Best Pots & Planters for Purple Houseplants
Explore our recommendations for pots and planters we use for the purple houseplants growing in our Brooklyn community home!
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Purple houseplants already have that “wow” factor—but the right planter? That’s what makes them shine. Whether it’s the deep ruffles of a Ruby Ripple Peperomia or the glowing underside of a Calathea Dottie, the container you choose can either complement or compete with their color. And yes, we’ve made our fair share of planter mistakes. Too shallow. Too glossy. Wrong drainage. You name it.
In this guide, we’re sharing our go-to planters for purple houseplants—tested in our own Brooklyn plant-filled home. We’ll talk about styling purple plants, what materials work best for moisture-sensitive roots, and why some designs are just plain easier to live with. Let’s help your purple plants stand tall (or spill dramatically) in pots that were made for them
Summary:
Best pots and planters for purple houseplants
Best white or neutral pot
Best hanging planter
Best terrarium bowl
Best pots and planters for purple houseplants
1. Best White or neutral pots
We love white pots. They are sturdy and have faired the test of time (years!) in our home!
2. Best Textured pots:
These textured pots are subte, and white and give just the right 3-d effect you need for colored plants!
3. Best Hanging planters
We will never tire from recommending these pots. We have them all over our house and the are just the best, sturdy and cost effective ones we have bought!
4. best Terrariums and bowls
We have our echeveria in this terrarium bowl which is so small and cute and affordable!
Best Planter Materials for Purple Houseplants
- Ceramic: Smooth matte finishes make purples pop; good for Peperomia and African Violets
- Terracotta: Earthy tones contrast deep purple foliage but dry out quickly—great for succulents like Echeveria
- Concrete: Neutral and modern; best for heavy or top-heavy plants
- Plastic: Lightweight, cheap, but can look dated unless styled right
- Glass: Ideal for terrariums with Fittonia or Purple Nerve Plants
- Metal: Use as cachepots—can heat up too fast in bright light
Also read: our guide to best soil and fertilizers for purple houseplants
Sizing Tips for Specific Purple Plants
- Purple calathea: Needs deeper planters, 6–8″ wide minimum
- Purple Waffle Plant: Use shallow, wide pots with good drainage
- African Violets: Thrive in 4–5″ self-watering pots with side wicks
- Ruby Ripple Peperomia: Small ceramic or concrete planters, 4–6″
- Gynura (Purple Passion): Consider taller pots to support upright stems
- Fittonia: Perfect in terrariums or low bowls, 3–5″ across
Also read: our guide to to keeping the purple foliage, and how much light does it need
Functional Features to Look For in planter for purple houseplants
- Drainage holes are a must—purple foliage plants often hate soggy soil Our first Calathea sat in a gorgeous gold ceramic pot that didn’t have drainage holes. The leaves curled within a week, and then we had root rot. We make sure every pot we buy either has proper holes or we use a plastic nursery pot nested inside. Even African violets and Echeverias hate sitting in water—so bottom line, if there’s no hole, it’s a hard pass (or we’re grabbing the drill).
- Self-watering planters work well for violets and moisture-loving plants African violets like consistent moisture—not too wet, not too dry—and the wick system in self-watering containers nails it. Purple waffle plants also like these pots. Just make sure the reservoir doesn’t get grimy—we clean ours once a month.
- Plant stands and risers boost height and visibility on shelves Ever stuck a low-grower like Peperomia on a cluttered shelf and completely lost it in the mix? Adding a simple plant riser or stand underneath changed the game. Not only does the plant pop visually, but the added air circulation below helps prevent mildew in humid spots like the bathroom.
- Matching saucers prevent mess while adding polish We used to grab whatever old plate was lying around to catch water runoff, but honestly? A matching saucer just looks cleaner. And it saves furniture from those dreaded water rings. Especially with plants that need frequent watering, like Fittonia, saucers are non-negotiable.
Conclusion:
Your purple houseplants deserve more than just any old pot—they deserve a planter that makes their color pop and their roots happy. We’ve tried dozens of combinations, and the right match always transforms the whole room. From matte ceramic for tabletop Calatheas to open glass terrariums for Fittonia, the options are endless—if you know what to look for. Let your plants shine. And hey, if you’re stuck between two, go with the one that makes you smile. The plant will feel it, too.
