How to Choose the Best Pots for Succulents
Your Guide to Small Terracotta Pots, Mini Clay Planters & More
Quick take: Want thriving succulents, not mushy leaves? Start with breathable clay pots that drain well. They're compact, affordable, and beginner-friendly.
Why We’re Talking About Pots First
Many beginners focus on pruning, coloring, or watering schedules yet overlook the container that keeps everything alive. We recently saw a newcomer plant a succulent in a solid‑bottom coffee mug—no drainage, no aeration. Unless you can measure moisture perfectly, that’s a recipe for root rot.
Key pain point: “I watered once and my plant still died—why?”
Answer: The pot, not the plant, was the problem.
1. Material Matters: What to Expect from Each Type
Think of your pot like your plant's house—it needs to be safe, breathable, and suited to the climate. Here’s what to know about popular pot materials:
| Material | Pros | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|
| Terracotta / Clay | Highly breathable & drains fast. Ideal for humid or rainy coastal regions. | Soil dries quicker—water a bit more often in hot summers. |
| Ceramic (glazed) | Stylish & retains moisture for arid interiors. | Less airflow. Use a moisture meter or water sparingly. |
| Plastic | Lightweight and inexpensive—great for bulk propagation trays. | Can overheat on sunny balconies; retains water longer. |
| Wood | Rustic look, good drainage if slatted. | May warp or attract mold outdoors; line with landscape fabric. |
| Metal | Modern vibe, durable. | Heats up fast; drill drainage holes and keep out of direct noon sun. |
Shop breathable basics: Our small terracotta pots are kiln‑fired, unglazed, and include a pre‑drilled drainage hole.
2. Drainage: Non‑Negotiable for Healthy Roots
Watering perfectly doesn’t matter if your pot holds water like a bathtub. Succulent roots hate being soaked—without drainage, even one watering can lead to rot.
- Always choose a planter pot with at least one hole in the base.
- If your dream pot is decorative and hole‑less, double‑pot: keep the plant in a mini terracotta pot and slip it inside the showpiece.
- Add a mesh screen or coffee filter over the hole to stop soil loss.
Takeaway: Drainage isn’t optional—it’s your plant’s safety net.
3. Size & Depth: "One Finger Rule"
Choosing the right size pot is like choosing the right pair of shoes—cozy but not cramped.
Rule of thumb: Pick a pot just 1–2 finger‑widths wider than the plant’s rosette.
| Plant Type | Recommended Pot | Why |
| Tiny pups / leaf props | 2.5–3" mini terracotta pots | Encourages fast root fill & prevents soggy soil. |
| Rosette 4–6 cm | 4" small clay planter | Enough room for one growth season. |
| Tall or clustering succulents | Deep clay pots (height ≥ root ball) | Prevents tipping and gives vertical root space. |
| Slow growers / small-rooted types | Mini clay pots | Helps limit size and promote healthy root respiration. |
| Statement arrangements | Wide, shallow houseplant pots | Roots stay shallow; perfect for mixed displays. |
Need depth? Check our deep clay planters built for older offsets and clusters.
4. Let the Pot Match Your Style, Not Steal the Show
Succulents come in every shade from powdery blue to sunset pink. Your pot should frame that beauty—never compete with it. Think of it like picking the perfect picture frame: subtle enough to highlight, stylish enough to blend in.
Claywares Signature Looks
At Claywares, our four signature finishes are more than just colors—they each carry a mood, a material story, and a place in your home:
- Vanilla – Our most timeless and elegant shade. Smooth ivory clay with a soft matte finish that blends effortlessly into any room. It’s the go-to choice for minimalists and classic stylists alike.
- Latte – The most design-forward in the collection. Each piece features unique swirls created during firing, blending creamy Vanilla tones with rich coffee hues. No two are ever the same—perfect for those who love one-of-a-kind details.
- Caramel – Raw, warm terracotta that feels rustic and pure. We intentionally keep its natural iron flecks, celebrating imperfections. If you love that earthy, unpolished charm, Caramel speaks your language.
- Cocoa – A deep, chocolate-toned clay with natural depth. The color matures over time as it develops a gentle patina. Perfect for dramatic contrasts, especially when paired with pale or silver-toned succulents.
All four are unglazed natural clay, so they stay breathable and develop character over time.
Trending Looks Beyond Claywares
Love a splash of color? Bright hand‑painted pots, candy‑glaze hues, or playful animal planters are everywhere right now. They're perfect for adding fun to a kid’s room, windowsill, or gift setup. Just remember: even the cutest pot needs proper drainage.
Takeaway: Choose what sparks joy—but let your succulent breathe!
5. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Q: What happens if my pot has no drainage hole?
A: Water builds up and suffocates the roots. Either drill a hole, or use a breathable mini clay pot inside.
Q: Is it bad to use a pot that's too big?
A: Yes. Too much soil means more moisture, which leads to rot. Stick with snug pots and repot as your plant grows.
Q: Can I use plastic pots on a sunny balcony?
A: Be cautious. Plastic traps heat and moisture. On hot balconies, switch to terracotta for better airflow and cooling.
Q: I found a cute mug—can I use it?
A: Only if you double-pot it. Decorative containers are fine outside, but your succulent still needs a breathable inner home.
Reminder: Succulents are forgiving—but not when it comes to soggy roots.
6. Quick FAQ
Q: Can I grow succulents in glass or coffee mugs?
A: Only if you use them as outer décor. Keep the plant in a breathable inner mini clay pot.
Q: How often should I water in terracotta?
A: Indoors, about every 7–10 days in summer and 2–3 weeks in winter—adjust by touch; soil should feel fully dry.
Q: What soil works best?
A: A gritty cactus mix (70% inorganic) ensures water flows quickly through your houseplant pots.
7. Why Collect Pots Before You Need Them
Most long‑time plant lovers will tell you: the pot often comes before the plant. Finding that perfect clay pot can be just as rewarding as finding the right succulent.
- Right size, right results: too tight, and roots get stuck; too loose, and water hangs around.
- And if you find a pot you love? Grab it. Plants are always easier to find than that one perfect pot.
Even empty, a good pot makes great shelf décor.
Ready to Repot?
Ready to give your succulents a breathable, stylish new home? Browse our curated selection of clay pots—from mini terracotta planters to deep clay styles—at Claywares.ca. Your plants (and shelves) will thank you.
