Best Plants for Shallow Pots, Planters and Containers

Best Plants for Shallow Pots Image

Are you looking for houseplants with shallow roots? If so, you’re in the best place! In this article, we’ll recommend plants with shallow roots that fit shallow pots.

Nowadays, shallow pot use has increased among Gardeners and homeowners. They’re easy to handle, unlike deep containers. Also, they offer different stylish options.

So, read on to learn more about indoor plants that do well in shallow pots.

As a bonus, we’ll also add a few herbs and flowers for seasoned gardeners and home decorators alike.

Best Plants for Shallow Pots

  1. Snake Plant
  2. Pothos
  3. String of Pearls
  4. Baby Rubber Plant
  5. Nerve Plant
  6. Pinstripe Plant
  7. Prayer Plants
  8. African Violets
  9. Flame Violet
  10. Maidenhair Fern
  11. Echeverias
  12. Aloe Vera
  13. Pebble Plants
  14. Pincushion Cactus
  15. Rosemary
  16. Bonsai Trees
  17. Cactus
  18. Zinnias
  19. Vincas
  20. Bromeliad
  21. Lavender plant
  22. Panda plant
  23. Hens-and-Chicks
  24. Hawthorn plant
  25. Pansies
  26. Petunias
  27. Spathiphyllum plant
  28. Strelitzia
  29. Tillandsia
  30. Jade

Best Houseplants for Shallow Pots

Not only do shallow plant pots give any space an interesting visual appeal, but they also work well with certain types of plants that prefer less soil depth.

Let’s explore 29 of our favorite varieties of plants for shallow planters and share some tips on how you can provide them with the best possible environment.

1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

On top of the list of plants that like shallow pots are the Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata). Even the huge types of snake plants need less depth, unlike other same-size plants.

They like snug fits for their shallow root systems. But they won’t grow deep before growing wide. So, these snake plants will still be happy if you’ve got shallow but wide pots.

The larger your pots, the larger your snake plants will grow. Also, for taller varieties, wider pots add stability.

But if the size is a limiting factor, snake plants will slow their growth. Thus, they’ll grow comfortably in such pots.

Further, if stability is still in question for huge snake plants, pick a stable pot. For that, square pots are the most stable, closely followed by cylindrical ones. On the minor side, we’ve got the typical tapered-shaped ones.

Interesting Read: Does a Snake Plant Need Drainage?

  • Light. Snake plants prefer indirect sunlight. They tolerate different light ranges, from low to full sunlight.
  • Water. Moisture when the soil is somewhat dry. They prefer growing on the dry side.
  • Temperature. Ideally, they prefer 21–32 °C ( 70–90 °F). Minimum 10℃ (50℉).
  • Humidity. Optimal at 40%.
  • Soil. Well-drained and sandy soil. But not too much soil.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize using a balanced or cactus plant food ratio every 21 days from spring to fall.
  • Pruning. Cut sick or tall leaves using a knife, keeping your plant healthy or small.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The second shallow planter plant is the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum).

Pothos plants are tropical vines with often heart-shaped and variegated leaves. Further, they’re easy to care for. Also, their vine structures let them grow outward, weighing on other objects but not stems.

Elsewhere, with them, the stability of a deep root system isn’t necessary. Instead, a pothos has a shallow root system. Thus, it prefers a shallow container for lateral support.

Whatever the size of its root ball, give it two in five centimeters more access. Otherwise, it’ll become thinner and longer rather than grow thicker, causing root rot.

 Pothos plant in a shallow pot image
  • Light. Pothos prefer full sunlight, but it shouldn’t be direct sunlight.
  • Water. Water once every seven to ten days.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 70–90℉ (21–32℃). Minimum 50℉ (10℃).
  • Humidity. High humidity levels since it’s a tropical plant.
  • Soil. Moist and well-drained.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize once every 90 days.
  • Pruning. Cut back its leggy stems, making it fuller.

3. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) – indoor plants with shallow roots

The string of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) appears the way they sound. Moreover, small and pea-sized orbs grow on vines together. They’re perfect for hanging in deep pots within your home.

While they look like small peas or grapes, the spheres are the plant’s leaves.

  • Light. It prefers bright but indirect light.
  • Water. Provide it with a well-soaking every one/two weeks. If the orbs begin shriveling up, they’ll need more water. So, a shallow container with drainage holes is perfect.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 50–70 ℉ (10–21℃).
  • Humidity. It prefers low humidity. In contrast, it’s tolerant to your standard in-house humidity.
  • Soil. Moist but well-drained.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it every 14 days from spring to fall. Also, do that every six weeks during winter. It would help to use a diluted mixture at half the standard concentration.
  • Pruning. Cut off the brown stems. For purposes of propagation, cut off the healthy stem. Afterward, plant the shallow-rooted plants in a new pot.

You can also check out string of hearts varieties as well.

4. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

Baby rubber plants have no relation to the rubber plants – the ficus.

These shallow-root houseplants always stay small. And they fit anywhere designed for plant placement.

They take bushy shapes but have rubbery leaves. These leaves can have the following colors:

Baby rubber plant in a shallow pot Image
  • Dark green.
  • Multiple shades of yellow and green.
  • Light. Plants with somewhat variegated leaves love bright sunlight. But the ones with dark green leaves like indirect lighting.
  • Water. Water after it the first 2–3 weeks when it dries.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 65–75 ℉ (18–24℃).
  • Humidity. It loves high humidity since it’s a tropical plant.
  • Soil. Well-drained sandy soil mixed with peat. 
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it using a diluted mixture every 60 days during summer.
  • Pruning. Pinch off its leaves that grow farther from its main stem. Doing that keeps its bushy appearance and also limits its size.

5. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

The nerve plants (Fittonia albivenis) have elaborative variegation. Like mammals’ nervous systems, single light shades branch out along the vein. Also, it stands out, looking different from the rest of the leaf’s dark green color.

These nerve plants grow near the ground and are shallow within the soil. That form makes them one of the best shallow container plants. Besides, they work well for a terrarium arrangement with other plants.

So, in short, they’re ideal for bathroom placements or terrariums. Unfortunately, providing nerve plants with adequate humidity is challenging.

  • Light. It prefers bright but indirect lighting.
  • Water. Water it after the first 2–3 weeks when it dries.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 60–80℉ (16–27℃).
  • Humidity. It needs high humidity since it’s a tropical plant.
  • Soil. Well-drained but moist. 
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it using a balanced and diluted, half-concentration mixture every week.
  • Pruning. Pinch off the flower and leaf buds of these flowering plants growing farther from their central stem. That keeps their bushy appearance.

6. Pinstripe Plant (Calathea ornata)

Another plant that doesn’t need much root space is Calathea. A pinstripe plant (Calathea ornata) got its name because of its leaf variegation patterns. It grows broader on its upper side than the lower side. Also, it has shallow roots, making it perfect for small pots. 

Its weight distribution makes a shallow and wide pot valuable for stability/balance.

Within a deep pot, moisture can collect at the base where the plant with shallow roots won’t reach.

So you’ll need to water pinstripe plants often since the moisture evades them.

Pinstripe Plant in planter pot Image
  • Light. It prefers bright but indirect light. Further, it tolerates shade.
  • Water. Water it every seven days during summer and every other week during winter. It prefers continuous moisture given more often. But lukewarm small amounts during the morning.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 70℉ (21℃). Minimum 55℉(13℃).
  • Humidity. It prefers high humidity since it’s a tropical plant.
  • Soil. Well-drained but moist.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it every 14 days from spring to fall.
  • Pruning. Cut its damaged yellow leaves using a knife whenever they appear.

7. Prayer Plants (Maranta leuconeura)

People know a prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) for its unique/colorful patterned leaves. In the day, these leaves lay flat but rise at night. 

There are several prayer plant types one can pick. And each variant has a different pattern and color approach. Also, these shallow-rooted plants for containers can be fussier indoors, unlike hot-humid outdoors. 

So, get a suitable humidity plan for your home.

  • Light. It prefers bright but indirect light. Further, it tolerates shade.
  • Water. Water it after the first 14-21 days. Also, in the morning, it likes lukewarm servings.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 60–80℉ (15.5–26.5℃).
  • Humidity. It enjoys high humidity since it’s a tropical plant.
  • Soil. Well-drained but moist.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it every 14 days from spring to fall. But do so once per month during winter.
  • Pruning. Prune 2–3 times every year.

8. African Violets (Saintpaulia spp.)

African Violets, a.k.a (Saintpaulia spp.), are easy to care of. Also, they’ve got bright flowers blooming several timers per year. Further, African Violets fit in shallow pots since they’ve got shallow roots.

Here are some planter pots for African Violets.

One can grow these beautiful African Violets anywhere from six to twenty-four inches. But that depends on the care techniques you deploy and plant variety.

African Violets shallow planter pot
  • Light. It prefers bright but indirect light. Further, it tolerates shade.
  • Water. Water after the first 14–21 days. It enjoys lukewarm moisture to its base directly. But that should be without dampening its leaves or into the saucer.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 60–70℉ (15–21℃).
  • Humidity. It enjoys high humidity since it’s a tropical plant.
  • Soil. Well-drained but moist.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it every 28–49 days.
  • Pruning. Pinch off/cut its leaves/flowers if they become dense.

9. Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata)

Like African Violet plants, flame violets grow fast and broad. That’s so since wide and shallow pots allow them to do so. The shallow pots also support this Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) when it leans out. 

These flowers suit flame monikers, with some displaying bright pink or red tubes. Also, leaves complement their variegation, growing in showy rosette forms.

  • Light. It prefers bright but indirect light. Further, it tolerates shade.
  • Water. Water after the first 14–21 days. It enjoys lukewarm moisture to its base directly. But that should be without dampening its leaves or into the saucer.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 50–65℉ (10–18℃) at night. But 75℉ (24℃) during the day.
  • Humidity. It enjoys high humidity since it’s a tropical plant.
  • Soil. Well-drained but moist.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it every 14 days from spring to fall.
  • Pruning: Pinch off its leaves if you’d like to limit its growth.

10. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)

Almost all ferns will have tender and shallow roots, perfect for shallow pots. Nonetheless, this Maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) adds diversity to homes. That’s thanks to their fan-shaped leaves.

Moreover, they’re hardy, provided they enjoy adequate high humidity. Just ensure the shallow pot allows around 2.5 cm of room. That should be from the roots to all around the pot.

It’s worth noting that this short-rooted plant likes a balance of freedom.

  • Light. It prefers indirect sunlight from the north or east. It dries out when exposed too long in the extreme west and south lighting.
  • Water. It enjoys constant moisture every 3–7 days.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 65–75℉ (18–24℃).
  • Humidity. It enjoys 30–50 percent humidity.
  • Soil. Wlle-drained but moist.
  • Fertilizers. It would help to fertilize every month. Do that using a diluted mixture at half the standard concentration.
  • Pruning. Cut off its brown fronds when need be. But they fall off alone.

11. Echeverias (Echevaria spp.)

Echeverias (Echevaria spp.) have been popular succulents for quite some time. They’ve been so because of the following:

  • Their rosette shape.
  • Their ease of care.
  • Their ranging colors.

Further, they do well within a shallow wide plant pot. Such traits make them perfect for artistic arrangements. These succulents originate from Argentina to a high elevation in Mexico. So, they tolerate lower temperature ranges despite being desert plants.

  • Light. It prefers indirect sunlight but for long periods. Also, it does well when facing south toward your window.
  • Water. It soaks with moisture after its soil dries completely.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 70℉ (21℃). Also, it tolerates a minimum of 40℉ (4.5℃).
  • Humidity. The lower the humidity levels, the better. That helps it mimic a desert environment.
  • Soil. Well-drained and sandy.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it once when early spring kicks in and once late in the summer. Use a cactus fertilizer.
  • Pruning. Prune it in early spring.

12. Aloe Vera (Aloe spp.)

Aloe vera plants (Aloe spp.), famous for healing traits, have saw-toothed leaf edges. They’ve also got thick gel inside. They enjoy deeper pots, unlike the ones specifically for other succulents.

But still, the best pots for aloe plants are shallow pots, unlike non-succulents. Further, Aloe plants’ roots grow fast, risking being root-bound. They don’t survive well in such situations.

Mature Aloe plants like pots 12-13 cm ( 5 in) high and 25-26 cm (10 in) across. 

Aloe Vera shallow planter pot
  • Light. It prefers direct sunlight but for six hours each day. Otherwise, it would help to move it to shaded areas.
  • Water. Water it every 14 days during the growing season. But 21–28 days during winter. Further, it prefers its soil dry, then it soaks.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 55–85℉ (13–30℃). Also, it tolerates a minimum of 40℉ (4.5℃).
  • Humidity. It’s tolerant of average household humidity.
  • Soil. Well-drained and sandy.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it each year during spring.
  • Pruning. Cut the brown tips/leaves using a knife.

13. Pebble Plants (Lithops spp.)

Pebble plants grow as little as 2.5 cm (1 in). As succulents, pebble plants grow less downward than outward. Also, this plant type needs minimal care. 

Unlike other plant types, they’ve got unique colorful appearances. Then again, they grow flowers of different color shades from fissures. 

Pebble plants like wide and shallow pots.

  • Light. It prefers indirect sunlight but for long periods. Also, they do well on south-facing windows.
  • Water. It prefers dried-out soil, then getting soaked later.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 65–80℉ (18–27℃). Further, it tolerates a minimum of 50℉ (10℃).
  • Humidity. It’s tolerant of average household humidity.
  • Soil. Well-drained and sandy.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it in early spring (once) and late summer (once).
  • Pruning. Prune it in early spring.

14. Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spp.)

The Pincushion Cactus looks similar to the pincushion in sewing kits. Identical to other cacti, its lower water needs and wide-growing roots make it perfect for shallow pots.

Moreover, this is well-known among homeowners. So, if you’ve bumped into an indoor cactus, chances are it was this type. It has spines with warm color shades and looks like fur. 

Although that’s true, they hurt like needles when you touch them. That’s also the same for other cacti types.

Pincushion Cactus in shallow pot
  • Light. It prefers indirect sunlight but for 4–6 hours.
  • Water. Water it once within seven days during summer. Also, water it once after every 10–14 days during spring and fall. Then again, it prefers dry-out soil before watering during winter. 
  • Temperature. Ideally, 70–80℉ (21–27℃) during summer. And 60–65℃ (15.5–18℃) during its winter-dormant state.
  • Humidity. It’s tolerant of average household humidity.
  • Soil. Well-drained and sandy.
  • Fertilizers. Use cactus fertilizer during spring and summer.
  • Pruning. It doesn’t need pruning.

15. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Like most herbs, Rosemary grows smoothly indoors and within small and shallow pots. Moreover, having a sunroom or large windows clears this plant’s biggest challenge. 

As an added advantage, this Rosemary plant is a shrub variant with needle-like leaves. Then again, it produces a fresh scent. Place it on your windowsill facing east or west. 

Also, Rosemary appears distinct. So, you can pluck some clippings for your dinner recipes.

  • Light. It prefers bright but direct lighting for around six hours.
  • Water. Water it after the first 14–21 days. Also, it likes to get some moisture from its leaves. Thus, spray mist regularly.
  • Temperature. Ideally, 50–80℉(10–27℃).
  • Humidity. It’s tolerant of the average household humidity.
  • Soil. Well-drained and moist. 
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it once a month, and that’s from spring to autumn. Also, use an organic fertilizer if the plant is for seasoning.
  • Pruning. Cut woody branches where the need is to maintain a size you like.

16. Bonsai Trees

Bonsai is a Japanese art that involves preparing and using miniature trees within shallow pots. Even though it’s been studied for a long, growing Japanese maple bonsai is beneficial. 

A Bonsai tree is a unique and fantastic-looking plant. Also, they’re easy to care for and grow. But that’s if you follow its simple guidelines.

  • Container. Keep this Bonsai tree in shallow ceramic pots. 
  • Light. Direct but bright sunlight.
  • Water. Water it when its soil is somewhat dry.
  • Temperature. A Bonsai tree thrives well at average room temperature. But it can also tolerate lower temperatures.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it weekly throughout its growing season. That’s from sprint to autumn.
  • Pruning. Prune it during spring/summer, keeping its shape.

17. Cactus

Cactus are well-known and loved plant types. That’s because they’ve got outstanding cushion-like spines or structures. Moreover, they’ve got unusual shapes and colorful displays.  

Apart from that, cacti have more to offer than their looks. And because they need minimal lighting, they love warm climates. They also fit in shallow pots, making them perfect as house plants.

  • Container. Use pots with the same wideness as your cactus.
  • Light. It needs sunlight for 4-6 hours.
  • Water. During summer, fill your cactus pot every week. But for spring to fall, water it every 10-14 days.
  • Temperature. Cactus need warm temperatures for survival. The ideal temperature is 45-85℉ or 7-30℃.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it using highly diluted multipurpose fertilizer.
  • Pruning. Some cacti don’t need trimming or pruning.

17. Cactus

Cactus are well-known and loved plant types. That’s because they’ve got outstanding cushion-like spines or structures. Moreover, they’ve got unusual shapes and colorful displays.  

Apart from that, cacti have more to offer than their looks. And because they need minimal lighting, they love warm climates. They also fit in shallow pots, making them perfect as house plants.

  • Container. Use pots with the same wideness as your cactus.
  • Light. It needs sunlight for 4-6 hours.
  • Water. During summer, fill your cactus pot every week. But for spring to fall, water it every 10-14 days.
  • Temperature. Cactus need warm temperatures for survival. The ideal temperature is 45-85℉ or 7-30℃.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize it using highly diluted multipurpose fertilizer.
  • Pruning. Some cacti don’t need trimming or pruning.

18. Zinnias

Zinnias are a type of flower with ruffled petals that come in a variety of colors. They’re perfect for growing in shallow pots, as they don’t need much soil or room to grow.

You can also use hanging baskets or containers with drainage holes.

  • Container. Use plastic or clay pots with drainage holes for this plant.
  • Light. It needs full sun for at least six hours a day.
  • Water. Water it when the top inch of the soil is dry.
  • Temperature. It prefers temperatures between 55-85℉ or 13-30℃.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize with a 10-10-10 fertilizer every two weeks during its growing season
  • Pruning. Pinch off any dead flowers to promote new growth.
Zinnias

19. Vincas

Ever cast your eyes on Vincas and their colorful flowers? These are popular for shallow pots because of their bright and low-maintenance nature.

They’re also great for drip irrigation systems, which allow you to water them without needing to be around all the time.

  • Container. Choose terracotta or plastic pots that have drainage holes. It needs its feet to be moist and cool, so set it on a shallow tray of pebbles filled with water.
  • Light. Direct sunlight for 5-6 hours a day is ideal.
  • Temperature. Best between 65-75℉ or 18-25℃.
  • Fertilizers. It needs a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every month from April to October.

20. Bromeliad

Loved for their bright and vivid flowers, bromeliads are also easily grown in shallow pots.

They’re perfect for indoor gardening too!

  • Container. Best planted in shallow plastic or ceramic containers with drainage holes.
  • Light. Best to place it in an area that receives filtered light throughout the day.
  • Water. Best to water them every two weeks, and more frequently during summer or hot days.
  • Temperature. Best temperature is between 60-80℉ or 16-27℃.
  • Fertilizers. Best to fertilize it with a 20-20-20 fertilizer once a month during its growing season.

21. Lavender plant

Lavender plants are well known for their relaxing scent and soft purple hue. Best of all, they thrive when grown in shallow pots.

  • Pruning. use sterilized scissors to prune its branches after it has finished flowering in order to promote new growth. This will help keep your lavender looking healthy and vibrant!
  • Light. Best to place it in an area that receives full sunlight throughout the day, but can also tolerate light shade.
  • Water. Need to be kept moist, but not wet. Water it once a week during summer and every two weeks during winter.
  • Temperature. Best temperature is between 65-75℉ or 18-25℃.
  • Fertilizers. Fertilize every two weeks.

22. Panda plant

The panda plant is a succulent that offers low-maintenance and vibrant foliage. It’s perfect for shallow pots, as it needs minimal soil to thrive.

  • Light. It’s best to place it in an area that receives indirect light throughout the day.
  • Water. Water it once a week during the summer and every two weeks during winter. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
  • Temperature. Best temperature is between 65-75℉ or 18-25℃.
  • Pruning. Best to prune any dead or wilted leaves from the plant to keep it looking healthy and vibrant.  This will also help promote new growth.
Panda plant

23. Hens-and-Chicks

Hens-and-Chicks are drought-tolerant succulents that grow in shallow pots. Best to use a terra-cotta pot with drainage holes, as these plants need their feet to be cool and dry.

  • Light. Best placed in an area that receives full sunlight throughout the day.
  • Water. Best watered once a week during summer and every two weeks during winter. Allow the top inch of soil Best suited for shallow pots, hawthorns are an attractive flowering plant with bright yellow flowers and lush foliage.
  • Container. Best planted in a terracotta pot with drainage holes.

24. Hawthorn plant

Hawthorn, or Crataegus monogyna, is a small tree that can be planted in shallow pots. This plant grows quickly, producing white flowers with five petals and dark green leaves.

The fruit of the hawthorn plant is an edible red berry that has a tart taste and contains numerous antioxidants.

  • Light. Place your pansy in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least one hour per day.
  • Water. Water once a week during summer and every two weeks during winter, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Temperature. Best temperature is between 55-75 degrees celsius.
Hawthorn plant

25. Pansies

Pansies have bright and often fragrant flowers, making them a great choice for shallow pots. The blooms can be in various lively colors like yellow, orange, purple, blue, and more.

They are not too demanding when it comes to soil types and will usually do well with regular watering and plenty of sunshine.

Best of all, these don’t need to be fertilized often.

  • Light. Best to place it in an area that receives full sunlight throughout the day, but can also tolerate light shade.

26. Petunias

Aphyllum Petunias are perfect for shallow pots, as they don’t require much depth to thrive. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an ideal choice for window boxes and hanging baskets.

These easy-care plants need regular light but can tolerate some shade, and will flower from spring through fall with minimal care.

Water Petunias need to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. During hot summer days, they may need daily watering, so make sure to check the soil and adjust your schedule as needed.

Also, give your Petunias a boost with regular fertilizer applications every two weeks during the growing season.

27. Spathiphyllum plant

The Spathiphyllum plant is a great choice for shallow pots. These low-light indoor trees require minimal water and fertilizer to thrive.

The leaves are long and glossy in appearance and have white spathes that produce small flowers throughout the year. This plant is perfect for brightening up any room or Patio and the leaves can help filter pollutants from the air.

  • Water. At least once a week during summer and every two weeks during winter. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
  • Temperature. Between 65-75℉ or 18-25℃.
  • Pruning. Best to prune any dead or wilted leaves from the plant to keep it

28. Strelitzia

Strelitzia is a tropical plant that thrives in shallow pots. It has long, banana-like leaves and an exotic flower that looks like a bird’s head and gives off sweet nectar.

  • Container. Use a terra-cotta pot with drainage holes
  • Light. Needs full sunlight throughout the day.
  • Water. Best watered once a week during summer and every two weeks during winter. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
  • Temperature. Best temperature is between 65-75℉ or 18-25℃.
Strelitzia

29. Tillandsia

Tillandsia, commonly known as air plants, are one of the best options for shallow pots. These small plants don’t require much soil and can thrive in bright light.

  • Container. Best planted in a shallow terracotta pot with drainage holes or hung in glass or ceramic containers.
  • Light. Needs bright, indirect light.
  • Temperature. Best temperature is between 65-75℉ or 18-25℃.
  • Humidity. Best to keep the air around the plant humid by misting it regularly. You can also add a pebble tray with water underneath its pot to increase humidity levels.
  • Fertilizer. Best fertilized once every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

30. Jade plant

Shallow containers are the best planter pots for jade plants. Jade plants are succulents with thick, glossy leaves that grow in various shapes and sizes. Since they don’t require much water, they’re perfect for growing in shallow containers since the roots won’t sit in large amounts of water for long periods.

  • Containers: Jade plants prefer shallow containers with plenty of drainage holes.
  • Light: These plants need bright, indirect sunlight for best results.
  • Temperature: The ideal temperature range for jade plants is between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
  • Humidity: Jade plants prefer a relatively low humidity environment.
  • Fertilizer: Feed your jade plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). During the winter months, fertilization should be stopped.

What to Plant in Shallow Pots?

Here are the best plants for shallow planter boxes;

1. Vegetables

You can grow some common vegetables in shallow pots. For example, the following veggies do well in a shallow pot:

  • Onions.
  • Lettuce.

The above veggies grow in a few potting mix inches. 

2. Herbs

Some herbs within our houses for spices and wellness have shallow roots. Thus, they’re perfect for shallow pots or soil. Moreover, the following herbs do well in shallow pots:

  • Oregano.
  • Sage.
  • Thyme.

3. Flowers

Flowers are a broad word that means all decorative plans virtually. So, some are perennial trees. Such trees won’t fit in shallow pots or other types. However, the following flowering plants best suit a shallow pot:

  • Petunias.
  • Pansies.
  • Zinnia.

4. Foliage

Foliage-like hosta will still have shallow roots when growing from rhizomes. Moreover, they’re an excellent example of rhizomes that do well within shallow pots. 

5. Shrubs

Some shrubs, like azaleas and rhododendrons, do well in shallow pots and soils. Moreover, they’ve got shallow but widespread roots. Although the pots need to be wide, being profound isn’t necessary. 

6. Succulents 

Most garden or household decorative plant types are succulents. It would be best to plant such succulents in shallow pots. That’s because they have shallow roots typically.

Read More: Can Houseplants Live Forever

FAQs

What flowers do well in shallow pots? 

Some flowering plants like petunias, pansies, and zinnia do well in shallow pots. Thyme, rosemary, herbs, and veggies also do fine in shallow containers. Such vegetables are radishes and lettuce.

What are the best plants for 6-inch pots?

The following are the best plants for 6-inch pots:

  • Asian Greens
  • Basil
  • Bush Beans
  • Chervil
  • Chives
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Garlic
  • Lettuce
  • Strawberries (read our guide on the best planters for strawberries)
  • Thyme
  • Globe Zucchini

Best indoor plants that do well in shallow pots

The following are the best indoor plants for shallow pots:

  • Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata).
  • Pinstripe plant (Calathea ornata).
  • Aloe vera (Aloe spp.).
  • Lavender (Lavandula)
  • Petunias (Petunia × atkinsiana).
  • Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
  • Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa).
  • Roseum plant (Sedum spurium).

Can you leave a plant in the container it came in?

Yes, a plant can be left in its original container, but it’s important to monitor its growth and check the roots regularly to ensure they have enough room to grow. The container provided with the plant may be temporary and may not provide enough space for the plant to thrive long-term.

Can you plant morning glory in hanging basket?

Yes, morning glory can be planted in a hanging basket as long as the basket is large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth and has proper drainage. Morning glory can trail down from the hanging basket and create a beautiful cascading effect.

Final Thoughts on Shallow Pot Plants

Lastly, in this list, all plants/flowers best suit almost all shallow pots. Therefore, there’s one for you.

Besides houseplants, some flowers, such as pansies, zinnia, and petunias, are also among the best plants for shallow containers.

So, if you’re looking for unique plants to grow in shallow containers, you might consider some of the more unusual options, like succulents or even corn dog looking plants, which can add an interesting touch to your home decor.

From saving space to better aeration of roots, shallow pot plants offer a number of advantages for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

And always remember to do enough research to determine the plant’s root size before choosing one to grow in a shallow pot.

Are you a beginner with houseplants? Here are some books on houseplants that might help you get started

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