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Our editors have been avid plant lovers and gardeners for the past decade — these sustainable planters and plant pots are our top picks at a variety of price points.
Whether you’re a plant parent, or a millennial with a leafy love affair, a pot is just as important as the plant you stick inside of it — both for aesthetics and for plant health. Without the right planter or pot, it can lead to some problems for your plant — e.g. stunted growth, poor nutrient absorption, a soggy environment, or even root rot. That’s why we’ve researched far and wide to bring you a curated selection of sustainably-made plant pots that’ll ensure your new plant friend has the space, drainage, and environment it needs to thrive.🪴
What should you consider before buying a planter or plant pot?
There are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration when choosing your plant’s future home — like pot size and material. From ceramic (of the unglazed and glazed variety) to wood, to concrete or even plastic, almost everything can be used as a planter — just check for a drainage hole! Proper drainage holes help prevent waterlogging and root rot. If you have to have that adorable pot from the flea market, which of course is so cute but lacking in drainage, keep your new leafy lover in its grower pot (the plastic pot from the nursery) or add a layer of gravel to the bottom to avoid root rot.
Size matters too — pick a pot that’s slightly larger than your plant’s current root system but not so big that it retains too much water. Material is also key; terracotta is great for plants that prefer drier soil, while plastic or ceramic can retain more moisture. Think about the weight and stability if the plant will grow tall, and if you’re placing it indoors, choose a design that complements your decor. A saucer or drainage tray is a bonus for catching water and keeping surfaces clean.
Our Criteria:
Our editors have tested dozens of sustainable planters and plant pots on our beloved flora and herbage for the past 10 years. We’ve selected our favorite options that are sustainably-made and long lasting. We update this list frequently with new faves.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | These planters and plant pots are made with a variety of sustainable materials like upcycled and recycled plastic, natural stoneware, and nontoxic fibers and resin.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve included a variety of pots that are affordably priced, with options starting as low as $10!
- VARIETY OF SIZES | Whether you’re looking to plant a new seedling or repot an indoor tree, each of these sustainable brands carry pots and planters at a wide range of sizes.
For more plant necessities, like gardening tools and plant sticks, try these sustainable brands. And if you’re looking for leafy greens delivered straight to your door, here are a few of our favorite online houseplant shops.
1. The Sill
Made In | USA, Vietnam, Australia
Sustainable Materials | Upcycled & natural fibers, concrete, fiberglass, earthenware, nontoxic resin, recycled cotton rope & cord
Size Range | 3” – 10”
Price | Starting at $34
The Sill wholeheartedly believes “plants make people happy” and we 100 percent agree. Diving into her family’s heritage, founder Eliza Blank discovered her new love for plants when she moved into her first apartment in NYC in 2012. The rest is history as The Sill’s sustainably-made pots and planters continue to thrive and inspire how we care for our plants and enhance our homes. Crafted by partners across the globe (including a BSCI-certified and women-owned factory in Vietnam) and handmade with nontoxic and formaldehyde-free options, each pot carries a unique name with a unique story which you can continue to cultivate in your home.
2. Etsy
Made In | Varies by seller
Sustainable Materials | Wood, ceramic, renewable bioplastic, vintage metal, stoneware
Size Range | 3” – 16”
Price | Starting at $10
No matter your aesthetic, there’s a pot and planter for everybody on Etsy. The online marketplace offsets carbon emissions through delivery and packaging with each purchase you make, meaning you’re helping local artisans and craft makers thrive while reducing your environmental impact. My Saratoga Style is an Etsy shop that handmakes beautiful mid-century modern planters and plant stands with natural materials like wood and ceramic to help bring the outdoor oasis into your home. We also adore LA-based seller Rosebud Home Goods for their funky and colorful handmade pots that are made with biodegradable and recycled plant-based materials for sustainability and style. Helping small businesses grow (see what we did there) never looked better!
Customer Review | “These are sleek, strong, stylish, and great for my hanging plants!” – Jonathan (Read all reviews.)
3. Ecopots
Made In | Asia
Sustainable Materials | Recycled plastic, recycled natural stone
Size Range | 3” – 40”
Price | Starting at €4.95
Inspired by Scandinavian design, Ecopots brings you lightweight, durable and minimalistic pots and planters that’ll bring calm and serenity into your home. These beautifully striking plant pots are made with recycled plastic and recycled natural stone, but don’t let that fool you–each item is meticulously crafted to last ten years or more using innovative craftsmanship techniques that make Ecopots durable, shatter proof, UV-resistant and frost-resistant. The brand is also CO2 neutral through climate projects like forest protection initiatives in Guatemala and is polycert tested on a yearly basis. Shipping is available directly from their Belgium warehouse to select European countries.
Customer Review | “Perfect fit. Good design. STURDY and DURABLE material.” – Marianne (Read all reviews.)
4. Hawkins New York
Made In | Portugal, China, USA, Vietnam
Sustainable Materials | Fiber cement, waterproof stoneware, concrete, terracotta clay
Size Range | 7” – 10”
Price | Starting at $25
Hawkins New York chooses old-fashioned fiber cement as the base of their footed planters. Cement is known for being a natural insulator, meaning it can warm the soil and maintain temperature better than other materials — aka it’s great for warmer weather-loving plants. Cement planters are also heavy, making them suitable for outdoor use, even in high winds (think desert cacti) or more adverse weather conditions. The footed detail on these Hawkins New York planters make them *chef’s kiss*.
5. Hasami Porcelain
Made In | Japan
Sustainable Materials | Clay & porcelain made from crushed stone
Size Range | 3.3” – 5.5”
Price | Starting at $30
Hasami Porcelain sets itself apart from other porcelain homeware companies by maintaining the Japanese Edo-period handmade practices of the Hasami village. Whether glazed or unglazed, all Hasami pieces are offered in four neutral shades (blue, black, tan, and white). Planters come in two sizes, and a drainage plate is sold separately—they double as trays, as you’ll notice most can be mixed and matched! True Japanese functionality.
6. West Elm
Made In | Various global partners
Sustainable Materials | Recycled plastic
Size Range | 14” – 22”
Price | Starting at $29
West Elm’s planters are chic, rustic, and perfect for indoor or outdoor use. With a number of sizes ranging from 14” to 22”, most large plants will be able to fit comfortably in these planters. Choose from a variety of stoneware and color options that’ll elevate your space. And designed with a drainage hole, your plants will thank you!
7. Bergs Potter
Made In | Tuscany, Italy
Sustainable Materials | Italian clay
Size Range | 5” – 13.8”
Price | Starting at $27
Victor Berg, founder of Bergs Potter has been crafting beautiful terracotta pots since 1942. After World War II, his children expanded the business, sourcing top-quality clay and partnering with skilled artisans in Tuscany, a tradition the family still honors today. Designed by Danish designer Anne Hoff, these timeless pots are made from premium Italian clay, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern style. Durable, frost-resistant, and designed to age gracefully, these pots are perfect for any space and pair beautifully with Hoff’s playful glazed saucers.
Customer Review | “Pot came in great condition and was a dark maroon red even more beautiful in person. I love it” – Sabrina F. (Read all reviews.)
8. Areaware
Made In | USA-based designers
Sustainable Materials | Dolomite, terracotta, glass
Size Range | 4” – 8”
Price | Starting at $32
Areaware‘s sustainable planters and plant pots are designed to bring joy and charm to your space while staying functional and eco-friendly. Each piece is artfully designed in collaboration with independent designers, ranging from industry veterans to fresh new talents, ensuring a diverse and unique touch in every item. Every piece tells a story and is designed to be a showstopper, wherever you choose to display your new pot! Learn more about the designers behind each creation on each item’s page.
Featured image from Hawkins New York
