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What are the Different Types of Indoor Flower Pots?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

Indoor flower pots come in many different styles, shapes, sizes, and materials. Plastic and clay are the most common materials used for indoor flower pots. Plant containers can also be made from metal, wood, resin, fiberglass, and concrete. The different styles include self-watering pots, wall planters, hanging baskets, and pots made from recycled materials such as coffee cans.

Plastic flower pots are the least expensive and the most lightweight. The majority of plastic indoor flower pots are round, although they are also available in square and rectangular shapes. Many plastic pots come with an attached tray for drainage. Plastic saucers in various diameters are available to catch the water dripping from pots that don’t have a built-in tray. Plants in plastic pots usually don’t need to be watered as often as plants in containers constructed from other materials.

Terra cotta flower pots may be used inside.
Terra cotta flower pots may be used inside.

Clay is another popular style of indoor flower pots. The most common materials used for clay pots are earthenware, terra cotta, and ceramic. Clay indoor flower pots with a glazed finish don’t require a drip tray to protect furniture, windowsills, or floors. A saucer should be placed under an unglazed clay pot in order to protect the surface the pot is resting on from water damage. Unglazed clay pots are porous and absorb water, so plants in these pots need to be watered more often.

Hanging baskets are usually round pots made of plastic or clay. They are often shallower than pots that stand on a flat surface. Plastic pots designed as hanging baskets often come with an attached hook so they are ready to be hung from a ceiling or beam. Clay hanging pots and plastic ones without attached hooks can be hung by placing them in a macrame or wire holder made for that purpose. Genuine reed baskets are sometimes used, but they must be lined with plastic to prevent water from dripping onto floors and furniture.

A self-watering flower pot has a built-in reservoir to hold water. The reservoir slowly waters the plant so the owner does not have to add water to the pot as often. A self-watering container is a good choice for someone who isn’t home very often and doesn’t have much time to devote to houseplant care.

Live flowers and greenery grown indoors add style to a home. They also provide oxygen and help purify the air. Choosing the right color and style of indoor flower pots can add a finishing touch that helps to make a house or apartment a home.

Discussion Comments

John57

I like to buy cheap flower pots and paint them and decorate them to match certain areas of my house. Sometimes the pot is more interesting than the flower that is planted inside it.

These also make a great gift for someone. Some of the best indoor plant pots I have created have been gifts for someone else. I try to decorate them in a unique way that matches their personality or favorite color.

julies

I have some small flower pots on my windowsill that are made of clay. I grow herbs in these pots that I use in my cooking.

I make sure and choose herbs that won't get too tall. These are right behind my kitchen sink, so I see them all the time. They get the morning sun, and because they are in the kitchen, they get watered frequently.

I think having flower pots and flowers in your house adds a nice touch to any room. There is something very inviting about having something that is green and alive growing all year long.

andee

I don't use anything but plastic for both my indoor and outdoor flower pots. Everything else is much to heavy to drag around. I used to have some big indoor flower pots that I would keep on a base with wheels.

This made it much easier to move the pot from one place to another. They have a lot of decorative flower pots to choose from. Between the different designs and colors available, I can always find something that matches my decor.

I got rid of most of my indoor flowers because I didn't do a very good job of keeping them watered. The ones I have now are all small and easier to take care of. I also look for indoor plants and flowers that can take some abuse and still do OK.

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    • Terra cotta flower pots may be used inside.
      By: Sergey Skleznev
      Terra cotta flower pots may be used inside.