Spider plants are pretty easy to grow and need minimum care. No wonder they are so popular as indoor plants! Keeping them healthy and alive isn’t much of a chore, thanks to their resilient nature.
However, spider plants need good quality, well-drained pots to grow and thrive. So, how can you tell which pot is best for spider plants?
The best pot for spider plant should have effective drainage with multiple holes at the bottom. And the pot should be larger than the plant root, but not more than a couple of inches larger than the plant itself. Most spider plant pots are made of materials such as ceramic, plastic, metal, wood, fabric, etc.
Finding the right pot for your spider plant isn’t that much of a challenge. Rather you should think more about getting a functional pot that can still match your décor flawlessly. Keep reading to learn more about beautiful pots or spider plants.
Selecting the Best Pot for Spider Plant
For spider plants, you want to select a pot that is just large enough for the plant to be able to grow. Use a pot that is about two-inch larger in diameter than the size of the plant. A container with drainage holes is best. Choose a pot with porous sides so the roots will be able to breathe and grow.
Do not use pots that are too large, as you want at least half of the surface area in contact with soil or water for adequate drainage. If you consistently overwater your plant, it may develop root rot or die an untimely death from disease – both can happen if spider plants get over-watered!
Let’s look at the different pot types currently available on the market.
Plastic Pots
Plastic pots are the most commonly used pots for spider plants as they are pretty popular with people. Because plastic is flexible, there’s less chance of breakage and the ability to quickly stretch to adapt to the plant’s roots. Plus, lightweight plastic pots make it easier to hang the spider plants from ceilings and walls.
And the best part is the price as plastic pots are the least expensive among them all. You can even decorate or customize your pot at an affordable rate.
8″ Self Watering + Self Aerating High Drainage Deep Reservoir Round Plant Pot
Looking for a planter that can take care of your plants in style? Look no further than our 8″ Self Watering + Self Aerating High Drainage Deep Reservoir Round Plant Pot.
Not only does this pot have a self-watering feature, but it also has a deep reservoir that ensures your plant stays hydrated for up to 2 weeks while the drainage system keeps your soil dry and free from muddy water build-up.
The open slats on the bottom allow air to circulate freely, preventing root rot. Plus, the integrated Soil Moisture Sensor conveniently lets you know when the soil is dry, so you can add water as needed.
The BPA-free UV stabilized plastic is durable and the color won’t fade away in the sun. Moreover, it features a clip-on watering attachment for easy water flow, so you can water your plants without worrying about mess or damage.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Patented self-watering feature
- Free from circular water stain
- Easy to clean design
- Sleek smooth gloss finish
- Minimized risk of root rot
Cons
- Flimsy material
- Some users complained about quality control issues
Ceramic Pots
The reason people prefer ceramic pots is largely due to their appearance. Ceramic plots come in versatile colors, patterns, and styles in a beautiful way. Indeed, most decorative pots to grace the living space are made of ceramics.
Ceramic pots are typically glazed with a coat of lacquer to prevent the soil from drying out. Some ceramic pots don’t have any drainage holes while some have multiple holes in them. You should opt for a pot with drainage holes so it can let out the excess water.
And if you really want a pot without any holes for the sake of aesthetic purpose, some easy modifications will be enough. Just put a layer of gravel, pebbles, or river rocks at the bottom of the ceramic pot, and then put the spider plant’s container inside. This way the water can be drained from the container and away from the root of the plant.
LA JOLIE MUSE White Ceramic Flower Pot Garden Planters
Add a little bit of magic to your outdoor space with these chic and colorful ceramic planters from La Jolie Muse!
Handcrafted from fine white ceramic, these beautiful planters are finished with sumptuous gold and grey details that add an extra level of sophistication and beauty to your outdoor space.
Each set comes in two different shapes and sizes. The larger, round-shaped planter is perfect for taller plants and the smaller, asymmetrical piece is perfect for smaller ones.
These intricately designed planters come with a drainage hole at the bottom, making them ideal for watering and keeping your plants healthy. Additionally, the ceramic material is non-toxic and resistant to fading, so you can enjoy your garden for years to come.
Pros
- Individually hand-painted with matte finish
- Durable and sturdy premium quality ceramic
- Different sizes and shapes but harmonized colors
- 100% satisfaction guarantee with full refunds
- Beautiful yet functional design
Cons
- Issues with leaking
- Incorrect product description
Clay/Terracotta Pots
Terra cotta pots are a great option for indoor use as these clay pots absorb water and allow the soil to dry out a bit easier than plastic options. For people putting emphasis on mother nature, clay pots are a better option being environment-friendly and all.
These pots come with a big drainage hole at the bottom and are usually used as the initial container to hold the spider plant.
Clay pots may not have as many exciting designs as ceramic pots. However, you can find a variety of styles and sizes to choose from and most are stylish clay pots. And they certainly come cheaper than ceramic pots so that’s another plus point.
Vensovo 8 Inch Clay Pot for Plant with Saucer
A perfect way to spruce up your indoor garden, the Vensovo 8 Inch Clay Pot comes in a variety of beautiful, earth-friendly colors and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Made with top-quality clay that is baked at a temperature of 1796°F, this pot is durable and lasts long. The pot is also designed to resist damage during delivery, ensuring that it arrives in perfect condition.
It features a small hole at the bottom for easy drainage and comes with a matching saucer for your plants. Made from terracotta, this pot is permeable, so that excess water can escape easily and your plants stay breathable. You can use this pot to water your plants as you please without worrying about them drowning in water or getting too wet.
What’s more, the vibrant design of this pot will look great on any window or desk!
Pros
- Perfect for medium and large plants
- Suitable for DIY or craft classes
- Wide rim ideal for the spider plant
- Indoor or outdoor multi-usage
- Beautiful but practical terracotta design
Cons
- Overpriced
- Products came broken or cracked
Wooden Pots
Another great choice for spider plants, wooden pots can be found in a variety of styles and sizes. Be it modern, rustic, or traditional, different stylistic options are available, and you can even have customized pots.
Wooden pots allow spider plants to maintain their moisture and also, they are less likely to crack even if exposed to cold weather. Moreover, wooden pots are pressure-treated with chemicals to last a long time. They are very slow to dry out and can last for several years if you take good care of them. Plus, these cost less than ceramic or terracotta pots.
Classic Home and Garden 72 Whiskey Barrel
Ideal for adding character and rustic charm to your home, this whiskey barrel planter is a must-have for anyone who loves a touch of old-world style.
Measuring 72 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 24 inches high, this beautiful piece has a sturdy Distressed Oak finish and is paired with antique pewter-colored bands to give it a natural and aged look. The UV-coated finish protects the finish from fading, so your barrel planter will look new for years to come.
Constructed from high-density resin, this piece is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Not to mention, it comes with drainage holes for easy maintenance and allows you to use it outdoors year-round!
Pros
- Great for rustic indoor décor
- Unique whiskey-barrel design
- Exceptionally durable and weather-resistant
- Slits on sides to hang pot
- Well-designed and affordable
Cons
- Quality control issues
Metal Pots
Metal pots are for those who are looking for something unique for their spider plants. Not just for aesthetics, metal pots have great functionality as well. They won’t easily break or crack if the plant root got too big for the pot. And having a non-porous nature means the metal pot won’t leach any water from the plant soil.
Metal pots can be pretty affordable and you can even make your own plant pots. However, make sure to put enough drainage holes in the pot to prevent root rot.
Robert Allen MPT02005 Laurel Series Metal Planter Flower Pots
If you’re looking for a plant pot that will add character and style to any room, then check out the Robert Allen MPT02005 Laurel Series Metal Planter Flower Pots.
Constructed with high-grade materials and precision engineering, these pots are designed to last. Featuring a sophisticated design, the base of this planter is equipped with holes that allow water to drain and promote healthy plant life.
This top rolled rim provides a safe edge when filling with soil and planting, while the powder-coated steel base ensures durability. It’s also topped with an overcoat of paint, so you can be sure that it will resist scratches and fingerprints.
When it comes to stylish and practical garden furniture, there’s no better option than the Robert Allen MPT02005 Laurel Series Metal Planter Flower Pots.
Pros
- Sturdy metal without rust
- Fits in any style of garden
- Lightweight to carry around
- Easy-to-use sleek design
- Great value for money
Cons
- Quality control issues
- It can be messy without a tray
- Color different from mentioned in the package
Fabric Pots
Fabric pots may not be a popular choice but these are great options for having a lightweight and flexible texture. The breathable fabric allows the spider plant to get all the oxygen while preventing it from drying out simultaneously.
You can put a plastic liner inside the basket and you won’t have to worry about the pots heating up when exposed to the sun. Plus, fabric pots come in multiple sizes and even with a bigger plant, the pot can help reduce the overall weight of the plant.
Fabric pots can be inexpensive and environmentally friendly. If you maintain your pot and take proper care, you can keep using it for years.
VIVOSUN 5-Pack Heavy Duty Grow Bags
If you’re looking for a pot that can handle a lot, then you need to check out VIVOSUN’s 5-pack 5 gallon grow bags.
These pots are moderately permeable which means they won’t retain excess water and allow your roots to breathe for healthier, more vigorous growth. Plus, the pots are BPA-free, so you can also expect moderate drainage from these pots, which will help you avoid flooding your plants and causing them to wilt.
Made from high-quality, 300g of thickened nonwoven plant fabric, these bags are designed for heavy-duty use. With handles that make them easy to transport, and a rugged material that prevents them from tearing, these pots are perfect for anyone looking for quality and durability in their potting supplies.
Pros
- Spacious enough for spider plants
- Stand upright on their own
- Greater surface area for water and mineral absorption
- Flexible for repotting
- Better breathability and automatic air-prune feature
- Long-lasting material and functional handles
Cons
- They drain water too fast
- Some users had issues with the size
How to Choose the Best Pot for Spider Plant
The health of your plant largely depends on the pot you choose for it. So, you have to be extra mindful to choose the type of pot you decide to put your plant in. Before settling on a random pick, consider these features you should look for in a pot:
Size
The size of the pot is perhaps the most important factor to consider as it’s closely linked to the health of the plant. Spider plants need large space to expand their roots and grow optimally thus needing a pot ample enough to hold them. If you use a small pot, your plant will suffer from stunted growth and may eventually die. Plus, if you want to plant more than one spider plant in one pot, you’ll of course need a bigger pot. And in case of repotting, you should start with a slightly larger pot so it can accommodate the mature plant later.
However, don’t go for a too-large pot as too much soil can cause root rot. The ideal size would be to get a pot 2 inches larger than the original plant size. For a mature spider plant, the smallest pot size should be 10 inches, and 24 inches for the largest approximately.
Material
As mentioned earlier, pots come in a variety of materials such as plastic, ceramic, clay, metal, etc. All of them are suitable for spider plants, however, some are better suited than the rest.
Because spider plants are supposed to be drought-tolerant plants, they need pots to be able to absorb moisture well and let the excess water out. For that, pots made of ceramic or clay are a good option as they can absorb moisture. Although plastic pots are definitely lightweight and affordable compared to them. Hence, different materials have different advantages to offer and you can choose whichever suits you the best.
Not just the material, you should make sure the material is high quality as well. So, the pot can last a long time to provide your spider plants room to grow and thrive. Pots made with flimsy material tend to break and make a mess out of it.
Drainage Holes
The best pot is the one that comes with drainage holes, the more the better. Most plants need the pot to drain water effectively, otherwise, the roots may rot in the excess water and inversely affecting the plant’s health.
You should choose a pot that has at least one drainage hole at the bottom to let the excess water to leak out. A good design is when the pot comes with a tray or saucers to hold the excess water. That way the water won’t spoil the table or wherever you put your spider plants at. Besides, if you want to use your decorative pot with no holes, there shouldn’t be a problem. Put your plant in a pot with holes and then put it inside the decorative overpot. Take it out to water the plant and put it back when all the water got drained.
When to Repot a Spider Plant?
Spider plants tend to grow very fast and that’s why they become pot-bound quickly. You need to keep an eye on your spider plant and relocate before the roots start to crack the pot.
Generally, a growing spider plant should be repotted once every 1-2 years. However, you may end up having to change them out fairly often. If it’s growing season you can repot whenever you feel like it. But during autumn or winter, you shouldn’t repot and wait for spring instead. While repotting your spider plant, you can move the whole plant into a big pot or separate the plant into multiple pots.
Here are a few signs to indicate the right time you should repot a spider plant.
- The spider plant’s roots are coming out of the drainage hole.
- The roots are starting to show from the topsoil.
- The soil dries out pretty quickly.
- The plant stops growing or appearing limp.
- The pot of the spider plant has been cracked.
What kind of pot do spider plants need?
Spider plants can be planted in any type of pot as long as it’s keeping the plant healthy. Pots made with plastic, metal, ceramic, wood, etc are all are suitable materials. Just make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom to let out the excess water. Plus, the pot should be spacious enough for the spider plant to thrive.
How deep should a pot be for a spider plant?
The best pot size is one or two times larger than the plant’s root ball. And if you have a spider plant already housed in a container, get a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the original pot. The pot should have a well-drainage system, with plenty of holes at the bottom.
Do Spider Plants Need Big Pots?
Spider plants shouldn’t have too big pots as the root can grow too much and the soil can become too airtight and too moist. And all these can cause root rot. Too big and too small both pots will be harmful to the healthy growth of the spider plant. Remember to check for signs if your plant needs repotting, before you move to a slightly larger pot.
Do spider plants need a pot with holes?
Spider plants fall vulnerable to root rot if they are waterlogged. So, they need to be planted in a pot with drainage holes. You can cover the holes with broken pottery to keep the soil from washing out and then put the standard potting soil above. Or you can get a pot that comes with a grid pad to avoid soil flowing away.
Final Thoughts
Spider plants are extremely durable and need very little care. You don’t need to put a lot of effort into their care and maintenance as they grow pretty fast as well. As long as the plants have sufficient light, aeration and drainage, they will continue to thrive.
And for that, you need the best pot for spider plant, for a healthy, thriving life!