The 3 Best Pots for Your Aloe Vera
Choosing the right pot is vital for your aloe vera to flourish. Without it, you may eventually be left with a dead plant!
With the help of many Aloe Vera owners and experts, including the Your Indoor Herbs and Garden team, I’ve made an honest list containing 3 of the best pots to use for aloe vera.
I’ve also cared for and grown aloe before, and I have spent many hours comparing and testing the pros and cons of different pots.
The best pot to use for aloe vera would be the terracotta pots from D’vine Dev.
However, you should know that this is not the only choice you have, and there are always other options. Depending on your needs, I’ve found a couple more pots for you to consider. They might not be the best, but they make great choices if you prefer something more visually appealing or if you’re on an especially tight budget.
With this in mind, let’s get into it!
Our 3 Best Pots for Aloe Vera
Product Feature | D’vine Dev | Neo Sci | La Jolie Muse |
|---|---|---|---|
Quantity | 3 | 10 | 2 |
Material | Unglazed terracotta | Plastic | Ceramic |
Sizes (Height x Diameter) | 4.2 x 4.2 inches, 5.3 x 5.3 inches, and 6.5 x 6.5 inches | 4 x 6 inches | 5.2 x 5.4 inches and 6.1 x 6.7 inches |
Drainage Hole | Available | Available | Available |
Saucers | Available | None | None |
1. D’vine Dev Terracotta Pots—Best Overall
Our top recommendation for aloe vera pots are from D’vine Dev. These terracotta pots seem to have it all. Here are some reasons why it caught my eye!
Product Features | Description |
|---|---|
Quantity | 3 |
Material | Unglazed terracotta |
Sizes (Height x Diameter) | 4.2 x 4.2 inches, 5.3 x 5.3 inches, and 6.5 x 6.5 inches |
Drainage Hole | Available |
Saucers | Available |
You can also get these pots here directly on D’vine Dev.
Sizes
These pots are sold in three different sizes, which is helpful if you’re still unsure what size to use for your aloe. Larger plants should fit easily in the 6.5-inch pot and have plenty of room.
Pros
1. They Are Sold in a Set of 3
These pots come in a set of 3. This is great if you have numerous pups or if you have more than one aloe vera plant that is bigger or smaller than the other.
These containers are smooth and cylinder shaped. So when they’re not in use, many users find these pots convenient because you can easily nest these pots, and keep them together in storage.
2. They Are Made of Unglazed Terracotta
The material used for these pots is unglazed terracotta, which means this is a breathable and porous material. Anything grown here is much less likely to be overwatered, which is perfect for aloe plants.
This material is also a classic when it comes to gardening, and will most likely blend in and look right at home when kept with your other potted plants.
3. They Come With Drainage Holes
Having adequate drainage is crucial for aloe vera plants, especially since it is succulent. At the bottom of each of these 3 pots, you should find a large drainage hole.
Excess water should easily run out through the drainage hole, and leave your plant safe from excess moisture.
If you like to keep your aloe plants outdoors, you can use these pots and leave them outside without worrying about them drowning when it rains.
3. They Come With Trays and Filters
D’vine Dev is even thoughtful enough to include mesh filters for you to place at the bottom of the pot.
This is wonderful because it helps prevent soil from running out of the drainage hole and potentially clogging it, which could eventually harm your plants over time.
Trays are also included when you buy this set of pots. These trays fit perfectly underneath and are made of the same material as the planter.
Cons
As helpful as these containers are, I’ve found one disadvantage to using these pots.
1. Pots May Crack Outside in Winter
Terracotta is great for plants that require adequate drainage. But this material is fragile in colder environments.
If left outdoors during the winter, the moisture inside will start to freeze and expand repeatedly; this could very easily lead to the pot flaking or suddenly cracking.
These pots should not be left outside in the cold and would need to be moved indoors.
2. Neo Sci Plastic Pots—Runner-Up
When it comes to convenience, I find that these plastic containers from Neo Sci are helpful when you need many pots for cheap! These are great for small or medium-sized aloe vera.
Product Features | Description |
|---|---|
Quantity | 10 |
Material | Plastic |
Size (Height x Diameter) | 4 x 6 inches (15.24 cm) |
Drainage Hole | Available |
Saucers | None |
Sizes
These pots from Neo Sci only come in one standard size of 4 inches. This is ideal for those with many pups and shoots to plant, or if you have a smaller aloe just starting out!
Pros
1. They Come in a Set of 10 and Are Very Affordable
Neo Sci offers a pretty generous amount of pots, and these pots come in a pack of 10. For its extremely low price, you can really get the most bang for your buck.
This is great if you have many aloe vera pups or plants that you need to find homes for.
Since they are all the same size and shape, around 4 inches (10.16 cm) high and around 6 inches (15.24 cm) in diameter, they can be stacked together with no problem, saving space.
2. Pots Are Lightweight
Unlike the other 2 options, these pots are all made of plastic. UV stabilized plastic, to be exact.
This means that not only are they light in comparison, these pots can also be safely left outdoors without any worry of the plastic degrading due to bad weather.
What’s more, you should have an easier time moving these thanks to how lightweight they are, and you can move your aloe from place to place if necessary with very little trouble.
3. They Come With Many Drainage Holes
Some pots only contain one large drainage hole, just like the ones mentioned earlier.
But when I checked this, I was surprised to see how many drainage holes can be seen on the bottom of these pots from Neo Sci. I was able to count a whopping 25+, which is more than enough.
Cons
1. Pots Do Not Come With Trays or Filters
These pots do not come with any saucers or filters at all, which can be quite a disadvantage. Because of how many drainage holes there are on the bottom, you may see puddles quickly form underneath the pots after watering.
This excess moisture could be harmful to your aloe. Plus, you would need to find saucers for these separately.
You might also need to consider purchasing pot feet for this to ensure water does not collect at the bottom of the pot.
2. Pots Are Only Sold in One Design
You’ll find that each of these pots comes in only one, solid, green color. If you’re looking for something with a nicer design, you might find this boring.
Additionally, because these pots come in a dark green color, the plastic can easily become hot if exposed to intense sunlight for long periods, which may be damaging for aloe plants.
3. Pots Are Made of Plastic
Despite how convenient it is, plastic is a non-porous material. This option may come with an abundance of drainage holes, but you might still have to take extra care with these.
To prevent them from retaining excess moisture, monitor how much water you pour into them. Be sure it is not too much for your aloe, as this could potentially harm the plant.
3. La Jolie Muse Ceramic Pots—Best Style
These pots from La Jolie Muse make a good choice for those looking for more elegant planters. With these, your aloes will get all the attention they deserve!
Product Features | Description |
|---|---|
Quantity | 2 |
Material | Ceramic |
Sizes (Height x Diameter) | 5.2 x 5.4 inches and 6.1 x 6.7 inches |
Drainage Hole | Available |
Saucers | None |
You can also get these pots here directly on La Jolie Muse.
Sizes
These planters can provide a generous amount of potting space for your aloe. Medium-size may be all that you need, as they come in 5 and 6-inch high pots.
Pros
1. They Are Sold in a Set of 2
These ceramic pots come in a pretty pair of 2. While it does not come in 3 like D’vine, these pots are different because they do not come in the same shape, which can be much more interesting to look at.
The biggest pot comes in a standard, round shape, with the smaller one in a hexagonal shape.
This can be great if you’re looking for something unique with more variety, and would nicely complement the sharp leaves of the aloe vera plant.
2. They Come With a Classy Design
If you’re looking for some cute pots with an eye-catching yet simple design, these may just be the pots for you.
These elegant pots are made of ceramic and have a standard white base, but are painted with gold and blue-ish gray detailing. Not only are they affordable; they’re quite pleasant to look at and are great to use as a centerpiece.
3. They Come With Drainage Holes
Having adequate drainage is extremely important when it comes to aloe, and these planters come with exactly that.
Large, centered drainage holes can be found at the bottom of both of these pots.
Cons
1. Pots Do Not Come With Trays or Filters
Unlike D’vine, these planters unfortunately do not come with any trays or mesh filters.
This would mean you would have to supply it yourself, either by purchasing these items separately or using miscellaneous items like plates or lids and placing them underneath.
2. Pots May Crack if Left Outdoors in Winter
The planters here are not made of terracotta, but they are made of ceramic. This material is just as fragile as terracotta, if not even more so.
Because of this, it would be incredibly risky to use this outside during a frost, where the pots may crack and shatter.
3. Pots in Large Sizes Are Expensive
If you have a big aloe that has been growing for a while, you might find purchasing these pots in large sizes may be a bit more expensive than you’d like.
While the default medium size is slightly more affordable, pots with the same design that come in bigger sizes like 10 inches (25.4 cm) and 8 inches (20.32 cm) can easily become pricey.
This can be a big disadvantage if you’re trying to save money.
How to Choose the Best Pot for Aloe Vera (3 Factors!)
Choosing the best pots for your aloe vera plant can be difficult, especially if you need a specific type of pot for your lifestyle or environment. So here are the key things you can keep in mind to make the process easier!
In general, when choosing pots for aloe vera, there are 3 important factors to keep in mind:
- Material
- Size
- Drainage
It’s not easy trying to pick which planter to use for aloe vera plants when we have—quite literally—thousands of choices available. Be sure to pick what works best for you by reading on.
1. Material
In general, terracotta pots are the most ideal for aloe vera because they are porous. Other materials such as plastic, metal, and wood can be used, however, these planters may retain more moisture or may overheat and rot. These materials are not recommended for aloe vera pots.
The material of the pot you use is essential because this will help play a part in drainage and mobility.
1. Plastic
Non-porous materials like plastic can be used, but are not recommended as it is more likely to retain extra moisture.
However, this material is lighter compared to others and is usually much more convenient. Decide if this material works best for you and your plant.
2. Metal
Planters made of metal could also become a danger once it starts to heat up in the summer, which could harm the roots of your aloe plant over time and kill it. Use this material carefully.
3. Wood
Wood can look very rustic and charming, but if it is made of pine and cedar, it is most likely non-porous. More importantly, such materials are likely to rot away if left out in the elements. They may also stain if soaked with water.
Of course, these planters can be treated to help preserve the wood, but it will be more costly. So use wooden planters for your aloe veras with great caution.
4. Terracotta
Porous materials such as clay or terracotta are ideal for aloe because they will help ensure the plant is well-drained. Soils in these pots will dry out at much faster rates than non-porous planters, which is exactly what most aloe plants like!
However, this material may become a hassle if you need to move the planter often. Then again, because it has some more weight to it, it won’t be as easy to knock over.
Planter Material and Mobility
Most species of aloe vera aren’t very frost-hardy, and it may be best to move your aloe to safer locations if temperatures start to go as low as 60 °F (16 °C).
Aloes also require at least 6 or more hours of direct sunlight, and you may need to move it around to follow the sun.
Because of these factors, you’ll likely want a pot that is easy to carry and move.
For convenience’s sake, look into pots made with materials that are more lightweight in nature. Heavier pots are less likely to tip over, but they’ll also be more difficult to move.
2. Size
On average, aloe vera plants grow best when they are planted in small and shallow pots. Aloe vera does not require large or deep planters and can be transferred to pots two sizes larger. Small aloes or pups can be grown in pots that are 4 inches (10.16 cm) in diameter.
These plants don’t grow very tall, in fact, they typically only reach about 2 feet (0.61 m) high or 4 feet (1.22 m) at most.
Many gardeners have witnessed their aloe tend to thrive more in pots that are on the smaller side, so you don’t have to fuss over the pot size too much.
Something to bear in mind, however, is that the roots of aloe vera grow wider than they do deeper. To help their roots expand, you might find it best to choose pots that are more on the shallow side than they are deep.
A small aloe will be fine in a pot that is 4 (10.16 cm) inches in diameter, while larger ones may be better in pots that are 6-8 inches wide.
If you’d like to encourage your aloe vera to grow as large as it can, you can double the pot size. For example, if it was previously being grown in a 4-inch pot, you can transfer it to a pot that is at least 8 inches (20.32 cm).
3. Drainage
Aloe vera plants require planters with a drainage hole at least 0.25–1-inch wide. It is overwhelmingly common for them to die from overwatering, hence proper drainage in their pots is needed.
Because this is a succulent, it is highly recommended that you look into a pot with adequate drainage holes.
Death due to overwatering is extremely common for aloe vera.
I have made this mistake before. It’s always better to stay on the safe side and avoid this as much as you can.
I suggest making sure the pot has at least one large drainage hole about 0.25-1 inch wide for the water to escape out of and protect your plants from being overwatered.
Reach out to us!
This list may only contain 3 options, but I did not wish to overwhelm you with decision fatigue. Thus, to (hopefully!) make this easier, I have streamlined the process for you with the help of our friends and experts in gardening.
To summarize, Your Indoor Herbs and Garden’s top 3 pots for aloe vera are:
If you have any other great pot recommendations for aloe vera, please feel free to share them with me here.
FAQs
Can aloe vera plants be grown with other succulents?
Yes, aloe vera plants can be grown in the same pot with other succulents. The aloe may not grow as large if it is crowded with other plants, so plants grown together must be compatible.
Can I grow aloe vera in a pot without drainage?
It is not ideal to place aloe in a pot without drainage. It is extremely recommended to grow them in a pot with at least one large drainage hole, at least 0.25–1-inch wide. This is to help ensure the plant does not sit in excess water, as this could potentially kill the plant.
Do I need to repot aloe vera often?
Aloe vera plants do not require a strict repotting schedule. However, once the roots of the aloe vera can be seen through the drainage holes, repotting in a bigger planter is highly recommended.
Summary of Best Pots for Aloe Vera
To choose the best pots to grow aloe vera plants, it’s critical that the material of the planter, its size, as well as the drainage be considered. Gardeners must also check whether the pot can be moved with ease.
Overall, the pots that are highly recommended are the terracotta pots from D’vine Dev.
Sources
- “Aloe vera” by n/a in North Carolina Extension
