Ultimate guide to pots and planters for Pink Houseplants
Explore our recommendations for pots and planters we use for pink indoor plants grown in our Brooklyn community home!
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Pink houseplants are undeniably eye-catching. But to keep them thriving, choosing the right pot is just as important as selecting the perfect soil and fertilizer. The wrong planter can lead to root rot, compacted soil, or stunted growth.
In our Brooklyn community home, we’ve tested all kinds of pots with our pink-leaved beauties—from Pink Princess Philodendrons to Tradescantia bubblegum—and we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, and we would love to share what we have learnt!
Summary:
Best pots and planters for pink houseplants
Best hanging planter
Best self watering pot
Best aesthetic planter
What to Consider When Choosing a Pot for Pink Houseplants?
Drainage – The #1 Rule
If there’s one absolute, non-negotiable rule when picking a pot for pink houseplants, it’s drainage. Pink houseplants, like most tropicals and variegated varieties, are extra prone to root rot, and the easiest way to avoid this is by making sure excess water can actually escape.
Why Drainage Holes Matter
When water can’t drain properly, it collects at the bottom of the pot, creating a breeding ground for root rot, fungal infections, and even gnats. And once root rot sets in, it’s not easy to reverse—by the time yellowing leaves or mushy stems appear, the damage is often deep in the roots.
A well-draining pot:
- Prevents overwatering issues, especially for pink houseplants that need a balance of moisture and air circulation.
- Allows oxygen to reach the roots, keeping them strong and healthy.
- Reduces the risk of salt buildup, which can happen when excess fertilizer isn’t flushed out properly.
2. Material Matters: Best Pot Types for Pink Houseplants
Terracotta & Clay: Breathability First
Terracotta and clay pots are porous — meaning they allow air and moisture to pass through the walls of the pot. This helps prevent excess moisture buildup and reduces the risk of root rot—an issue pink houseplants like Pink Tradescantia or Pink Syngonium can struggle with.
- Pros: Naturally breathable, reduces overwatering risk, classic earthy aesthetic.
- Cons: Dries out quickly, meaning more frequent watering is needed.
Tip: If using terracotta for pink plants that love moisture, line the inside with a plastic nursery pot to help retain some humidity while still allowing air circulation.
Ceramic (Glazed & Unglazed): Stylish & Functional
Ceramic pots come in two varieties—glazed and unglazed. Glazed ceramic pots hold moisture better than terracotta. Unglazed ceramic is slightly more breathable but still retains more moisture than terracotta.
- Best for: Moisture-loving pink plants like Caladiums and Pink Anthuriums.
- Pros: Holds moisture well, available in a variety of stylish designs, doesn’t dry out as fast as terracotta.
- Cons: Can be heavy, glazed ceramic may retain too much water for some plants.
Tip: Always check if the ceramic pot has drainage holes—many decorative ones don’t. If it doesn’t, use the cachepot method (double-potting).
Plastic: Lightweight & Moisture-Retentive
Plastic pots are affordable, lightweight, and hold moisture well, making them low-maintenance. They don’t absorb water like terracotta or ceramic, so plants stay hydrated longer—a great choice for pink houseplants that like steady moisture. But they lack breathability which can be a problem for plants prone to root rot.
- Best for: Pink plants that need consistent moisture Pink Polka Dot Plants.
- Pros: Retains moisture, inexpensive, available in many sizes and styles.
- Cons: Can cause water retention issues if not well-drained, may not be as aesthetically appealing.
Tip: Choose plastic pots with built-in drainage holes, or double-pot in a decorative container for better airflow.
Fabric Grow Bags: Maximum Root Aeration
Fabric grow bags are a game-changer for plants that need excellent aeration and healthy root growth. They prevent roots from circling, promoting a stronger root system and reducing the risk of overwatering. T
- Best for: Pink Tradescantia and Pink Princess Philodendron, which thrive in well-aerated soil.
- Pros: Prevents root circling, highly breathable, encourages healthy root growth.
- Cons: Water drains out quickly, so more frequent watering is needed.
Tip: Place a plastic tray under fabric pots to catch excess water and prevent drying out too quickly.
Concrete & Stone: Heavy but Moisture-Retentive
Concrete and stone pots are incredibly durable and stable. But they retain a lot of moisture, which can be a drawback for pink plants that prefer drier soil.
- Pros: Heavy and stable, great for tall or top-heavy plants, stylish modern look.
- Cons: Can retain too much moisture, very heavy to move.
Tip: If using a concrete or stone pot, amend the soil with extra perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.
3. Size and shape of the pot
Why a Pot That’s Too Big or Too Small Can Hurt Your Plant
A pot that’s too large holds excess soil, which retains moisture longer than the roots can absorb. This creates the perfect conditions for root rot and fungal issues—a common problem with plants that don’t like to sit in damp soil, like Pink Tradescantia.
On the flip side, a pot that’s too small causes root crowding, restricting water and nutrient uptake, and leads to frequent drying out.
Tip: If your pink plant is drying out too fast or has roots growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time to size up.
Ideal Pot Depth for Pink Houseplants Based on Root Growth Habits
Different pink houseplants have different root structures, which means pot depth matters just as much as width.
- Shallow-rooted plants (Pink Tradescantia, Pink Polka Dot Plant): A wide, shallow pot is best. These plants spread their roots horizontally and don’t need much depth.
- Medium-rooted plants (Pink Syngonium, Pink Begonia): A moderate-depth pot works well, offering enough space for steady growth.
- Deep-rooted plants (Pink Princess Philodendron, Pink Rubber Plant): These plants need tall, deep pots to accommodate long roots and prevent tipping as they grow taller.
Tip: If unsure, match the new pot’s depth to the root ball size—too much empty space can hold excess moisture, which pink plants don’t always appreciate.
Best pots for different types of pink houseplants
1. Best Hanging Planters for Cascading Pink Houseplants
These hanging planters are our house favorite, and especially since they have different colors. Looks great with macrame hangers. Gives our living room a sort of boho look and it is very sturdy, we have never had spillage. We use this especially to pot our pink and purple vining plants
2. Best Self-Watering Pots for Low-Maintenance Care
This is a new experiment in our house – using self-watering planters. I think especially in our top floor where a lot of us don’t frequent, these pots have become game changers because we water and then leave for one month and the plant is still thriving! these self watering planters take care of feeding the plant for a month and we think it is worth trying!
3. Best Stylish ceramic pots for Aesthetic Display
This beautiful black and brown planter is perfect to plant pink plants. It really makes. the color pop and its not that bad on your wallet! We think this is the best aesthetic planter we have seen on amazon and works perfectly well in our living room corner. Read also: our guide to styling pink houseplants
Common potting mistakes with pink houseplants and how to avoid them?
1. Using a Pot Without Drainage (and How to Fix It!)
We get it—some of the prettiest pots come without drainage holes. But keeping pink houseplants in a sealed pot with no way for excess water to escape is one of the fastest ways to kill them. Water gets trapped, roots stay wet for too long, and before you know it, your plant is wilting from root rot.
How to Fix It:
- Double-potting method: Keep your plant in a plastic nursery pot with drainage holes and place it inside the decorative pot. When it’s time to water, simply remove the inner pot, let the excess water drain, then place it back.
- Adding a drainage layer: If double-potting isn’t an option, a layer of pebbles, pumice, or activated charcoal at the bottom of the pot can help create a buffer. However, this isn’t a foolproof solution—water can still build up in the bottom over time.
- Drill drainage holes: If the pot’s material allows, use a ceramic drill bit to create holes for proper drainage.
Tip: If you must use a pot without drainage, be extra careful with watering—only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
2. Choosing the Wrong Pot Size
A pot that’s too big or too small can cause serious issues for pink houseplants. A too-large pot holds excess moisture, increasing the risk of root rot. A too-small pot restricts root growth, causing the plant to become root-bound and struggle to absorb water and nutrients.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Size up gradually—when repotting, choose a pot that’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
- For shallow-rooted pink plants (Pink Tradescantia, Polka Dot Plant), opt for wide, shallow pots that allow root spread.
- For deep-rooted plants (Pink Princess Philodendron, Pink Rubber Plant), go for deeper pots that support vertical root growth.
- Check root growth—if roots are growing out of the drainage holes or circling inside the pot, it’s time for a size upgrade.
Tip: If you accidentally repot into a pot that’s too big, be mindful of watering—let the top few inches dry out completely before adding more water to avoid excess moisture buildup.
or stone pot, amend the soil with extra perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.
3. Using the Wrong Soil for the Pot Type
Not all pots retain moisture the same way, which means using the wrong soil mix for the pot material can lead to overwatering or underwatering issues. A dense, moisture-retaining soil mix in a non-porous pot (like glazed ceramic or plastic) can trap too much water, while a fast-draining mix in terracotta may dry out too quickly. Read also: our favorite soil and fertilizers for pink houseplants
How to Adjust Soil Based on Pot Type:
- Terracotta & clay pots: These are porous and wick away moisture, so pink plants in terracotta may need a soil mix that retains some moisture. Adding a bit more coco coir or compost helps maintain hydration.
- Ceramic (glazed) & plastic pots: These hold moisture longer, so a fast-draining soil mix with extra perlite or orchid bark helps prevent soggy conditions.
- Fabric grow bags: These dry out even faster than terracotta, so using a higher organic matter mix with more compost and peat-free potting mix helps retain needed moisture.
- Concrete & stone pots: These can retain too much moisture, so adding pumice or sand to the mix increases drainage.
Tip: If your pink plant’s soil stays wet for more than a week, it may be time to adjust your soil mix to improve aeration.
FAQ
What size pot is best for Pink Princess Philodendron?
- Start with a 6-inch pot and upgrade gradually as it grows.
Can I use a glass pot for pink houseplants?
- Glass retains moisture and lacks airflow—better for propagations than long-term growth.
Are self-watering pots good for pink houseplants?
- Yes, but only for moisture-loving varieties like Pink Syngonium or Caladiums.
Do pink houseplants need deep pots?
- It depends on the plant! Philodendrons need deeper pots, while Tradescantia prefers shallow ones.
What’s the most stylish pot for displaying pink houseplants?
- Matte ceramic in white, blush, or neutral tones makes pink foliage pop!
