When it comes to potted plants, the pot or planter is often just as important as the plant itself! The pot your plant calls home goes far beyond aesthetics, and the planter you choose (and how you pot your plant in it) will dictate the overall health of your plant over time. 

But there's more to choosing a planter than meets the eye. From the best materials for plant pots to finding the ideal size and ensuring proper drainage, here's what you need to know before buying a new planter.

1. Best Materials for Plant Pots

2. Finding the Right Fit

3. The Importance of Drainage

4. What to Do If Your Pot Has No Drainage

5. Where to Buy High-Quality Pots for Plants

Best Materials for Plant Pots

The first step in choosing a planter is picking the right material. There are various options available, each with its own set of advantages:

• Ceramic: Ceramic pots are classic and come in a wide range of designs and colors. They're excellent for retaining moisture, making them suitable for plants that like consistent hydration. Many ceramic pots, like these Mid-Century style planters and our Scandinavian line of pots, are fully water-sealed as well, an added bonus if you’re worried about your pots damaging precious surfaces like wood floors or rugs.

• Terracotta: These porous clay pots are great for plants that prefer well-draining soil. They allow air to reach the roots and are perfect for succulents and cacti. Note that terracotta pots will “age” overtime, changing colors as it absorbs minerals from the soil, fertilizer and water.

• Metal: Metal planters, like those made from galvanized steel, are durable and often have a modern aesthetic. They can withstand the elements, making them suitable for outdoor use.

• Wood: Wooden planters offer a rustic charm and can be a great choice for herbs or ornamental plants. They do require a liner to prevent water damage to the wood.

Finding the Right Fit

One of the common dilemmas plant lovers face is finding a planter that seems like the perfect fit, only to discover it either swallows the nursery pot or is entirely too small. Here are a few tips:

• Room to Grow: Choose a planter that accommodates your plant's current size with some room for growth. A too-small planter can restrict your plant's development, but you also don’t want your plant to be swimming in soil as most like to have their roots very cozy. When choosing the right size planter, think about 2-3 inches bigger than the nursery pot your plant comes in.

• Proportions: Consider your plant's height and width. Taller, top-heavy plants may require a planter with a wider base to prevent tipping. Most nursery pots come in standard widths, such as 4", 6", 8", or 10". If your planter is wider than the nursery pot and you do not plan on potting directly in your planter, use a foam collar or any suitable material to eliminate wiggle room and keep it from tipping over. This method is called “staging”—keep scrolling to read more about how this works and why it’s our preferred method for potting plants.

• Trimming the Nursery Pot: Unfortunately many planters are not designed with the nursery pot in mind. Once again, this is an issue if you don’t plan on potting your plant directly into your planter. To ensure your plant fits the planter snuggly, trim the nursery pot's height by an inch or two. This process typically requires a sharp blade, as nursery pots are often made of tough plastic.

Léon & George planters are made of high-fired stoneware, 100% water-sealed so they’ll never damage your floors.

The Importance of Drainage

Drainage is a non-negotiable feature in plant pots. Without it, excess water can accumulate, leading to root rot and other issues. It is crucial that you either purchase a planter with drainage holes or that you set your plant up for proper drainage within its planter without holes. It’s quite easy—keep reading to learn how!

What to Do If Your Pot Has No Drainage

If you have your eyes set on a planter that lacks drainage holes (there are so many beautiful ones out there!), you can still make it work. Add a layer of small rocks , pebbles, or foam to the bottom to elevate your plant and create space for excess water. This prevents your plant from sitting in water for extended periods. Then set the plant inside its nursery pot inside the decorative planter. A block of styrofoam or a similar material also does the trick, rendering drainage holes unnecessary.

This is called “staging”, and it’s our preferred method of potting plants. Why is that? As a start, it helps with airflow for your plant, as many planters will not allow your plant’s roots to easily breathe. It also makes caring for your plants easier, as popping them in and out of their planter is a breeze. We stand by this method so firmly that we even stage when the planter has its own drainage holes!

Read more (and see a diagram) about how to stage your plants here.

Where to Buy High-Quality Pots for Plants

Now that you know what to look for in a planter, where can you find the perfect one? Here are some reputable places to consider:

• Léon & George: A curated collection of minimalist, high-quality ceramic planters that pair well with any decor style.

• Light & Ladder: Light & Ladder offers beautifully designed planters that are both unique and functional.

• Goodee: Goodee is a treasure trove of sustainable and eco-friendly items for the home, including a highly curated selection of plant pots, perfect for the environmentally conscious plant lover.

• Etsy: Etsy is the place to go for artisanal and unique planters. You'll find a vast assortment of handmade as well as vintage options to suit your style.

In conclusion, selecting the right planter is essential for the health and well-being of your plants. Choose the best material, ensure the planter's size is suitable, and prioritize drainage. With these tips in mind and the right planter in hand, your plants will thrive, and your space will flourish with greenery. Happy planting!

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So you've decided it's time to give your leafy friend a new home. Well, hold onto your gardening gloves because before you get started, there are a few things you should know…

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a newbie plant parent, repotting can be a bit like transplanting your plant to a new city. You want to make sure it settles in comfortably and flourishes. So, let's dive into what you need to know before you repot your plant and make this experience a rootin' tootin' good time!

1. Timing is Everything

2. The Right Pot is a Game-Changer

3. Soil Matters

4. Mind Those Roots

5. One Size Doesn’t Fit All

6. Watering Wisdom

7. Post-Repotting TLC

Timing is Everything

Before you get your hands dirty, consider when to repot your plant. Spring and summer are like the plant equivalent of a beach vacation – the ideal time for relocation. Your plant will have the energy to adapt to its new pot and grow like it's on a tropical getaway. That said, if you have to repot in the fall or even dead of winter, it won’t be the end of the world.

The Right Pot is a Game-Changer

Picking the right pot is crucial. Think of it as finding the perfect-sized shoes for your feet. You want a pot that's just a tad larger than your plant's current one (or, you may decide to repot back into its original pot, simply refreshing the soil). If it's too big, your plant might feel like it's swimming in a sea of soil, and most plants like to have their roots tightly compacted within their soil and pot. Too small, and it's a suffocating shoe that'll cramp its growth.

Soil Matters

Imagine moving to a new city and having to adapt to a different climate. Your plant goes through something similar when you change its soil. Choose a high-quality potting mix that suits your plant's needs. Some like it dry, while others prefer to be constantly moist. Check your plant's preferences and cater to them like a plant concierge!

Mind Those Roots

When you're repotting, don't just yank your plant out like you're trying to win a tug-of-war. Be gentle and tease out those roots. If they've circled the old pot, give them a little massage to encourage them to explore their new territory. If you must, you can trim them, particularly if your plant experienced root rot (in which case, definitely trim them), or if they are too difficult to untangle from their grow pot.

Choosing the right pot size is essential— you can either pot back into the same size planter with fresh soil, or something just slightly larger than its current size.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

Not all plants need repotting at the same frequency. Some are like party animals and want to upgrade their space every year, while others are introverts and can go for years without needing a change. Get to know your plant's personality and repot accordingly. Some signs that your plant is ready for repotting is if the roots are circling the top or bottom of the soil surface, or if your plant generally seems to look a bit sad despite receiving adequate light, water and love.

Watering Wisdom

After repotting, your plant might be a bit stressed, just like you would be after a move. Be mindful of watering – don't drown it in sympathy water. Give it a drink, then let it settle in. Gradually increase the watering as it starts to adapt.

Post-Repotting TLC

Finally, show your plant some love after the big move. Give it some time to adjust to its new surroundings, and maybe even play some soothing tunes (okay, not really, but plants do respond positively to music!).

Remember, repotting is like redecorating your plant's home – it's a chance for a fresh start and a new lease on life. So, embrace the dirt, get your hands a little muddy, and watch your leafy companion thrive in its revamped abode.

With these friendly and funny tips, you're ready to embark on your plant-potting adventure. Happy repotting, and may your plant grow taller and greener than ever before!

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Snake Plant and Zanzibar Gem in Mid-Century pots

As most people know, owning and maintaining beautiful indoor plants requires just a few basic necessities. But beyond light and water, what many don’t realize is that there’s a third extremely important factor when it comes to plant care: drainage. Without proper drainage, no plant can thrive—especially if it’s receiving regular watering. For this reason, potting your plant with adequate drainage in mind is crucial to your success. This article will look at three methods for repotting your plants. We'll provide detailed instructions and tips for each method to help you give your plants the best care possible.

1. Layer rocks at the Bottom of Your Pot

2. Drill a Drainage Hole (not recommended - read why)

3. Staging (the BEST way!)

Why is drainage important for plants?

Drainage allows for the plant’s roots to aerate and “breathe” in between waterings. Much like excess water is absorbed into the ground in their natural environment, you should always make sure your plant has somewhere to drain after each watering, as accumulated moisture or standing water can lead to serious health issues like root rot.

The most common way to provide drainage for potted plants is with a drainage hole in the pot and a saucer below to catch the water. A typical terracotta pot has this set up, for example. When you repot any houseplant, ensuring proper drainage is vital. If your pot has a drainage hole, we recommend using a saucer or dish below so as not to damage any floor or surface when you water. But what happens if you have a pot with no drainage hole?

Our Scandinavian planters have a drainage hole and deep overflow saucer.

Best Practices for Pots Without Drainage Holes

Not all planters have drainage holes, and that’s okay, too! There are plenty of ways around a pot without a drainage hole. In fact, some of the most stylish planters do not have drainage holes, as they sit atop sleek wooden stands (and this would be a big mess if there were a drainage hole!). Our Mid-Century planters, for example, do not have drainage holes and are designed to sit directly on wooden stands or other surfaces.

For our pots with no drainage hole, we use a method called “staging”, which we’ll explain in more detail below. Here are some other ways you can create some drainage in a pot with no drainage hole:

1. Layer rocks at the Bottom of Your Pot

Placing rocks or gravel at the bottom of your pot is a common practice to create some separation between your plant’s soil and any excess water. However, this does not in a literal sense help with drainage, and as your plant grows, its roots can stretch into this bottom area and be exposed to the sitting water. It's essential that houseplants should be thoroughly watered, but with proper drainage to prevent root rot.

2. Drill a Drainage Hole

Some people like to go the DIY route and drill a hole in their favorite planter with no drainage. This is do-able, but keep in mind that you risk breaking the pot altogether.

Staging is the best way to pot plants in planters without drainage holes. All Léon & George plants are staged as seen in the diagram.

3. Staging (the BEST way!)

The simplest and easiest way to set your plant up with proper drainage when there’s no drainage hole is to stage it. Staging simply implies that the plant does not actually live inside the decorative planter, but rather in its plastic nursery pot (i.e. the one it came in). When you repot in fresh potting soil that drains well, this further ensures optimal moisture levels for the plant. Plastic nursery pots generally have several small drainage holes at the bottom (even better!), and can simply be placed inside the ceramic pot.

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If you tend to have a heavy hand with watering, we recommend slightly elevating your plant inside the pot, either with a wood plank, styrofoam block, or any other material that won’t mind the occasional douse of water. This ensures that no matter how much you water, your plant will never “sit” in standing water for long periods of time.

There are actually quite a few benefits to staging your plants, beyond just drainage:

• Swapping plants from one pot to another is easy and mess-free.

• You can take your plant out of its decorative container without any fuss to give it a shower in the sink or bathtub (plants love this type of watering!).

• You can easily tell when your plant is ready for repotting, as the roots will begin to come out of the plastic nursery pot (simply lift the nursery pot to have a look!).

For those passionate about choosing the correct house plant to grow indoors, we offer a comprehensive list to guide your green journey. Dive into our collection at this link and enjoy year-round gardening. Discover plants that are well suited to growing in containers, ensuring they thrive and bloom beautifully within your space. So have at it and start staging your plants! If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect ceramic, keep in mind that our ceramics are sized to fit most nursery pots and are 100% water-sealed, which means they'll never damage your floors or surfaces. Handcrafted with high-fired stoneware, the simple and elegant design was created to stand the test of time! Find the perfect size for your plants, or better yet, order a fully-potted plant set from Léon & George and let us do the work for you!

1 TO 1 VIDEO CALL WITH AN EXPERT

Yellow leaves? Worried about watering or struggling with incorrect lighting? Book a call and get truly personalized support for all your plant-related needs.

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A moisture meter that is as simple to use as it is sleek.

Did you know that the number one cause of indoor plant trouble is over-watering? That’s because it can be hard to know what’s happening below the soil of your plant. But what if you could get a clear and accurate picture of your plant’s needs, and know exactly when it’s time to water, and when it’s time to hold off?

As it turns out, you can, with sleek and simple to use moisture meters.

Why this moisture meter?

There are so many moisture meters and watering tools out there, from classic probes to tech-enhanced apps, but not all moisture meters are created equal.

Designed, developed, and manufactured in Japan, this particular moisture meter is the first of its kind to incorporate a pF indicator that gives a more accurate and concise picture of when it’s time to water. Tested by research institutions, agriculturalists, and our very own team of Plant Doctors, we’ve found this moisture meter to be the highest quality, easiest to use, and all around most attractive design.

Thirsty for more? Unlike traditional water detectors that simply detect moisture, a pF indicator detects the soil’s available water capacity, also understood as the roots’ ability to absorb water. The moisture meter then uses a simple color scale to let you know when it’s time to water and when you should hold off.

How to use your moisture meter

Using your moisture meter is simple. Follow these instructions to ensure proper use of your sleek new tool!

1. Gently insert the moisture meter deep into the soil of your plant, taking care not to damage any roots along the way. Don’t worry if you bump into a few roots, but avoid using force.

2. Allow the moisture meter to sit in the soil for 20-30 minutes before reading.

3. The window at the top will be completely white if it’s time to water. If it is at all blue, hold off on watering until it becomes white.

4. If it is indeed white, water your plant thoroughly as instructed in your care card. You will see the moisture meter gradually turn blue.

5. You may leave your moisture meter in the soil of your plant, or remove it in between waterings. Up to you!

How to take care of your moisture meter

Over time, your moisture meter may need cleaning of any soil particles that have collected from use. To clean, place your moisture meter upside down (with the window indicator facing down) in a mix of neutral detergent and warm water, letting it soak for about an hour.

Every six to nine months, the core will need to be replaced. Follow these instructions to replace the core of your moisture meter:

• Remove the top screw cap and remove the core, blue sheet, and straw.

• Keep the refill in its package until just before use.

• Place the new core inside the moisture meter and screw the cap back on.

We know finding the perfect watering routine is tough, especially when it comes to larger plants. And we know, unlike that beautiful armchair you bought last year, this investment requires a little more attention. We believe that offering the knowledge and tools to take care of your new living greenery is key to setting you up for success in the long run. And we hope it’s a long run with your plant!

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Repotting plants is a simple task, but there are a few tips and tricks to maximize the benefits of this plant care routine. Here are our Plant Doctor’s top ten Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to repotting your plants!

Don’t Size Down (Usually)

In most cases, you will either keep the same size or size up when repotting. There is no benefit to repotting in a smaller pot unless you are propagating and separating the plant into two or more new ones, or you are repotting a plant that has had root rot and as a consequence has very few healthy roots left.

Don’t Repot Into A Huge Container

A big part of repotting is giving plants more room to grow. That said, you don’t want to give them too much room. Why’s that? Most plants like to have their roots very snugly packed. A pot that’s too big may lead to poor root health and a sad looking plant overall.

DON’T Leave Any Air In The Soil

Make sure that your plant’s new soil is well-packed when repotting. This not only adds stability to the plant, but also ensures their soil is as nutrient-dense as possible!

DON’T Fertilize right after repotting

Moving can be stressful! Let your plant acclimate for at least a week or two after repotting before introducing any plant food.

DO Repot in the spring or summer

The best time to repot is when your plant is in active growing phase, or during the spring and summer. This is when your plant is at its strongest, and will bounce back from any stress more easily.

DO Repot in the Same or Slightly Bigger Container

Repotting doesn’t always mean giving your plant a bigger pot. Sometimes you’ll repot just to provide your plant with fresh new soil. That said, if you do decide to size up, use a pot that’s only slightly bigger in diameter — 2 inches is great — so that your plant still enjoys a snug home.

Do Consider Separating If Necessary

Sometimes plants will be too big for their own good. If sizing up is not an option, you may consider separating your plant into two or more plants (this is a method of propagation).

Do Use Fresh Potting Soil

When it comes to soil, it’s best not to recycle. Fresh, unused potting soil will have plenty of nutrients that your plant craves.

Do Water Thoroughly After Repotting

Give your plant one big drink once it’s settled in its new home, and get ready to watch it flourish!

Ready to get repotting? Our Deluxe Repotting Kit is a complete set of everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to repot large and XL Léon & George plants.

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Repotting indoor plants, like this Bird of Paradise, is a simple process.

Repotting plants may seem like a scary endeavor if you’ve never gotten your hands dirty, but anyone who’s tried it will agree that it’s not only simple but also quite fun and enjoyable as well! Learn how to repot, when to repot and more with this simple guide.

When SHOULD I REPOT MY PLANT?

When it comes to indoor plants, you should repot once every one to two years. However, sometimes your plant may also send you signals that it’s time to repot. Here are some signs you may look for:

• Matted roots on the soil surface, as can be common with Fiddle Leaf Figs

• The roots are coming out at the bottom, through the drainage holes for example, not uncommon with Birds of Paradise

• The roots are seemingly “busting” at the seams, as sometimes seen on the Snake Plant or Zanzibar Gem (and if the plant is in a plastic nursery pot, it may well break it!)

• The roots are quite literally “pushing” the plant out of the pot

• The plant dries out very quickly, for example in a matter of days

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF REPOTTING MY PLANT?

There are many benefits to repotting your plants, and that’s why we recommend doing so every 1-2 years, even if you don’t plan on sizing up to a larger planter. Some of the benefits of repotting include:

• More room for plants’ roots to grow

• Fresh nutrients in the soil

• Better airflow in fresh soil

• An opportunity to remove dead or dying roots

What time of year should I Repot MY plant?

The best time of year to repot your plant is in the spring or summer, as this is when plants are actively growing. That said, is not the end of the world if for whatever reason you need to repot in the middle of winter!

HOW DO I REPOT MY PLANT?

Before repotting your plant, make sure you have the necessary basic materials to repot, like fresh, indoor potting soil. a new bigger pot if desired and sharp, clean shears.

Our Deluxe Repotting Kit is a great place to start if you have a large or XL Léon & George plant that needs sizing up.

Once you have all your materials, when your plant is dry or before it's next watering, follow these simple instructions:

1. Remove the plant from its pot. For smaller plants, you can do this by simply turning over the pot and letting the plant slide out. For larger plants, you may need to gently coax it out of the pot (pro tip: spread newspaper over the floor for easy clean up!). If your plant is difficult to remove from the pot (the roots are twisting out the drainage holes), you may need to simply cut these roots off to get it out.

2. Shake the soil off the roots, removing about half of the old soil. You may need to gently detangle some of the roots to do this. Don’t panic if some of them rip or break. You may also prune some roots, especially if you are planning on potting it in the same pot as before.

3. Pour a couple inches of fresh potting soil into the pot and pat down so it’s firm.

4. Place the plant in the pot and fill with more soil until it’s secure in place and standing straight. Pat down again until firm.

5. Fill with soil to the top of the pot, but make sure to leave about an inch so that water does not overflow when you water your plant.

6. Water thoroughly and let the plant completely drain.

Voilà! You’re done. Remember that your plant may be a little unstable the first few weeks in its new pot, so take care when moving it back to its home.

WHAT IS THE Best Potting Soil for Indoor Plants?

You don’t need any special type of potting soil for most indoor plants. Any organic potting soil labeled for indoor plants will do. Certain plants, such as succulents and cacti, may need a fast-draining potting soil, but generally speaking the majority of popular houseplants will do just fine with regular indoor potting soil.

Do you have to repot your plant?

Our Plant Doctors receive many enquiries about when to repot plants, or if it’s an absolute must for the plant to thrive. The truth is that most indoor plants only need repotting once every one or two years (though some slow growers can survive many years in the same pot!), and even then, it isn’t necessarily required to repot them in a bigger container.

The primary reason why we repot plants is to give them fresh, nutrient-rich soil, which can easily be done by removing the plant from its pot and shaking the old dirt off the roots. At that point, if you’d like your plant to stay the same size, you may simply repot it directly in the old pot, of course with fresh new soil. If you’d like your plant to grow bigger, you can repot it in something about two inches larger than what it was in before.

Of course depending on the plant, it could potentially survive years without repotting. But if you want your plant to thrive, think about giving it some fresh soil and even room to grow every few years!

Need help gathering the materials you’ll need for repotting plants? Our Deluxe Repotting Kit is a complete set of items to make repotting a breeze!

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