Boasting serious volume and a pronounced style, the Amazon Rivet Mid-Century is a great option for your larger plants.
This planter is massive and would work great either indoors or out. The included plant stand gives a modern touch and makes watering easier.
If you're looking to put your seedlings or air plants in a sightly vessel to display with your other potted plants, then you may find a friend in the Brajttt 2.5-Inch. These small ceramic vessels each have a unique design with a high-fire glaze that not only looks great but will help preserve moisture. And while the drainage holes are tiny compared to other pots, our testers found them fitting for the application of small plants.
These pots will work great for small succulents, slow-growing delicate plants, or air plants, all of which do not require a large root zone to thrive. Outside of this niche, they offer very little utility, which is perhaps their greatest shortcoming. Succulents in a sunny window may rapidly outgrow these pots. However, for the right purpose, these pots could be the perfect match. If you want to put your tiny specimens on display with the rest of your plant family, the Brajttt 2.5 Inch succulent pots are a good-looking choice.
The details in design from these pots were well-received by our testing team.
There are numerous methods to reduce the hands-on time with watering your plants. Some are gimmicky, and some actually work. Our testers were overall very satisfied with the self-watering reservoir found on the Gardenix Decor 7" Self-Watering. This set of three plastic pots are not only attractive but also very functional. Plus, they come in a variety of colors to suit your taste.
Self-watering pots will take a little bit of time to get used to if you're used to top-watering, though they allow for an even distribution of moisture and can help prevent overwatering. Though these pots do not have a drainage hole in the outer plastic, you should be careful not to use them in a place where they may receive additional water that cannot drain. For houseplants that love well-moistened soil, the Gardenix Decor 7" Self-Watering pots will be very handy indeed.
Shown here are the inner workings of the Gardenix water level gauge which does require a bit of initial assembly but functions quite well once you get the hang of it.
Diameter: 9 inches | Material: Plastic pot, metal chains
REASONS TO BUY
2-piece pot has excellent drainage
Features an option to self-water or not
Durable plastic and reliable chains
Looks nicer than the price suggests
REASONS TO AVOID
Difficult to remove basket for watering
Deceivingly shallow
It comes as a single pot
Requires assembly
Sometimes, it can be difficult to water your hanging plants without making a mess. But with the Tabor Tools Self-Watering Hanging, you no longer have to worry about the chore. This two-piece plastic planter with an internal basket gives you the option to add water to a reservoir that then 'bottom waters' the plant within the external pot. While not for everyone, this feature gives you the option of watering your baskets without removing them from where they hang. Even cooler, the reservoir also has drainage holes to punch out if you do not wish to bottom-water. This makes it possible to use this planter both indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs.
This model required a good deal of setup and assembly compared to the competition. But once dialed in, this pot offers a tremendous amount of utility. For an easy-to-use hanging basket, take a look at the Tabor Tools Self-Watering Hanging Basket.
The Tabor Tools basket had a more functional design than the other hanging baskets in this review.
The Foraineam 2-Pack Basket Planters is a pair of hanging pots, providing a good bargain to those looking to hang more than just one plant. The two pots are different sizes, in case you have different plants with different space needs. We would've favored two same-size pots, but this is a matter of personal preference — perhaps you don't have the same exacting needs for balance that we do.
These pots have the ability to self-water via a reservoir mechanism and separate fill port. However, we weren't as fond of this system when compared to the other self-watering pots. They tended to give inaccurate readings and would sometimes hang crooked upon filling. Still, the option is helpful, and their presentation is good enough that you can't tell they are a 'bargain brand'. If you want to save a few bucks when hanging plants, consider the Foraineam hanging baskets.
While it is convenient to get two hanging baskets in this set, we ultimately thought they were lower quality and wished that they were a matching size.
At first glance, the Novelty Store Full Depth Cylinder may not seem very exciting, but it proved to be a reliable performer if not a little overpriced. The tapered walls and flexible plastic make repotting or transplanting a breeze, and the overall volume of this pot was much greater than other models. However, the lack of quality components was perhaps the most pronounced drawback of this model.
Despite having an included saucer, we found it to be only slightly useful; it isn't quite large enough to hold runoff from a full watering, and it is also challenging to remove from the pot as it snaps into place. Because it can be purchased in either white or black with five different sizes ranging from 6 inches to 14 inches, this could be a good option for someone looking to get all their plants into matching containers. Otherwise, there isn't much that could be regarded as exceptional in the Novelty Store Full Depth Cylinder pot.
The Novelty brand planter was mostly reliable and unexciting. Which might be exactly what you're after, especially if you want to buy a variety of sizes that have a similar style.
While we can see the ZOUTOG Succulent Pot useful in certain scenarios, it is ultimately more limited in its functionality. Because of its very shallow construction, the variety of plants that you can use in this pot is extremely narrow; essentially, succulents are your best bet for this container. We think this is a nice-looking pot that will look good on a desk or bookshelf when carefully planted and properly cared for.
This design, unfortunately, showcases form ahead of function. The bamboo saucer and modern porcelain design look sharp, but their performance when pitted against the others pots we tested. At only 1.5 inches deep, this container will dry out very quickly and will only accommodate very, very small plants. User be warned: the Zoutog Succulent Pots aren't intended for much more than display.
Collecting cuttings or planting very small succulents is about the only thing these shallow planters were capable of.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Why you Should Trust Us
After a deep dive into market research on more than 50 different brands, models, and varieties of planter pots, we purchased the ten best and most highly rated for this comprehensive review. While there are many types and sizes of plant containers, we chose to specifically examine varieties that are predominantly geared for indoor use of small to medium-sized plants. While some of our selections can also work outside, all of them are explicitly marketed as indoor planters. For this review, Rob tested each pot in accordance with his expectations with their particular function designated by the manufacturer.
We were fond of the Tabor hanging baskets because the self-watering was feature was totally optional if you removed the plug from the external white container.
With a professional background steeped in horticulture and sustainable landscape design, our lead tester, Rob Woodworth, is a longstanding house plant nut. His experience as a specimen collector has given him deep insights and strong opinions about how a plant container or flower pot should work. And while his home is already filled to the brim with plants of varying ilks, he had no qualms with making room for more in the spirit of research. Living in an arid climate, Rob has a regional preference for succulents and drought-resistant plants, but he also appreciates the specified care routines required for more needy tropicals and the like.
Analysis and Test Results
Each pot in this review was subject to the same exacting tests and rigorous analysis even when they came in multiples. And although plant containers spend most of their time on shelves, we took into consideration how each model would stand up to wear and tear as well as environmental elements. All contenders were rated on form, drainage, durability, and ergonomics to comparatively score the overall user-friendliness. Our testers agreed that these are the primary considerations while reviewing a flower pot or plant container.
Form
To our testers, form denotes the overall shape, size, and style of each pot that was reviewed. Because form factor is a very primary characteristic of a vessel of any kind, this metric was weighted the most heavily in our examination. We preferred pots that were easy to plant and transplant while still striking a functional design and durability balance. While considering your best option, remember that shape, depth, and materials used for construction may have an impact on the happiness of your plants.
The terracotta cylinders included in the D'vine set of planters are both attractive and highly functional.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
The most highly-rated pot on form factor alone was the D'vine Dev Terracotta Planter Pots. Our testers loved the triadic assortment of sizes, which presents well with a variety of plant types. The walls are built of smooth, high-quality terracotta and come with matching saucers. Also high on the form factor due to their high-quality ceramics were the Brajttt 6 Inch Porcelain Pots, which had glossy, tapered walls that make transplanting easier. Either of these options would work well for a wide variety of plants.
Rather than watering the soil directly, you fill a bottom-watering reservoir in the Gardenix pots.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Self-watering pots and hanging baskets don't usually come with drip trays or saucers, but we liked the features of some more than others. The Gardenix Pots were the preferred self-watering system because the reservoir is easy to fill, and the gauge seems reliable. Both hanging baskets in this review are also capable of self-watering, though the Tabor Tools model was easier to assemble and use. Our lead tester was also fond of how it had a removable plug that could allow the reservoir to drain fully if you prefer to top water.
The detailed glazes and bamboo saucers of the Zoutog succulent pots weren't enough to make up for the fact that they are too small for full-grown plants.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
The Rivet Ceramic Planter is a good choice for housing a Meyer lemon tree or Norfolk Island pine. This pot was designed to hold large perennials, including small trees. Though it's heavy once filled, the deep root profile means you won't have to repot for a long time. Tipping the other end of the scales, we gave objectively lower scores to small containers like the Brajttt and Zoutog succulent pots. While they may work for shallow-rooted plants like stonecrops or air plants, these pots are much less versatile.
Drainage
No matter what type of plants you wish to contain, drainage and permeability should be carefully considered. Plastic sidewalls, steep contours, and/or ninety-degree angles can all affect how a pot effectively drains. There should always be at least one drainage hole for a sizable planter pot, and in the cases of orchid pots or self-watering pots, there are often strainer-type baskets that sit within another outer shell. Both have their strengths, but you should first know what you're looking for.
The internal baskets found in the Mkono orchid pots without a doubt had the best drainage.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Without a doubt, the Mkono Orchid Pots were the best-draining containers that we tested. This pair has a very permeable construction that allows for ample evaporation between orchid waterings. The D'vine terracotta trio also had a high drainage score because terracotta is permeable to the air and will release moisture more quickly than plastic or glazed pots. This can also mean that less puddling will occur during waterings.
Every pot or planter you look for should have a drainage hole; there are very few exceptions to this guideline.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
The self-watering baskets and pots aren't inherently designed to 'drain', though the internal containers usually allow for a thorough drain should you remove them for a top watering. Of these models, we were most fond of the Tabor basket because of the removable plug feature, which could effectively turn the whole setup into a regularly draining pot. The Brajtt Porcelain Pots also received a decent drainage score, as did the Rivet Ceramic Planter.
Pro-tip: if you want to avoid soil loss but still allow for adequate drainage, baffle the drainage hole with a small stone or a piece of window screen.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Regarding drainage, the lowest score and poorest performance was the Novelty Full Depth Pot. It could drain adequately, but it lost its moisture the slowest of all the pots we tested (though this could be ideal depending on your plant's needs). Additionally, we found it cumbersome to remove the snap-on saucer before each watering cycle.
Durability
Horticultural implements should be pleasant to look at and stand up to a fair amount of abuse. Whether or not you plan to use your pot inside or out, choosing a quality construction is always a good investment. Plastic is obviously less prone to breakage when compared with ceramics, but plastic can also warp, fade, and crack over time with improper care. Ceramics are more capable of withstanding environmental abuse, provided they do not tip or fall.
The large Rivet planter (center) and porcelain Brajttt pots (right) were some of the most durable ceramic pots in this review.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
The most bomb-proof planter pot in this lineup was certainly the Rivet container, which had walls nearly an inch thick and an included steel stand. While it could break if you're not careful, the stoneware ceramics with thick glaze is very strong and should last a long time. Also resilient was the Novelty Cylinder Pot, which was constructed of a lightweight yet high-density polyethylene. An added bonus of this pot is that you can 'flex' or roll it to uproot a plant for transplanting.
Plastic planters, like the Gardenix self-watering pots, are generally durable and less prone to breakage when compared with ceramic options.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
We also gave decent scores in durability to both of the Brajttt pots because they are both constructed of porcelain, which is regarded as stronger than terracotta like the D'vine cylindrical pots. Other plastic models ranged in quality but would still offer more shatter-proofing than a ceramic vessel. Outside of the Novelty brand, we were also fond of the Tabor and Gardenix plastic pots.
Not all plastic is created equal, as our testers noticed some shortcomings in lesser-quality models like the Mkono orchid pots pictured here.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
We weren't so pumped on the plastic found in the Mkono orchid pots, however. Using a lower-quality (read: lower-density) polyethylene, these pots and baskets were more prone to cracking and breakage when compared to the other plastic pots. Out of the box, we noticed some gouged plastic, and after moderate use, the tabs that secure the basket had cracked.
Ergonomics
When testing for ergonomics, we considered how manageable and efficient each planter was while in use. Indoor flower pots should allow for convenient maintenance and easy watering, so you don't have to take over your bathroom with houseplants on water day. However, they should be easily portable in case you need to water them in a sink or bathtub.
The self-watering gauge on the Gardenix pots was a handy feature if you sometimes forget when you last watered your plants.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
The most versatile and efficient design was undoubtedly the Gardenix self-watering pot, which in addition to having a moisture/water depth gauge, can also be used as a self-contained top-water planter pot. While the self-watering method can take some getting used to, it is very effective for managing watering schedules. For this reason, the Tabor and Forainem self-watering baskets also received good marks in this metric.
Of the five ceramic pots, we preferred the ergonomics of the Brajttt six-inch porcelain and D'vine terracotta cylinders for easy use and efficient design. Comparatively, the Zoutog succulent pots were slightly too small to be considered versatile, and the Rivet plant stand was sometimes a burden to carry or move. And while the Brajttt succulent pots were easy to plant and had a functional design, they too are limited in the types of plants they can accommodate.
No matter what you're looking for, we've got you covered when it comes to flower pots.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Conclusion
We have the best flower pot recommendations for seasoned green thumbs or amateur plant parents. Our detailed and multi-faceted review should provide valuable insight when purchasing your next plant container. With many options available, making an informed decision is important for your satisfaction and the health and happiness of your beloved plants. But the choice doesn't have to be stressful! Now that you've read our in-depth impressions on these various flower pots, we hope you can pick the perfect pot for your picky plants!
