Tips for Choosing the Right Pot for Small Succulents

I dearly love small succulents. Their quirky shapes and vibrant colors bring life to any corner of my home. But finding the perfect pot for these small succulents can be tricky. The right pot isn’t just about looks—it needs to keep your plants healthy and thriving. 

As someone who’s killed a few succulents with bad pot choices, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Here’s my guide to picking the ideal pot for small succulents.

Why the Right Small Succulents Pot Matters

Small succulents are low-maintenance, but they’re picky about their homes. A bad pot can lead to overwatering, root rot, or stunted growth. The right pot ensures proper drainage, fits your space, and matches your style. Here are my top tips for picking the perfect pot for your small succulents.

1. Prioritize drainage for healthy succulents

I learned this the hard way: succulents hate soggy roots. Without proper drainage, water sits at the bottom, and your plants suffer. When shopping for a pot for your small succulents, always check for drainage holes. No holes? You’re asking for trouble.

In American homes, where indoor humidity varies (think dry Colorado winters or humid Florida summers), drainage is non-negotiable. A pot with at least one drainage hole lets excess water escape, keeping your succulents happy. 

Pair it with a saucer to catch drips, especially for indoor setups. I keep a few ceramic saucers under my pots to protect my wooden shelves.

Pro Tip: If you fall in love with a pot without holes, drill one yourself (carefully!) or use it as a decorative outer pot with a drained inner pot.

2. Choose the right size for small succulents

Succulents don’t need much space, but size matters. A pot that’s too big holds extra soil, which retains water and risks root rot. Too small, and your plant’s roots get cramped. For small succulents like echeverias or haworthias, I aim for pots between 2 and 4 inches in diameter.

In my Chicago apartment, I’ve got a tiny windowsill packed with 3-inch pots. They’re perfect for single rosettes or small clusters. Measure your space—whether it’s a Texas-sized patio or a Seattle studio—and pick a pot that fits both your plant and your home.

Pro Tip: Leave about half an inch of space around the plant’s base for growth. If you’re repotting, go up one size at a time.

3. Pick materials that suit your climate

American homes face all kinds of weather, from Arizona’s scorching heat to Minnesota’s freezing winters. The material of your small succulents pot affects how your plants handle these conditions.

Terracotta: My go-to for indoor succulents. It’s porous, so it wicks away moisture, perfect for preventing overwatering. Great for dry climates like Nevada, but needs more frequent watering in humid areas like Louisiana.

Ceramic: Stylish and versatile, ceramic pots come in endless designs. I’ve got a glazed blue one that’s the star of my living room. Choose glazed ceramic for less evaporation in drier regions.

Plastic: Lightweight and budget-friendly, plastic is ideal for beginners. I use them on my balcony because they’re easy to move. Just ensure they have drainage holes.

Concrete: Trendy and durable, concrete pots suit modern American homes. They’re heavier, so I keep mine on stable surfaces like my kitchen counter.

Think about your local climate and lifestyle. If you’re in a humid area, terracotta or unglazed ceramic is your friend. In dry regions, glazed ceramic or plastic helps retain moisture.

4. Match the pot to your home’s aesthetic

Small succulents are decor superstars, and their pots should reflect your style. American homes range from minimalist lofts to cozy farmhouses. So there’s a small succulents pot for every vibe. Here are my favorite ideas:

• Sleek white ceramic or matte black concrete pots scream sophistication. I’ve got a set of geometric ceramic pots in my condo that look straight out of a magazine.
• Terracotta with hand-painted patterns or woven baskets as outer pots add earthy charm. I’ve seen them fit perfectly in my friend’s Austin bungalow.
• Wooden crates or distressed metal pots give a farmhouse feel, ideal for homes in the Midwest.
• Mix and match colorful ceramic pots for a playful look. My sister in Portland has a shelf of mismatched pots that somehow work together.

Browse local stores or online marketplaces like Etsy for unique finds. I snagged a hand-painted small succulents pot at a farmers’ market, and it’s now the centerpiece of my coffee table.

5. Consider indoor vs. outdoor needs

Where will your succulents live? Indoor and outdoor settings have different demands.

For indoors, focus on style and function. I keep my indoor succulents in pots with saucers to avoid water stains on my furniture. Good air circulation is key, so don’t cram them in a stuffy corner. South-facing windows are my go-to for bright, indirect light.

In outdoor pots, durability is crucial. In places like Phoenix, UV-resistant ceramic or concrete withstands harsh sun. In rainy Seattle, ensure excellent drainage to avoid waterlogged soil.

I bring my outdoor succulents indoors during harsh winters, so I choose lightweight pots for easy moving. Check your USDA hardiness zone to know what your plants (and pots) can handle.

6. Use the right soil mix with your pot

The pot is only half the equation—soil matters too. Small succulents need well-draining soil to thrive. I mix equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand for my plants. The pot you choose affects how the soil performs.

For example, terracotta pots dry out faster, so I check my soil weekly. In glazed ceramic, the soil stays moist longer, so I water sparingly. If you’re new to succulents, grab a pre-mixed cactus soil from a local nursery—it’s a lifesaver.

Pro Tip: Add a layer of pebbles or gravel on top of the soil. It looks cute and keeps the soil in place when watering.

7. Think about maintenance and watering

Succulents are forgiving, but they still need care. The small succulents pot you choose impacts how often you’ll water. Terracotta and unglazed pots dry out quickly, so I water every 7–10 days in summer. 

On the other hand, glazed or plastic pots hold moisture longer, so I stretch it to 10–14 days.

In my experience, overwatering is the biggest killer. Stick your finger an inch into the soil—if it’s dry, water lightly. If it’s damp, wait. 

Pro Tip: A small watering can with a narrow spout gives you better control.

8. Shop smart for small succulents pots

You don’t need to break the bank. Here’s where I find affordable, high-quality small succulents pots:

• Local Nurseries: Support small businesses and find unique pots. I scored a set of terracotta pots for $5 each at a nursery in Ohio.
• Big Box Stores: Home Depot and Lowe’s have budget-friendly options, especially in spring.
• Online: Amazon and Etsy offer endless choices. Filter by “small succulents pot” to narrow it down.
• Thrift Stores: I’ve found vintage ceramic pots for a steal at Goodwill. Just check for cracks or missing drainage holes.

Set a budget and stick to it. A good pot doesn’t need to cost more than $10–$20.

9. Get creative with DIY pots

Feeling crafty? Make your own small succulents pot! I’ve repurposed old teacups, mason jars, and even tin cans. Just drill drainage holes and ensure the material won’t degrade with water. My favorite is a painted tin can with a cactus motif—it’s quirky and cost me nothing.

Search Pinterest for DIY ideas or check out local craft stores for supplies. It’s a fun way to personalize your space.

10. Group pots for a stunning display

One pot is cute, but a cluster is a showstopper. I love grouping small succulents in different pots for visual impact. Mix shapes, heights, and textures for a dynamic look. On my patio, I’ve got three terracotta pots of varying sizes next to a ceramic one—it’s eye-catching without being cluttered.

In small homes, like my friend’s Boston apartment, vertical displays save space. Try a wall-mounted planter or a tiered stand for your small succulents pots.

My Final Thoughts

Choosing the right small succulents pot is about balancing function and style. Prioritize drainage, pick the right size and material, and match your home’s vibe. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, the perfect pot makes your succulents thrive and your space feel alive. 

I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but each one taught me how to keep my plants happy. Start small, experiment, and have fun creating your own succulent haven.

What’s your favorite way to display small succulents? Drop a comment or share your setup—I’d love to hear about it!