Why Handmade Clay Planters Are Better for Plants
Unglazed terracotta and stoneware planters are porous — they allow air and moisture to move through the walls. This means roots get more oxygen, soil dries more evenly, and overwatering is harder to do. Plastic pots trap moisture and can lead to root rot. Clay planters also have weight, which keeps top-heavy plants from tipping over. They regulate temperature better too, keeping roots cooler in summer and more insulated in winter.
Beyond the practical benefits, handmade planters simply look better. The texture of thrown or hand-built clay, the warmth of earth-toned glazes, the subtle irregularities that prove human hands shaped it — these qualities complement living plants in a way that factory-made containers never can.
Planter Styles to Make
Classic Cylinder Planter
The simplest form and a perfect beginner project. Throw a straight-walled cylinder with a thick floor. Drill or punch a drainage hole in the center of the base before the clay dries past leather-hard. Keep the walls at least a quarter inch thick for durability. These stack well, look clean on modern shelving, and suit everything from succulents to herbs.
Tapered Planter with Saucer
A slightly wider rim that tapers toward the base gives a planter elegance and makes repotting easier — the root ball slides out cleanly. Throw a matching saucer by opening a low, wide form with a slight rim to catch drainage water. The set looks intentional and professional. Match the glazes or use complementary colors.
Hanging Planter
A rounded bowl shape with three evenly spaced holes near the rim for macrame cord or wire. Throw the bowl, let it reach leather-hard, then drill the hanging holes with a small round cutter. The holes should be at least half an inch from the rim to prevent cracking. Hanging planters look stunning with trailing plants like pothos, string of pearls, or ivy.
Self-Watering Planter
An advanced project: throw an inner pot that nests inside an outer reservoir. The inner pot has an unglazed bottom that wicks moisture from the reservoir below. This design is excellent for herbs and plants that prefer consistent moisture. It requires precise measurement so the two pieces fit together perfectly.
Essential Planter-Making Techniques
Drainage Holes
Every planter needs at least one drainage hole. The best time to make it is at leather-hard stage — firm enough to handle but soft enough to cut cleanly. Use a round hole cutter, cork borer, or even a pencil pushed through from the bottom. For larger planters, drill multiple small holes rather than one large one. If you forget before firing, you can drill through fired clay with a masonry bit and water, but it is much easier to plan ahead.
Foot Rings for Airflow
Trim a foot ring on the bottom of your planter. This lifts the pot off the surface, allowing air circulation and preventing water from pooling under the saucer. A well-trimmed foot also adds a professional finish. Three small feet — made by attaching clay balls — are an alternative that provides even better drainage clearance.
Glazing Indoor vs. Outdoor Planters
For indoor planters, glaze the interior to prevent water from seeping through and staining furniture. Leave the exterior unglazed or partially glazed for a natural look. For outdoor planters in freezing climates, fully glaze both surfaces — unglazed stoneware can absorb water that expands when frozen, causing cracks. Use stoneware clay fired to maturity for the most freeze-resistant results.
Planter Sizing Guide
- Small (3-4 inches): Succulents, cacti, air plant holders. Use about half a pound of clay.
- Medium (5-7 inches): Herbs, small houseplants, pothos. Use one to two pounds of clay.
- Large (8-12 inches): Ferns, peace lilies, fiddle leaf figs. Use three to five pounds of clay.
- Extra Large (12+ inches): Floor plants, small trees. Consider slab-building for very large sizes.
Learn Planter Techniques from Stephen Jepson
Stephen Jepson's video lessons cover everything you need to make planters that plants thrive in and people admire. Cylinder forms, tapered shapes, foot rings, drainage, saucers, and glazing for both indoor and outdoor use. Over fifty years of ceramics teaching distilled into lessons you can rewatch anytime. One-time purchase, lifetime access.