Pot size & fit: which pot fits which grow pot?

Are you unsure which pot size you need for your houseplant? Choosing the right decorative pot for your grow pot is important for both the appearance and health of your plant. With the correct pot size, your plant will be stable, look neater, and you'll avoid watering problems. Below, you'll discover exactly which pot size fits your grow pot.

← Back to: Choosing pots & baskets

What is the difference between a grow pot and a decorative pot?

The grow pot is the plastic pot in which the plant grows at the nursery. You typically place this in a decorative pot or basket. The trick is that the grow pot should be easy to put in and take out — without getting stuck.

The golden rule: 1–2 cm space is perfect

If your grow pot is exactly the same size as the decorative pot, it will often get stuck. Therefore, choose a decorative pot that is approximately 1–2 cm wider on the inside than your grow pot. This way, it will fit snugly but remain practical.

Quick size guide (most common)

• grow pot Ø12 → decorative pot/basket Ø13–14
• grow pot Ø14 → decorative pot/basket Ø15–16
• grow pot Ø17 → decorative pot/basket Ø18–19
• grow pot Ø19 → decorative pot/basket Ø20–21
• grow pot Ø21 → decorative pot/basket Ø22–24
• grow pot Ø24 → decorative pot/basket Ø25–27

Tip: baskets sometimes allow for a bit more "flexibility," while ceramic pots are often a tighter fit. If you're between two sizes, it's better to choose a slightly larger size.

how to determine the size of your grow pot?

• Check the product description (it often states Ø…cm)
• Measure the top rim of the grow pot (diameter)
• When in doubt: choose a pot that is just a bit wider

height also counts (not just diameter)

Some decorative pots are shallow. In such cases, the grow pot might fit in terms of diameter but stick out in height. Therefore, also check:

• Is the decorative pot deep enough for the grow pot?
• Does the grow pot not protrude above the rim (if you don't want it to)?

pot too big? how to prevent "swimming"

If the decorative pot is too large, the grow pot will "swim" and look messy. You can solve this by:

• placing a low, inverted saucer or a cork/plant stand in the pot
• raising the grow pot slightly so that the rim is flush

baskets: extra tip for fit

For baskets, it's smart to use a waterproof liner (or an inner pot). This keeps the basket looking good and prevents leaks.

Want to find the right match directly? View our houseplants in pots or baskets or choose a suitable pot from our plant pots collection yourself.

quick checklist

• decorative pot/basket is 1–2 cm wider than the grow pot
• pot is deep enough (grow pot does not protrude undesirably)
• pot is stable (no wobbling)
• for baskets: use an inner pot or waterproof lining

more pot tips? go back to choosing pots & baskets and choose another route.