How to Choose the Perfect Planter Basket for Your Indoor Plants

When I first started using woven baskets for my plants, I was looking for something that not only fit my personal style but also supported my growing indoor garden. I wanted something practical, beautiful, and functional.

After trying various types of pots, I found that  woven African planters  from Kenya were exactly what I was looking for. They are gorgeous, breathable, and fit any plant I want to add to my collection.

Today, I want to share tips on how to choose the perfect planter basket for your indoor plants, whether you're just starting your plant collection or looking to refresh your current one. 

The first thing to consider is the size of your planter basket. Your plant’s roots need room to grow, but not so much space that they feel lost. A basket that’s too small will cramp your plant, while one that’s too large can lead to overwatering and root rot.

For smaller plants like succulents, a small basket just a couple of inches wider than the root ball is perfect. For medium-sized plants, like a spider plant, you’ll need a basket that’s 2 to 4 inches wider, as those need more room.

As for larger plants, like the fiddle leaf fig, a basket that’s 4 to 6 inches wider than the root ball is better because they need even more space. Just keep in mind that larger baskets can get heavy, so make sure you’re ready to handle the weight! 

I’ve found that choosing a basket that’s roughly one-third the size of your plant’s pot gives a great visual balance for the room. It ensures the plant isn’t swallowed up by the basket, keeping everything proportionate and pleasing to the eye.

This is a big one: your plant's pot must have drainage. Without it, water can pool at the bottom, leading to soggy roots and unhappy plants.

If your planter doesn’t come with drainage holes, the trick is to use a liner inside the basket. You can either use a small plastic pot that fits inside the basket or place a plastic liner at the bottom.

You place the plant in a regular plastic pot (with drainage holes) and then nest it inside the woven basket. This ensures proper drainage while allowing you to showcase the beauty of the basket.

 Woven planter baskets, like the ones I sell, are great because they allow air to circulate the roots and help prevent mold to keep your plants healthy.

So if you find a beautiful basket without drainage holes, you can still use it as a decorative outer pot. Just place your plant in a smaller plastic pot with drainage holes inside the basket.

The material of your basket plays a huge role in your plant’s health and your space’s overall aesthetic. I’m a big fan of woven baskets made from natural fibers like elephant grass, rattan, or seagrass because they’re breathable. These materials let air circulate around the roots, and that in turn, prevents moisture buildup and root rot.

Another fan favorite is clay or terracotta, which is excellent for plants that prefer drier soil, like succulents and cacti. These materials are porous, allowing excess water to evaporate and providing a bit of air circulation. 

However, the downside is they’re heavier, and they can be fragile, which is something to consider if you like moving your plants around.

I’ve also experimented with plastic baskets, and while they are lighter and come in a variety of designs, they don’t allow the same airflow as woven or clay baskets. 

For plants that need consistent moisture, plastic can be a good option, but you’ll need to be extra cautious about not overwatering.

When I choose baskets for my plants, I also consider how they’ll fit into the room’s decor. 

The beauty of woven baskets is that they naturally complement many interior styles, from boho-chic to rustic to even modern minimalist designs. They just add an inviting vibe to any room, which is why I love them so much.

For example, if your living room has a soft boho vibe, you can choose African planter baskets with a bit more personality—woven patterns and natural colors. 

The contrasting texture of the plants and the baskets creates visual interest. On the other hand, like me, you can keep a simpler design in the kitchen with a neutral-colored basket that doesn’t compete with the plants themselves.

If you have a larger room, consider using bigger baskets to help balance the space. Sometimes, a large plant in a wide basket can become a statement piece in the corner of a room. 

For smaller spaces, a smaller, more compact basket will keep everything feeling light and airy.

While I’m all for style, I can’t ignore the practicality of choosing a good planter basket.

If you have larger baskets, look for ones with handles. They make it so much easier to move your plants around for cleaning or rearranging.

Over time, woven baskets can fade if they’re exposed to too much sunlight. You can rotate them every few months to keep them looking fresh.

Not all baskets are created equal. I choose ones made with tightly woven natural fibers that won't unravel quickly. The pot planters I sell at Rufina Designs are handcrafted to endure years of use, even in the somewhat demanding conditions created by housing plants.

And if your basket gets dusty, wipe it down with a damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals as they could damage the material. For baskets that have gotten a bit damp, I let them dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth.