Planters + Pots
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Modern Planters & Plant Pots
The impact plants can have on an indoor or outdoor design scheme cannot be understated. Plants contribute to a calm yet vibrant atmosphere and can act as living representations of the dedication and care you put into decorating and maintaining your home. Of course, part of keeping indoor and outdoor plants healthy is ensuring that they are potted in appropriately sized planters or plant pots with proper drainage. The plastic nursery pots many young houseplants and outdoor plants come in may be the easiest option, but can diminish the health and beauty of your plants in the long run.
At Design Within Reach, shop indoor and outdoor planters and plant pots that will give all your houseplants the stylish homes they deserve.
Types of Modern Planters & Plant Pots
Indoor Planters & Plant Pots
As much as indoor planters and plant pots are designed to give your plants a comfortable home indoors, they’re also made to enhance the visual beauty of your indoor plants. Some are more understated, featuring matte finishes and minimal embellishment to allow the natural beauty of your plants to speak for itself. Others are like art pieces on their own, designed to be visually and texturally stunning whether or not they contain a plant. Modern plant pots from Design Within Reach are available in many materials and finishes to complement plants of all shapes and sizes. Just be sure to pay close attention to the material and make of the plant pots you’re considering – some modern plant pots do not have built-in drainage holes and thus you’ll have to monitor the moisture levels of your plants carefully to avoid root rot. If your houseplants are still confined in their nursery pots, consider replacing them with some of the sleek modern planters from Design Within Reach.
Outdoor Planters & Plant Pots
Comprising indoor-friendly outdoor plant pots and large outdoor planters, DWR’s outdoor planters and plant pots category has much overlap with its indoor plant pots category. Two notable characteristics that distinguish an indoor planter from an outdoor planter are size and construction. Outdoor planters tend to be larger than indoor planters, capable of holding large outdoor plants, such as shrubs, topiaries, garden plants, and more. Outdoor planters are also designed to withstand the elements, and are often made of durable, weather-friendly materials, like powder-coated or Corten steel and high-density polyethylene. Outdoor planters also typically elevate their contents above the ground, either on legs or with a separate planter stand, to prevent animals or excess ground moisture from reaching and damaging your plants.
How to Choose the Right Planters & Plant Pots
Size wisely.
The first step in choosing the right plant pots for your indoor or outdoor plants is to choose a pot that is the right size for your plant. If you choose a pot that is too small, there won't be enough soil around the plant’s roots to hold moisture and promote growth. If you choose a pot that is too large, the plant may not be able to absorb moisture fast enough, resulting in root rot. An improperly sized pot can also result in a lopsided-looking plant that may be awkwardly top-heavy or bottom-heavy. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is 1” – 4” wider on all sides than the plant’s root ball to allow for healthy growth and mitigate harm, but we recommend doing research about your specific plants to ensure you’re making the healthiest choices for your plant species.
Consider drainage.
Root rot, a condition that causes the deterioration of a plant’s roots, is a very common cause of death for indoor houseplants. Root rot occurs when a plant’s roots remain moist or wet for too long, as low oxygen and excess soil moisture create the perfect environment for harmful fungi to thrive. To reduce the chances that your plants will be affected by root rot, pot them in porous plant pots (like terra cotta or unglazed earthenware pots) or plant pots with drainage holes that will allow excess water to escape the pot. If you’re interested in potting your plants in decorative pots without drainage holes, you may be able to drill drainage holes yourself. Otherwise, pot your plants in a well-draining substrate and monitor their moisture levels carefully.
Embrace your aesthetic.
The last thing to consider when choosing plant pots is the aesthetic value of the pots, especially paired with your plants. If you have minimalist tendencies, embrace smooth, simple plant pots in neutral colors – the natural beauty of your plants will do all the talking. If you’ve got a postmodern or eclectic aesthetic, don’t shy away from brightly colored or uniquely textured pots. Paired with both basic and unique plants, playful plant pots can be funky, statement-making pieces.