The 11 best plant pots of 2026 for houseplants and outdoors

Besides serving as a home for flowers and plants, containers are a great way to show off your style. Do you like a pop of color? Or is earthy terracotta more your vibe? The best plant pots offer a decorative element both indoors and out, and they can make a huge impact on your yard, giving flora and foliage architectural appeal. "I always say two containers by your front door changes everything," says Laura Janney, a professional gardener and teacher and gardening teacher based in New Jersey. 

To find the best plant pots, I talked to gardeners like Janney, landscape architects and other pros. I also used my own windowsill as inspiration: Having worked at home and lifestyle magazines since the early aughts, I've written and edited hundreds of stories about gardening (and scored many houseplants and pots), so I have strong opinions on what looks nice and works for different species! Time to dig out those gardening gloves and get planting.

Best indoor plant pots of 2026

When you're shopping for the best pots for houseplants, it helps to start with the plant rather than the container, as certain materials are better suited for certain growing habits and water needs. Once you know what plant you're shopping for, you can let your design style shine. Mix pot colors, sizes and heights to create a one-of-a-kind display.

Best outdoor plant pots of 2026

When it comes to the best plant pots for outdoors, most experts recommend composite materials that look like concrete or terracotta, but are lighter and more durable. They also shared one key piece of advice: No matter what type of pot you use, make sure it has a drainage hole; otherwise, water could pool at the base, causing bacteria or fungus to grow. Though you can create drainage by placing stones or pebbles at the bottom of a pot, a hole means you don't need to monitor your plant's moisture level. "It makes me bananas bonkers when you buy a giant planter, and it doesn't have a drainage hole," says Helen Lawson, a spokesperson for the plant company Monrovia .

Factors to consider when choosing plant pots

The most important things to keep in mind when buying a planter are where you're using it, what kind of plant it will house and how big that plant is. Here's the nitty-gritty:

✓ Where the pot will go:This mostly applies to outdoor plant pots. If you're shopping for your garden or patio, you'll want a pot that's durable and weather-proof. For that reason, most of the pros I spoke to don't recommend a material like terracotta for outdoors because it can crack and chip, especially if exposed to cold weather. That said, if you love terracotta and you live in an area with chilly temperatures, you could always bring your containers indoors during the winter.

You also need to decide how permanent you want your planters to be. Heavy ceramic, real stone and concrete look impressive but can be very difficult to move. That may not be an issue if you plan to leave the pots in the same area year after year, but if there's a chance you'll want to switch things up, shop for a composite material that's lighter but still looks like the real thing. Cast stone, fiberglass and fiber cement are all good options.

✓ Pot material:In addition to the above, keep in mind these pointers from Shaunfield for getting the right functionality — and aesthetic. 

• Wood plantersoffer a rustic, natural feel that is great for a cottagecore look while providing good insulation for roots. Make sure the wood is properly sealed so it does not rot over time.

• Glazed ceramic or clay potsadd an elevated, contemporary layer with their shine and colorful finishes. While often on the pricier side, they are usually heavy and stable.

• Terracotta, wicker and rattanall lean earthy and natural. Terracotta, and even resin or concrete planters, are typically affordable, weather-resistant and low maintenance. 

✓ Plant type:Though most containers will work fine for most plants, some plants do better with certain materials. For example, if you want to grow a drought-tolerant plant like a cactus or other succulent, choose terracotta because it wicks moisture, says Beyers. Conversely, he likes composite for flowers because the soil won't dry out as fast. If he's growing vegetables, he looks for cedar because it's natural and you can treat it with a food-safe oil like linseed if it needs conditioning.

✓ Plant size:The general rule of thumb is to take the diameter of the pot you bought your plant in and add 2 to 3 inches. Also, take note of whether the plant you're potting has deep or shallow roots. Trees or shrubs usually grow deep into the soil, so a tall pot is better. Succulents and herbs have shallower roots so you can go for more of a bowl-style planter. Beyers says most flowers are good with 8 inches of soil depth.

How we chose these plant pots

I spent weeks interviewing gardening pros, including landscape designers, gardening teachers and product experts, about their favorite planters. I asked them for advice on what to look for when shopping and talked through the pros and cons of different materials. Because many of the expert suggestions were on the more expensive side, I did a lot of my own digging to round out their picks with top-rated, budget-friendly options. Finally, I relied on my own knowledge as an editor who has covered the home and garden world for nearly two decades. During that time, I've become a pretty avid "plant mom," with a big collection of houseplants, especially succulents. Some of the recommendations in this story include containers I've owned and loved for years.

Plant pot FAQs

What is the best container for outdoor plants?

It depends on what kind of plant you're growing, but in general, look for durable containers that are weather-proof and won't chip or crack. Lightweight pots are great if you need to move them around, but make sure they're not so light that they could tip over during heavy winds.

Do plants grow better in plastic or ceramic pots?

Ceramic is more breathable than plastic, but there are plenty of plastic or composite planters out there that will treat your leafy pals perfectly well. In fact, many of the pros we interviewed for this story are fans of these types of containers because they're so durable.

Meet the experts

• Daryl Beyers, landscape designer, gardening teacher and author, The New Gardener's Handbook

• Diane Blazek, executive director, National Garden Bureau

• Suzanne DeJohn, writer, National Gardening Association

• Laura Janney, owner, The Inspired Garden and gardening teacher

• Helen Lawson, spokesperson and retail partnership marketing coach, Monrovia

• Ryan McEnaney, spokesperson, Bailey Nurseries , and author, Field Guide to Outside Style

Update, April 20, 2026: We confirmed availability and pricing for all products and swapped in new indoor and outdoor planters for out of stock pots.