The convenience of online shopping extends beyond clothes and gadgets to include even the greenery in our indoor and outdoor gardens. But, with an array of options at your fingertips, it’s essential to approach online plant pot shopping with careful consideration to ensure your plants not only survive but thrive in their new homes. Let’s delve into the essential steps for your guidance.

Determine Your Plant’s Needs

Before going straight into online plant shopping, first identify the needs of your greenery. Every plant is unique and they require the right pot in order to thrive. So, you’ll need to first assess the size, type, and growth habits of your plants. 

For instance, determine the diameter and depth of root systems. After all, a pot that’s too small can restrict growth, while a larger poth may lead to overwatering or root rot. Plus, you’ll need to choose the right pot material based on factors like insulation and moisture retention. Different plants benefit from specific pot materials.

Size and materials are two of the aspects we’ll be learning more about in the next sections. Just remember, that before diving straight into shopping, you need to evaluate your plant’s needs. This will allow you to narrow down your options and make informed decisions when you’re finally browsing for the best plant pot online.

Get The Measurements Right

One of the disadvantages of buying online is that you lack the option of physically checking the size of an item. That’s why it’s highly recommended to get your measurements right first before online shopping for plant pots. 

Take out your measuring tape and determine the right dimensions of your plants, including the diameter and depth of its root ball. This is an important step to ensure that you choose a pot that provides enough room for growth without drowning the roots in excess soil. 

When you have accurate info on your plant’s measurements, then you’ll have the confidence to browse through numerous plant pot options. It will also make online shopping easier since you can filter based on size, quickly narrowing down your choices.

Decide On Material

There are different plant pot materials available in the market and each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one will depend on your plant’s specific needs, but also its aesthetic appeal to your indoor or outdoor garden design.

Ceramic

Ceramic pots are known for their durability and diverse range of designs, from colours, patterns and finishes. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, but they can be heavier and more fragile than other materials, so it’s best to consider the weight and placement of your plants before purchasing these pots.

Fibreclay

Though relatively new to the market, fibreclay pots are popular since they offer both the benefits of fibreglass and clay. This means that they are lightweight, durable, and frost-resistant, making them suitable for various climates, especially in outdoor settings. These pots also mimic the look of traditional clay pots but with enhanced strength and weather resistance.

Plastic

Lightweight, inexpensive, and versatile, plastic pots have been a staple for many gardeners for years. Though they are less durable than other pot materials, they are more budget-friendly and easier to ship, especially when you’re buying plant pots online. Additionally, despite their practicality, they do not offer the same aesthetic appeal as other options.

Metal

If you want to add a modern touch to your space, then metal pots are a good choice. Made from stainless steel or copper, these pots are durable, resistant to rust, and suitable for indoor and outdoor gardens. With their sleek designs and metallic finishes, they provide a contemporary look for your plants.

Wood

On the other hand, if you want a natural look for your space, then consider wooden plant pots. Available in different types of woods, including cedar, teak, or bamboo, these pots offer an organic feel to your gardens. Plus, they provide excellent insulation for plant roots and can develop a beautiful patina over time, which adds more character to your space.

Remember, when considering plant pot materials, think about three factors: the specific needs of your greenery, your aesthetic preferences, and the practicality of maintenance and longevity of the plant pot. When you carefully choose the right material, you’ll enhance the beauty of your plants, making sure they thrive in your home.

Consider Drainage

Proper drainage is a basic necessity for the health of plants to prevent issues like root rot and other soil conditions. However, when online shopping for plant pots, it’s harder to assess the drainage since you cannot physically inspect it. This is where product descriptions and customer reviews come in. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the drainage capabilities of their product, especially if the information on their product pages isn’t clear.

Note that high-quality plant pots designed with proper drainage will feature one or more holes at the bottom to drain excess water. If your preferred pot has the right aesthetics but not the right drainage holes, you might need to drill them yourself. Reconsider your choice if drilling is not feasible. If you’re concerned about protecting your indoor surfaces, there are also plots with attached saucers to catch drained water.

Decide On Style And Aesthetics

aesthetic indoor potted plant

This is a no-brainer. After all, you’re trying to create a garden that fits your style preferences and the aesthetics of your home. These plant pots are not containers, but they are also a significant element of home decor.

Perhaps one of the advantages of online shopping for plant pots is that you have endless options available in terms of design. There are those with minimalist features, rustic, traditional, organic, and more. Textured finishes also vary from matte, glossy, or embossed. In the end, it all depends on the style and aesthetics you want to create in your indoor or outdoor gardens and work from there.

Search Online

Now that you have your set of specific conditions for your plant pot, it’s time to search online. You can utilise large e-commerce platforms, but it’s mostly recommended to check specialised garden supply websites, such as Local Botanist. These sites come with a set of advantages, including a diverse selection, competitive pricing, and honest user reviews that will guide your decision.

To start, type in keywords such as “online plant pot shopping” or “buy plant pots online” on your search engine (e.g., Google). You’ll see a variety of relevant results, including large platforms such as Amazon with sellers providing mass-produced or artisanal options.

If you want a curated selection, then consider visiting websites that specialise in gardening. They usually have more detailed product descriptions, plus care tips, which are incredibly helpful.

Make sure to use filtering tools available on the site to narrow down your search based on pot size, materials, and colours. You can also sort the results by price, giving you the chance to see the most affordable options first.

Read Reviews

Reviews can make or break your decision to buy a product online. When it comes to online plant pot shopping, reviews will help you identify the quality of the pots, as well as the reliability of the seller and how consistent the product description they added on their page.

Scrolling through feedback from previous buyers will alert you to common issues. This may include pots arriving damaged, slow delivery time, colours that differ from the advertised pictures, or sizes that do not follow the description. But at the same time, reviews will also show positive experiences of buyers, which will confirm the product’s value and the seller’s credibility.

Another highlight of reviews is the pictures uploaded by buyers, giving you a more realistic view of what the plant pots actually look like beyond the promotional materials. With these honest comments by real buyers, you ensure a more informed decision on your purchase.

Check Return Policy

When engaging in online plant pot shopping, one critical aspect to consider is the return policy of the retailer. This will significantly impact purchase satisfaction since it will indicate whether you have the option to return the product if it does not meet your expectations or arrives damaged. So, be sure to check the return policy of the online store before finalising your purchase.

Look for policies with reasonable time frames for returns (e.g., 30 days from delivery date). It should also clearly state whether you’ll get a full refund for the item, store credit, etc. Plus, look out for details on who’ll cover the return shipping costs, since some would require customers to cover the expense.

Remember to choose retailers who provide transparent and customer-friendly returns to ensure you have an overall great online shopping experience.

Compare Prices

For any customer, finding the best deal will always be the top priority. This is the same when shopping for plant pots online. As mentioned earlier, there’s going to be a lot of options available from different websites and sellers. So, make sure to compare prices among these online stores to ensure that you’re getting the most value for your money.

When you’ve identified several pots on different sites that meet your criteria, take note of their prices and any available discounts. Understand that while some sites may offer lower prices, their shipping fees may be higher or delivery times longer. Some may also offer undesirable return policies. 

It may not always be economical to choose the cheapest option. Be more critical when comparing prices and go beyond seeing which is the cheaper plant pot. 

Finalise Your Purchase

After carefully selecting your plant pot, it’s time to finalise your purchase and wait for your order to arrive.

Once you’ve added the plant pot to your virtual cart, proceed to checkout. It is important to double-check your order details, such as pot size, material, and quantity to avoid surprises when delivered. Make sure to also check whether there are discounts or vouchers you can use to maximise savings on your purchase. Review the shopping options and delivery estimates before clicking “Order”.

When you want to track your order, most reputable online stores provide tracking information. Generally, you’ll receive updates via email, so keep an eye on your inbox for shipping updates. Tracking your order will ensure that there’s someone to receive the package when it arrives.

The guide above basically sums up the important steps when online plant pot shopping. From understanding your plant’s needs to scouring reviews and comparing prices, the journey from click to garden involves planning and consideration. With these steps as your guide, you’ll be more confident when shopping for plant pots online to create the indoor or outdoor garden you’ve been planning.

For more plant pot tips, feel free to check out our blogs. You may also start shopping for the best plant pots, plus plants to pair them with, over at Local Botanist.