Pairing a houseplant with the right vessel can bring out its beauty—drawing attention to a sculptural form, the drape of a vine or enhancing its color or texture. It also needs to support the plant and its specific needs. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite shoppable combinations and explained why they work.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree ($17, Home Depot ) + Basket ($88, Serena & Lily )
Why it works: The basket easily covers the original pot that the tree comes in and leaves space for future repotting. It’s affordable for a larger vessel and has handles to move the plant easily.
2. Snake Plant ($17, Home Depot ) + Bullet Planter ($150, Hip Haven )
Why it works: The bullet planter plays off the sculptural shape of the snake plant and when done in white, it brings out the natural striations of the leaves. Both are clean and minimalist and the pairing is a throwback to modernist decor.
3. Staghorn Fern ($9, Amazon ) + Ceramic Wall Planter ($69, West Elm )
Why it works: This vessel is a great alternative to actually mounting the Staghorn fern, which naturally grows outward from the tree that it attaches to. The generous opening also allows room for the plant’s shield fronds to naturally develop around its base.
4. Air plant ($5, Airplant Supply Co )+ Glass Bubble ($5, CB2 )
Why it works: This inexpensive glass bubble is just the right size for an air plant and can be suspended or set on a shelf. It allows for plenty of airflow around the plant and enables it to dry properly between soakings. The clear glass allows you to see the plant from any angle while still keeping it protected.
5. Golden Pothos ($17, Home Depot ) + Sphere Hanging Basket ($48, Terrain )
Why it works: When filled with a moss liner, the sphere allows the pothos to both drape downward and to climb the supports while the depth of the planting area allows the pothos plenty of room to grow.
6. String of Pearls ($16, Home Depot ) +Porcelain Hanging Planter ($110, Light and Ladder )
Why it works: This planter looks great hung on a wall, allowing the string of pearls to drape beautifully over the side. The natural color and simple shape lets the “beads” of the plant be the center of attention.
7. Succulent ($3, Etsy ) + Fox Ceramic Planter ($57, Minky Moo Ceramics)
Why it works: Succulents are the perfect plant to pair with a quirky ceramic vessel. This fox planter is just the right size for a single succulent rosette and would look great on a tabletop.
8. Cactus ($5, Amazon ) + Ceramic Planter ($145, Dwell )
Why it works: The sturdy base of this ceramic planter is great for balancing the weight of a tall cactus and the simple but refined shape and detailing lets the sculptural plant steal the show.
9. Bromeliad ($20, Etsy ) + Patterned White Pot ($2, Ikea )
Why it works: The pink and green of this plant look great against a glossy white vessel and the pattern plays up the visual interest and feminine feel without competing with the striking bloom.
10. Agave ($15, Etsy ) + Square Concrete Pot ($7, Target )
Why it works: The boxy shape of the planter balances out the width of the agave plant while the color of the concrete plays off the silver leaves of the plant for pretty tone on tone effect. (Note: Agave do require a sunny spot.)
