Pots, Vases & Plant Stands

Plant pots, vases and plant stands each do a different job. A pot holds a potted plant and usually needs a drainage hole to prevent root rot, a vase holds cut flowers or stems in water without drainage, and a plant stand raises a pot to eye level rather than holding soil itself. Adairs' range spans ceramic, terracotta, concrete and fibre-clay pots for indoor and outdoor use, alongside glass and ceramic vases for fresh or artificial arrangements.

How to Choose the Right Plant Pots or Vases for Your Plants?

Check for a Drainage Hole Before You Buy

Real plants almost always need drainage, without it, water pools at the base and can cause root rot. Artificial and faux plants can go in any pot that fits the base, since drainage doesn't matter. If you're worried about overflow with a drained pot, choose one with a matching saucer to catch runoff.

Size the Pot to the Plant's Root Mass

Choose a pot with a diameter at least 2.5cm wider than the plant's root mass, wide enough that the roots aren't strangled but not so large the plant looks lost. Some plants prefer a deep, narrow pot, while others need a shallower, wider base, check your plant's specific needs rather than sizing by pot alone.

Pot, Vase or Plant Stand: Match the Piece to the Job

Ceramic pots are tough and suit most indoor plants, but can crack in very cold outdoor conditions, so they're better suited to sheltered spots outside. Hanging pots drain quickly and suit trailing plants like Devil's Ivy or soft-leafed ferns. A plant stand raises a smaller plant to eye level rather than leaving it lost at floor level, useful next to a couch or in a hallway with no shelf space.

Pot Type Comparison              

Pots, Vases & Plant Stands FAQs

Do artificial plants need a pot with drainage?

No, artificial and faux plants can go in any pot that fits the base, since there's no water to drain. Drainage only matters for real, living plants.

Can ceramic pots be used outdoors?

Yes, but they can crack in very cold or frosty conditions, so they're better suited to a sheltered outdoor spot rather than full exposure. Terracotta or concrete are more weather-resistant choices for an exposed garden or balcony.

What's the difference between a pot and a planter?

They're largely the same thing; "planter" is often used for larger or more decorative pots, especially ones designed as a statement piece rather than a purely functional container.

Where should I put a plant stand?

Use a plant stand where a small plant would otherwise sit unseen at floor level, like next to a couch, in a hallway, or beside an entertainment unit. Avoid placing one somewhere it's likely to be bumped, since a knee-height stand can be a tripping hazard in a busy walkway.

Complete the Room

Pair your pots and vases with artificial plants and stems, add wall art and mirrors to the same wall, and ground the space with a floor rug or a piece of lighting nearby. Join Linen Lovers for member pricing and free standard shipping Australia-wide on your whole order.