Which Size Terracotta Pot Fits Where? A Guide to Terracotta Pot Sizes by Plant
When choosing the right pot for a plant, it is not enough to look only at appearance or at how much room the pot takes up in your home. The pot's diameter, height, the space available for roots to develop, drainage and the plant's growth habit must all be considered together.
Finding the right size is even more important for those who prefer terracotta pots. That is because the pot must not only look proportional to the plant but also suit the plant's current root structure.
That is why questions like “How many centimeters of terracotta pot should I buy?”, “Which size terracotta pot is right for a Benjamin ficus?”, “How many cm should a terracotta pot for a palm be?” or “What pot size does a Monstera need?” do not have a single answer. The right choice must be made according to the plant's current condition.
How to Choose a Terracotta Pot Size
The most important measurements when choosing a pot are diameter (Ø) and height (H).
For example, a terracotta pot listed as Ø40 x H35 cm has a diameter of 40 cm and a height of 35 cm.
When moving to a new pot, jumping suddenly to a much larger pot than the current one is not always right. Especially for a plant with a still-small root system, using a container that is bigger than necessary can keep the soil moist for longer and create unwanted conditions for the roots. The RHS also generally recommends choosing a new pot only a limited amount larger than the current one.
That is why the best approach in choosing a pot is to first assess the size of the current root ball and the current pot, and then choose a new container of suitable size.
Which Plants Suit a 20–30 cm Terracotta Pot?
Terracotta pots with a diameter of 20–30 cm can be considered for many plants that grow more compactly or are still young.
For example:
Aloe vera
Snake plant
Geranium
Lavender
Peace lily
Begonia
Succulents
Small houseplants
Compactly grown flowers such as daisies
At these sizes, a terracotta pot for geraniums, a terracotta pot for lavender or a terracotta pot for aloe vera can be chosen.
Here, the size of the current pot matters as much as the name of the plant. For example, a 30 cm pot may suit a small aloe vera, but the same size may not be enough for every mature plant.
Especially for current containers smaller than 25 cm, choosing a new pot about 2.5–5 cm wider is an approach often used in general repotting guides.
Which Plants Suit a 30–40 cm Terracotta Pot?
The 30–40 cm range is a useful size range for many indoor and balcony plants that now need more root space.
In this group, for example:
Monstera
Benjamin ficus
Rubber plant
Dieffenbachia
Areca palm
Yucca
Anthurium
Larger peace lilies
can be considered.
Terracotta Pot for a Benjamin Ficus
When choosing a terracotta pot for a Benjamin ficus, it is not right to look only at the height the tree grows upward. The size of the Benjamin's current root ball and the pot it is currently in must be taken into account.
As the plant grows, a pot in the 30–40 cm class can be considered; however, it would not be right to say the same size suits every Benjamin.
Terracotta Pot for a Monstera
When choosing a terracotta pot for a Monstera, besides the space the roots will develop in, the weight of the plant's stem and leaves must also be considered. For large-leaved Monsteras, it is important that the pot is balanced enough not to tip over.
That is why, instead of simply saying “a Monstera needs this many centimeters of pot,” increasing the size gradually according to the current root ball is a better approach.
Which Plants Suit a 40–50 cm Terracotta Pot?
Terracotta pots with a diameter of 40–50 cm can be considered for larger houseplants and some small trees or saplings.
In this size group:
Large Monstera
Large Benjamin ficus
Rubber plant
Areca
Strelitzia
Yucca
Small olive saplings
Citrus saplings
Bay laurel
Some fruit saplings
suitable options can be found for plants like these.
For those looking for a large terracotta pot for Strelitzia, a terracotta pot for an olive sapling or a terracotta pot for a lemon sapling, the 40–50 cm class is a starting point that is often considered.
The RHS states that containers of about 45–50 cm in diameter can be used for many fruit species grown in containers, and that for some container-grown trees the final container size may suitably start from about 45 cm.
Large Terracotta Pots of 50–70 cm
Large terracotta pots in the 50–70 cm range stand out for more developed plants and for large forms used outdoors.
These sizes:
Large Strelitzia
Large areca palm
Yucca
Olive
Lemon and other citrus
Pomegranate
Bay laurel
Large rubber plant
Large decorative houseplants
can be considered for plants like these.
Here, the most common mistake made by people looking for a terracotta pot for a palm is matching the plant's height directly to the pot's diameter.
For example, for a palm about 80 cm tall there is no rule that says “it must have a pot 80 cm in diameter.” The pot size should be determined first by the root ball and the size of the current pot.
For palm species too, pot size can be increased gradually; the RHS states that young palms can be repotted at regular intervals until they reach pots of about 20–30 cm, and that repotting in larger containers can be done less often.
Large Terracotta Pots of 70–100 cm and Above
Large terracotta pots of 70 cm, 80 cm, 90 cm and over 100 cm stand out especially in landscape applications and for large plants.
At these sizes:
Large palms
Large Strelitzia
Olive trees
Large citrus species
Pomegranate trees
Bay laurel
Large ornamental trees
Large landscape plants that need a wide root volume
different pot solutions can be considered.
Here, not only the pot's diameter but also its height, its weight, the total weight of the plant and the space where it will be used become important.
Especially for large terracotta pots to be used outdoors, wind and the chance of tipping over must also be taken into account. The RHS points out that tall, narrow containers may be more prone to tipping over and that large containers may hold moisture for longer.
How to Choose a Terracotta Pot by Plant
Rather than thinking of pot sizes only in centimeters, it is more useful to go through the questions that come to the mind of the person searching.
Which Size Pot for a Benjamin Ficus?
When repotting a Benjamin ficus, the new container should not be much larger than the current root ball. If the plant's roots have started to fill the current container, you can move up to the next size.
That is why, when looking for a terracotta pot for a Benjamin ficus, it is better to first look at the diameter of the current pot.
Which Size Pot for a Palm?
Although it varies by palm species and current root structure, small palms can be grown in more compact pots, while grown palms can be grown in wider, balanced large pots.
Especially for large palms, it is important that the base of the pot is sufficiently stable.
Which Size Pot for a Monstera?
As a Monstera's roots develop, the pot can be enlarged gradually. For large-leaved, spreading plants, a heavy and balanced pot is also an advantage.
Terracotta Pot for Strelitzia
As a Strelitzia grows, it may need a wider root area. For large Strelitzia plants, pots of 40–50 cm and above can be considered; however, the right size must be determined according to the current root ball.
Terracotta Pot for an Olive Tree
The olive is one of the trees that can be grown in a container and is also used in large decorative pots. For more developed olives, large and balanced pots can be preferred. Species such as the olive are among the suitable options for growing trees in containers.
Terracotta Pot for Lemon and Citrus Saplings
For lemon, mandarin and similar citrus saplings, the pot should be chosen according to the plant's current root system and stage of growth. For larger saplings, containers of 40–50 cm and above can be considered. For fruit species grown in containers, containers of around 45–50 cm are also a common size range.
Which Terracotta Pot Size Suits a Balcony?
When choosing a pot for a balcony, not only the plant's needs but also the capacity of the space and the total weight of the pot must be considered.
Pots in the 20–30 cm range can be useful for more compact plants and flowers. Geraniums, lavender, aloe vera, snake plants or similar plants can be considered in this group.
The 30–40 cm class can be preferred for larger houseplants or large decorative plants grown on the balcony.
For large pots, since the weight of the soil and the plant can increase significantly, the load-bearing capacity of the balcony must definitely be taken into account.
Which Size Terracotta Pot for the Living Room?
For living-room plants, different sizes such as 20–30 cm, 30–40 cm and 40–50 cm can be used.
For example, while the 20–30 cm class can be considered for a small peace lily, a grown Monstera, Benjamin ficus or rubber plant may need a pot of larger diameter.
Decoration also comes into play here. In large living rooms, large-diameter terracotta pots can be used on their own as a decorative element. However, the pot should be chosen not only according to the space it stands in but according to the plant's root structure.
Large Terracotta Pots for Gardens and Terraces
In gardens, terraces and entrance areas, large terracotta pots can be used with olive, lemon, pomegranate, bay laurel, palm and large decorative plants.
In such applications, it is important that the pot not only looks good but is also suited to outdoor conditions for a long time, stands in balance and provides the plant with enough root space.
Especially in landscape projects, pot size, the height of the plant, the planting area and the overall design of the project must be considered together.
Terracotta Pot or Glazed Pot?
When choosing between a terracotta pot and a glazed pot, it is not enough to look only at color and appearance.
Natural, unglazed terracotta pots have a porous structure, so they can create a different environment of moisture and air exchange compared with glazed surfaces. This can be an advantage especially for some plants that do not like too much moisture or that benefit from the soil drying faster.
So it can be said that terracotta pots may be a healthier choice for suitable plants; however, this cannot be said to apply automatically to every plant. The type of plant, the soil mix used, watering habits and drainage must be considered together.
In particular, excess water must not collect in the pot. Drainage holes are one of the basic elements of growing plants in containers.
Glazed pots, on the other hand, offer a different surface and color choice. Their more limited water loss can also be a reason to prefer them in some conditions.
In short, the question “terracotta pot or glazed pot?” does not have a single answer. However, in terms of natural structure, appearance and moisture management, terracotta pots can be an extremely suitable option for many plants.
Is a Bigger Terracotta Pot Always Better?
No.
A bigger pot does not always mean better. The pot must provide the root space the plant needs, but moving into a container that is larger than necessary may not be right either.
Especially when a plant with a small root system is put into a very large amount of soil, the unused part of the soil can stay wet for a long time. That is why pot size should be increased as gradually as possible.
How to Determine Terracotta Pot Size in Landscape Projects
In landscape projects, choosing a pot can be different from choosing a pot for the home.
Here:
The plant's final size
Root development
The area where the pot will be used
Visual proportion
Wind and the risk of tipping
The weight of the pot
The overall design of the project
Cases where several pots will be used together
are considered together.
Especially in hotel, restaurant, café, villa, landscape and architectural projects, very large terracotta pots, jars and decorative forms can become a more prominent design element.
Terracotta Pot Production at Deniz Pottery
At Deniz Pottery, terracotta pots, large pots, decorative jars and similar products are produced in different sizes and forms.
The structure of the clay used in production can differ according to the product's form and purpose of use. Especially for large pots and project applications, size, form and place of use are considered together.
To explore different models, take a look at the products in our Terracotta Pot Models section. You can browse our Large Terracotta Jars collection for larger sizes, and our wholesale order page for bulk or project-based orders.
For large pots and project-specific productions, production can be planned by considering the product's place of use, quantity and sizes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plants are terracotta pots suitable for?
Terracotta pots can be used with many different plants, including geraniums, lavender, aloe vera, snake plants, peace lilies, Monstera, Benjamin ficus, rubber plants, Strelitzia, palms and various tree or shrub species. The right pot size should be determined according to the plant's species and current root structure.
Are terracotta pots suitable for a Benjamin ficus?
Yes, a Benjamin ficus can be grown in a terracotta pot. When choosing a pot, the size of the current root ball and the container the plant is currently in should be taken into account.
Can terracotta pots be used for palms?
Yes. Palm species can be grown in terracotta pots. Especially for large palms, it is important that the pot is balanced and has suitable drainage.
Are terracotta pots suitable for a Monstera?
A Monstera can be grown in a terracotta pot. As the plant's roots and stem grow, the pot can be enlarged gradually. For large-leaved Monsteras, choosing a heavy, balanced pot can be helpful.
How many cm of terracotta pot does a daisy need?
The pot size needed for a daisy varies with the plant's species, root structure and current pot. For compactly grown daisies, pots in the 20–30 cm class can be considered.
How many cm of terracotta pot do large plants need?
For large plants, pots of 40–50 cm, 50–70 cm or larger can be considered. However, it is not right to set the pot size directly by looking at the plant's height. The size of the current root ball should be the basis.
Should a terracotta pot have a drainage hole?
Yes. Suitable drainage must be provided so that water does not collect in the pot. Drainage holes are one of the basic elements of growing plants in containers.
Which is better, a terracotta pot or a glazed pot?
There is no single right answer for every plant and use. The porous structure of terracotta can be an advantage for some plants. Glazed pots, on the other hand, offer different surfaces, colors and water-retention characteristics. The choice should be made according to the plant's needs and conditions of use.
Conclusion
When choosing the right terracotta pot, instead of focusing only on the question “how many centimeters should it be?”, you need to consider the plant's current root structure, the size of the pot it is in, its growth rate and the space where the pot will be used.
Terracotta pots of 20–30 cm can be considered for more compact plants and flowers, terracotta pots of 30–40 cm and 40–50 cm for more developed houseplants and some saplings, and large terracotta pots over 50 cm for large palms, Strelitzia, olive, citrus and landscape plants.
The right pot size for a Benjamin ficus, Monstera, palm, Strelitzia, geranium, aloe vera and other plants must always be determined according to the plant's current condition.
Thanks to their 100% clay structure, different size options and wide range of uses, terracotta pots continue to be an important option both in growing plants and in decorative and landscape applications.
Related products and guides
How to Choose a Garden Pot? – 5 critical mistakes and a practical guide
Comments