choosing the right container

Selecting a pot for your succulent is almost as much fun as picking out the succulents! There are a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials for pots, and most will work well for succulents. Succulents generally have shallow roots so they thrive in short, wide pots as well as tall, skinny pots.

drainage holes

The pot you select for your succulents must have a drainage hole. As mentioned previously, succulents need the water to flow out of the pot to prevent rot. If possible, it’s best to find a pot that already has a hole, but if you want to use a container that doesn’t have a hole, see “How to Adapt a Non-Draining Container.”

materials

There are four basic materials from which pots are made: ceramic, plastic, metal, and glass. While succulents can grow in any of these types of pots, ceramic is generally the best option.

Ceramic

Ceramic pots are porous, which allows air to flow through the pot, causing the soil to dry out faster. Unglazed terra cotta pots are probably the best material for succulents as they are extremely breathable and allow water to evaporate quickly. The downside of a ceramic pot is fragility. If it’s dropped once, it will most likely break.

Plastic and Metal

Plastic and metal are both durable and less breakable alternatives to ceramic pots. They aren’t as breathable, so well-draining soil and a drainage hole are especially important. Plastic pots come in a lot of fun colors and varieties and work well for growing succulents. Keep in mind that metal will change temperatures with the environment. If the pot gets too hot from direct sunlight, this can cause the roots of your succulents (or leaves, if they are touching the pot) to burn. Metal is best in a temperate climate. It also has the disadvantage of rusting over time, which is also not good for succulents.

Glass

Glass is the trickiest material for a succulent container. It’s extremely rare for a glass container to have a drainage hole and glass is not breathable. If you are planting in a glass container, realize that your succulents will not last very long. Even with careful watering they are likely to die from rot due to water buildup in the bottom of the container. If you like the idea of planting succulents in glass, consider adding a drainage hole to extend the life of your succulents.

More unusual pots complement the funky shapes of some succulents.

shape and texture

Succulents will grow well in just about any shape of pot. When you’re choosing your pot, consider what plants you’ll be using and try to select a pot that either mimics the shape of the plants or provides contrast.

You can also look at the texture of the pot and compare that to the plants you’ll be using. If your succulents are mostly circular in shape, look for a round pot that has a circular form to create repetition in your design. There can even be subtle texture that reflects the plant you’re using.

This pot with vertical lines mimics the vertical leaves of the Kalanchoe tomentosa.

Try to match the size of the succulents to the size of the pot.

size

Depending on where you purchase your plants, you’re likely to come away with relatively small specimens. While many succulents can grow quite large, you’ll want to plant them in something that gives them some room to grow but isn’t too big. For growing indoors, a smaller pot will be more versatile and can be moved more easily. You’ll also want to consider the height of your succulents relative to the height of the pot you choose. If you have short succulents, you probably won’t choose a really tall pot. Look for something that complements the size of your plants.

This energetic arrangement repeats the vibrant colors from the pot.

color

There are so many gorgeous pots available with a wide range of colors, both bright and subdued. You can select succulents that are the same color as your pot or that contrast with it. There are a variety of color schemes that you can follow, which are covered in the section on “Arranging by Color.” While succulents will look great in just about any color of container, your arrangement is much more likely to impress if the container coordinates with your plants.

shopping for pots