Large indoor plant pot: which size and pot to choose?

A large indoor planter needs three things: a diameter of 30 to 50 cm for plants of 1 to 2 metres, an inner pot that fits inside the decorative pot, and a base that protects your floor. That keeps the plant stable and the water where it belongs.

What diameter does a large indoor plant pot need?

Look at the height of the plant and at its root ball, not at the pot in the shop. As a rule of thumb, a houseplant of 1 metre suits a pot of roughly 30 cm diameter, 1.5 metres about 40 cm, and 2 metres about 50 cm. If the plant has a heavy crown, like a large ficus or strelitzia, go up one size or it will tip over.

Measure the current root ball and add 3 to 5 cm all round. A pot that is far too roomy keeps the soil wet for too long. For a step by step guide to measuring diameter and height, read our article on choosing the right pot size.

Useful guidelines for a large pot indoors:

• 30 cm diameter: plants up to about 1 metre, such as a young monstera or fiddle leaf fig.
• 40 cm diameter: plants of 1 to 1.5 metres, the most popular size for a living room.
• 50 cm diameter: plants of 1.5 to 2 metres, or a plant with a wide, heavy crown.
• Height: at least as tall as wide for plants with a deep taproot, lower and wider for shallow rooters.

Why do you need an inner pot in a large planter?

A large decorative pot without a hole looks great, but water stays at the bottom. Put the plant in a plastic inner pot with drainage holes and place that inside the decorative pot. When you water, lift the plant out, let it drain and put it back. We explain how in our article on using an inner pot inside a decorative pot.

Make sure the inner pot sits a few centimetres below the rim. Put a layer of pebbles or an upside down saucer on the bottom of the outer pot, so the inner pot never stands in collected water. That prevents root rot.

How heavy does a large pot get with soil and plant?

Heavier than most people expect. A pot of 50 cm diameter filled with wet potting soil and a plant of 2 metres easily weighs tens of kilos, before you count the pot itself. A handmade mosaic pot is solid, which also makes it heavy. Decide on the spot beforehand and avoid moving the pot once it is filled.

If it has to move, use a plant caddy or slide it on a blanket. More practical advice is in moving a heavy plant pot safely. A tip: fill the inner pot in place, so you only carry the empty decorative pot to its spot first.

How do you protect a wooden floor from a large pot?

Wooden floors are sensitive to moisture and scratches. Put the decorative pot on a thick felt pad, a cork plate or a sturdy saucer. Choose a pad slightly larger than the base of the pot, so no drop or condensation can run underneath.

Porous materials such as terracotta and earthenware breathe: moisture evaporates faster, but can also seep through the wall. So always use an inner pot with a drip tray indoors, even if the decorative pot seems watertight. A mosaic pot is finished on the outside and often feels solid on the inside too, but the inner pot remains the safe choice.

Which spot and style suit a large pot at home?

A large pot is a piece of furniture. Place it in a corner, next to a sofa or by a bright window, and leave room around it. One large pot with a sturdy plant looks calmer than three small pots in a row.

Because no two handmade pieces are identical, you will see colour variation and small irregularities in the mosaic. That is a feature of handwork, not a flaw. A mosaic pot in warm or deep blue tones suits wooden floors and light walls. Browse the collection of pots and vases for examples. Our collection starts from about €135, with larger sizes on request.

Want to use the same pot outdoors? Different rules apply for frost and weight, see large outdoor planters: which size and material.

Which potting soil and repotting step suit a large plant?

Choose an airy houseplant soil and look for peat free options; Milieu Centraal (in Dutch) explains why peat free is better for the environment. Repot one size at a time, about 5 to 10 cm extra diameter, rather than jumping to the biggest pot. That gives the plant time to root through the new soil.

A large pot does not always have to be a standard size. If a spot or plant does not match the range, custom work is possible in colour, model and size. A custom piece takes six to ten weeks on average from approval to delivery. You can request a free quote on the quote page; you will have a proposal within two working days.