What pot does my plant need?
Start with the plant, not the pot. Each guide below covers the size, drainage and material that particular plant actually wants - and the kit we would use ourselves.
How do I know what pot my plant needs?
Match three things to the plant: size, drainage and material. Go 3 to 5cm wider than the current root ball, make sure water can escape, then pick a material that suits how the plant drinks. Thirsty plants want moisture-holding ceramic; drought-lovers want terracotta that dries fast.
- Size: 3 to 5cm wider than the current root ball
- Drainage: a hole in the pot, or a cover pot over a nursery pot
- Terracotta dries fastest; glazed ceramic and plastic hold moisture
- Outdoors, only frost-proof materials survive a UK winter
By plant
Pick your plant
MonsteraClimbing, top-heavy and hungry for support
OrchidsRoots that need light, air and fast drainage
HerbsSmall pots, sharp drainage, within reach of the hob
Succulents & cactiSmall terracotta and grit - never an oversized pot
Fiddle leaf figHeavy pots, gentle repotting, no sudden moves
Tomatoes & vegVolume of compost decides your crop
Cuttings & propagationClear vessels, then a small pot at 4 to 5cm
BonsaiShallow pots that hold the tree in proportion
Olive treesDrainage and frost, not sunshine, decide itQuestions
Choosing by plant - FAQs
Does the plant really change which pot I need?
Yes, more than anything else. Orchids need airflow, succulents need to dry out fast, monsteras need support, and tomatoes need volume. Same shop, four completely different pots.
What if my plant is not listed here?
Use the rule that covers almost everything: 3 to 5cm wider than the current root ball, with drainage. Our sizing guide and the size calculator will get you there.
Can I use the same pot type indoors and outdoors?
Only if it is frost-proof. Indoor ceramics often crack outdoors once water freezes inside the clay, so check before moving a pot outside for summer.
How often should I move a plant up a pot size?
Most houseplants need it every one to two years while growing. Once a plant is the size you want, top-dress the surface compost each spring instead.