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Aloe plants are a helpful succulent to keep around the house, not only for their beauty but also for their well-known healing properties. Though all succulents store water in their leaves, the moisture in aloe plants takes the form of a soothing, cooling gel that works wonders for irritated, dry, or sunburned skin.
These lovely, low-maintenance plants just need good sunlight and occasional watering to help them thrive, along with a pot that’s the right size. Aloe plants can range in size from very small ones that can fit comfortably in a 3-inch-diameter pot to large plants that need a 6-inch pot or larger. Choosing the best pots for proper growth and care keeps aloe plants as healthy as possible.
Keep reading for more information about the best pots for aloe plants, and see some of the top choices for aloe vera pots that can give aloe plants the space they need to grow hearty and healthy for years to come.
- BEST OVERALL: Brajttt 4-Inch Cylinder Ceramic Flower Pots
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vivimee 2 Pack Ceramic Plant Pots
- BEST LARGE: La Jolíe Muse Large Succulent Planter Pots
- BEST RECTANGULAR: MyGift 10-Inch Rectangular Modern White Ceramic Pot
- BEST BOWL: PSW Arcadia Centerpiece Bowl and Fairy Garden Planter
- BEST GEOMETRIC: OAMCEG 4-Inch Succulent Planters, Set of 6
- BEST DECORATIVE: Greenaholics Succulent Planter Pots 3-Inch Mandala
- BEST TERRA COTTA: D’vine Dev Terracotta Pots for Plants
- BEST WITH STAND: Potey Mid Century Ceramic Pot with Wood Stand
- BEST HANGING: Mkono 5-Inch Ceramic Cactus Pot with Rope Hanger
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pots For Aloe Plants
Although the best pots for aloe vera plants can come down to personal preference, some of the more important considerations include choosing the right size, material type, drainage capability, and overall look. Before starting to shop, consumers will want to check out what they need to know about these features to help them choose the right pot for a plant.
Size
When choosing the best pots for aloe vera plants, consider the size of the plant. Though it might be tempting to use a larger pot, with the idea that the plant will grow into it, this actually isn’t the best strategy. A pot that is too large allows the roots to spread out before the plant has time to grow, which can result in a fragile plant.
A pot that’s too small can’t provide enough room for the roots, which can easily lead to root rot and a stagnant aloe plant. The ideal pot size for an aloe plant is between 5 and 10 percent larger than the size of the plant right now. This will leave no more than 1 or 2 inches of extra room around each side of the plant.
How quickly a plant will grow from needing a smaller pot to a larger one depends upon the climate, watering, amount of sunlight, and overall health. Pot sizes typically start at about 3 inches in diameter with about the same size in depth. Larger aloe vera pots might reach up to 10 inches in diameter or more.
Material
Aloe plants can thrive in a variety of materials, including ceramic, terra cotta, plastic, resin, wood, or metal. In most cases, these pot materials can be treated to handle indoor or outdoor use. To get the best results from an aloe plant, shoppers will want to consider either a terra-cotta or ceramic pot, both of which help with the air exchange with the potting soil inside the pot. Terra cotta can also offer better drainage, as it tends to pull water away from the plant root.
When an aloe plant becomes very large, a terra-cotta pot may make it more difficult to move. Terra-cotta and ceramic planters can weigh a few pounds even without soil or fertilizer inside, so switching larger plants to lightweight resin or plastic pots may be preferred. As larger plants usually already have a hardy, well-established root system, they can probably handle the reduced air exchange and drainage that comes with plastic.
Drainage
When watering an aloe plant, it’s important to remember that a little bit of water goes a very long way. Aloe plants are succulents, and succulents need proper drainage to ensure that excess water drains away from the loose soil.
Succulents that sit in too much water run the risk of root rot, which can sound the death knell for even a larger, well-established plant. Many of the best pots for aloe vera and other types of potted plants have drainage holes as well as small trays that fit underneath to hold any excess water that comes from the hole. If that hole is large enough to allow the soil to escape, consider a stainless steel drainage filter or removable plugs that will allow water to flow out but keep the soil inside.
Aesthetic
Succulents such as aloe plants look great on their own, and the striking leaves tend to get attention no matter what the pots look like. However, there are many aesthetic options that can fit in well with a variety of decor preferences. For some, this might be a simple round pot made of ceramic and painted white, which stands out in contrast with the green leaves. For others, the preference may be terra cotta, which provides a different kind of visual appeal. There also are all sorts of pots with vivid and earth-tone colors and patterns available to match almost every home’s style.
There also are other options that can enhance the visual game, such as pots that sit on elaborate bases or planters that hang from the ceiling. No matter how simple or ornate the vessel is, the best planters may be those that offer an easygoing aesthetic that makes moving plants from room to room, and from indoors to outdoors, seamless.
Our Top Picks
The best pots for aloe vera plants provide just enough room for growth, a pleasing look, and a material that’s strong enough to last for years. Based on these criteria and specific categories, the following are our top picks for some of the best pots for aloe plants.
Best Overall
Brajttt 4-Inch Cylinder Ceramic Flower Pots
These 4-inch cylinder ceramic pots are 3.6 inches tall, making them an ideal vessel for small aloe plants. They come in a pack of six, so they can be showcased together or placed in separate rooms to keep the healing power of aloe always at hand. The pots have a drainage hole as well as a connected saucer to take on excess water and protect surfaces from potential damage.
Though the pots are simply white, the textures on the outside are visually appealing. Each pot is different, resulting in more visual contrast when grouped together. These durable, affordable pots are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
Product Specs
- Material: Ceramic
- Size: 4.2 inches in diameter by 3.95 inches high
- Quantity: 6
Pros
- Unique textured design
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Includes drainage hole with saucer to protect surfaces
Cons
- Small for some aloe plants
- Saucers do not detach, but a slight tilt can drain them
Get the Brajttt pots for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Vivimee 2 Pack Ceramic Plant Pots
Vivimee offers an affordable set of two ceramic planters for the price of many single pots on the market. The matching set comes with a drainage hole and silicone stopper for catching any excess water released through the hole at the bottom of each pot, preventing root rot. These planters measure 5.7 inches in diameter.
Plant aloe vera plants together in these round pots to create a centerpiece of succulents or use them individually to pamper a single aloe plant over time. The sleek, clean look is suitable for modern decor, but the pots can also look right at home in a traditional setting. These ceramic pots are designed for indoor and outdoor use and come in three colorways.
Product Specs
- Material: Ceramic
- Size: 5.7 inches in diameter by 5.2 inches high
- Quantity: 2
Pros
- Drainage holes with silicone stoppers
- Unique design
- 3 colorways
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- No trays for drainage provided
Get the Vivimee pots for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Large
La Jolíe Muse Large Succulent Planter Pots
This 8-inch gray pot with a rose-gold rim exudes elegance while it carefully cradles larger aloe plants. This La Jolíe Muse pot uses hand-poured premium ceramic, an ideal material for keeping aloe vera plants happy, while the large drainage hole helps avoid overwatering. Rubber plugs are included to close up the drainage hole and keep surfaces clean between waterings.
The durable walls of the pot are 4 millimeters thick, making it a sturdy, reliable option that resists cracking or breakage. Though this pot looks great indoors, especially in a modern or garden-style decor, it also can blend in well with other pots on a patio, porch, or backyard garden.
Product Specs
- Material: Ceramic
- Size: 8 inches in diameter by 3.6 inches high
- Quantity: 1
Pros
- Hand-poured premium ceramic construction
- Rubber plugs
- 4-millimeter-thick walls
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- No drip tray included
- Some users report poor-quality construction
Get the La Jolíe pot for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Rectangular
MyGift 10-Inch Rectangular Modern White Ceramic Pot
At just over 10 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 4 inches high, this ceramic window-box succulent planter by MyGift features two drainage holes and a matching, removable draining tray. The clean, minimalist style is ideal for showcasing several small aloe vera plants or a few larger ones.
Each corner or edge of this pot is smooth and rounded, adding a depth of aesthetic appeal to the boxy shape. The rectangular shape allows for easy placement on a typical windowsill to provide succulents with the light they love. At 3 pounds, this white ceramic pot is heavier than some others on the market and holds about a quart of soil.
Product Specs
- Material: Ceramic
- Size: 10.25 inches long by 5.25 wide by 4.25 high
- Quantity: 1
Pros
- Rounded corners and sleek white look
- Includes drainage holes and matching drain tray
- Drain tray is removable
Cons
- Heavier than some pots
Get the MyGift pot for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Bowl
PSW Arcadia Centerpiece Bowl and Fairy Garden Planter
At 8 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall, this shallow plastic, stone powder, and wood dust pot by PSW Arcadia comes perfectly sized for a number of potted plants. The wide yet shallow nature of this round pot is suitable for planting a larger aloe plant or letting a few smaller ones share the same space. Plus, the group of small drainage holes on the bottom of the pot reduces the risk of root rot.
Though this round, polished pot works with almost any indoor decor, the thick, sturdy walls make this planter just as suitable for outdoor use as it is weather- and UV-resistant. Plus, it comes in four color options—charcoal, chocolate, taupe, and terra cotta—as well as three size options: 8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches.
Product Specs
- Material: Plastic, stone powder, and wood dust
- Size: 8, 10, or 12 inches in diameter by 3 inches high
- Quantity: 1
Pros
- Suitable pot size for multiple plants
- Multiple drainage holes
- Comes in multiple colorways and sizes
- Weather- and UV-resistant
Cons
- No drip tray included
Get the PSW Arcadia pot for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Geometric
OAMCEG 4-Inch Succulent Planters, Set of 6
Modern flair is the name of the game with this set of six succulent planters. The hexagonal shape of these 4-inch pots provides an interesting contrast to aloe vera plants or other types of succulents with large leaves. The polished, high-quality ceramic pots from OAMCEG come with matching bamboo trays for display and catching excess water.
Small to medium succulents will thrive best in these sturdy 2.8-inch tall pots. Group them together for an eye-catching statement on a windowsill or table, or set them in different rooms for the enjoyment of aloe plants throughout the home. These pots are designed for indoor use.
Product Specs
- Material: Ceramic and bamboo
- Size: 4 inches in diameter by 2.8 inches high
- Quantity: 6
Pros
- Excellent for plant grouping
- Made for small to medium succulents
- Unique hexagonal shape
- Each includes a drainage hole and matching bamboo tray
Cons
- Indoor use only
- Will hold only small aloe plants
Get the OAMCEG pots for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Decorative
Greenaholics Succulent Planter Pots 3-Inch Mandala
At just more than 3 inches in diameter and height, these small ceramic succulent planters are ideal for tiny aloe plants. Made by Greenaholics, these pots come with fitted bamboo trays to catch excess water from the drainage holes on the bottom. The high-quality ceramic is baked at high temperatures to ensure the bright mandala patterns resist fading over time.
The set includes three pieces, each with a different primary color in the pattern: blue, green, and red. These classic patterns can add a pop of color to a modern decor or fit in with something more traditional, country, or classic. The ceramic material makes these pots suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Product Specs
- Material: Ceramic and bamboo
- Size: 3 inches in diameter by 3.15 inches high
- Quantity: 3
Pros
- Good for tiny or starter aloe plants
- Bright, colorful designs
- Come with matching bamboo trays
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Cons
- Aloe will need to be repotted when it outgrows the small pot
Get the Greenaholics pots for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Terra Cotta
D’vine Dev Terracotta Pots for Plants
Each pot in this set of three terra-cotta pots from D’vine Dev is round with the naturally occurring matte finish expected of this classic material. Included matching saucers and stainless steel drainage nets help ensure no loss of soil during watering, and the scratch guards help prevent the saucers from damaging floors or other surfaces.
The pots are 4.2 inches, 5.3 inches, and 6.5 inches in diameter, with matching height, making them suitable for repotting aloe plants as they grow or creating a tableau of thriving plants in a small grouping. Though these pots are weather-resistant, succulents don’t need much water, so keeping them indoors could be the best option.
Product Specs
- Material: Terra cotta
- Size: 4.2, 5.3, and 6.5 inches in diameter, with matching height
- Quantity: 3
Pros
- Great for potting aloe plants as they grow
- Warm and rustic aesthetic
- Trays included
Cons
- Pots can dry out quickly and plants must be watered more frequently
Get the D’vine Dev pots for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best With Stand
Potey Mid Century Ceramic Pot with Wood Stand
With a sturdy wood stand and a unique, hand-glazed pattern, this white ceramic pot from Potey is 5.2 inches in diameter by 4 inches high. Its size makes it ideal for medium to large aloe plants. The wood stand is 2.6 inches tall and comes with rubber feet to help avoid any damage to surfaces.
The pot has a drainage hole as well as a plug to keep soil in and prevent water drips between waterings and root rot. Baked at high temperatures, this thick-walled pot resists cracking and breakage. This pot nicely showcases an aloe plant and makes it easy to care for a plant indoors.
Product Specs
- Material: Ceramic and wood
- Size: 5.2 inches in diameter by 4 inches high
- Quantity: 1
Pros
- Attractive, hand-glazed pattern
- Comes with a wooden stand
- Includes drainage hole with plug
Cons
- For indoor use only
Get the Potey pot for aloe plants on Amazon.
Best Hanging
Mkono 5-Inch Ceramic Cactus Pot with Rope Hanger
At 5 inches in diameter and just more than 3 inches deep, this hanging ceramic planter by Mkono is a good size for housing small to medium aloe plants. The cotton macramé hanger has an 18-inch drop, which comfortably displays plants from a standard-height ceiling. The length of the rope is not adjustable.
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the pot has a hole for drainage. The interior is bare clay, and the exterior is an unglazed and textured orange-and-white swirl design. Be aware that the bare clay can absorb water, so the plant needs to be watched closely to ensure that it isn’t overwatered.
Product Specs
- Material: Bare clay
- Size: 5 inches in diameter by 3.25 inches high
- Quantity: 1
Pros
- Bohemian-style hanging display
- Stylish textured orange-and-white swirl design
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Bare clay interior means more attention required to prevent overwatering
- Length is not adjustable
Get the Mkono pot for aloe plants on Amazon.
Our Verdict
The best pots to display gorgeous aloe plants have drainage holes and look great. Our top pick, the Brajttt pots for aloe plants, comes in a set of six for displaying plants as a group or throughout the home. For a larger aloe plant, consider the stylish Potey pot for aloe plants that includes a stand.
How We Chose the Best Pots for Aloe Plants
To choose the best pot for aloe plants, shoppers will want to consider the plant’s size or the look they want in a plant grouping. Aloes like a tight fit, and many of the pots selected for this guide keep them cozy and prettily displayed until they grow too large. We looked at the material and chose mostly ceramic pots for good air exchange. Drainage is essential, and all the aloe vera pots on this curated list have a drainage hole; most also have saucers to catch draining water. Finally, a pot needs to look great, and we chose pots to go with any decor.
FAQs
Now that you know more information about the characteristics of the kinds of pots that are best suited to grow aloe plants, you may have a few lingering questions. The following are answers to some of the most popular questions about aloe plant pots.
Q. When should you repot an aloe plant?
The proper size pot for an aloe plant will allow 1 to 2 inches of clearance on each side of the plant. When it begins to grow larger or shows signs of struggling, such as yellowing leaves, it’s time to move it to a bigger home.
Q. Do aloe vera plants need big pots?
The size of a pot depends upon the size of the plant. Succulents take a great deal of time to grow, but the pot should always be the right size to hold the roots firmly yet allow for a few more years of growth before moving to a larger pot.
Q. What kind of potting soil do you use for aloe vera plants?
All succulents, like aloe, prefer well-drained soil. Potting soil designed for cactus plants works well, as does mixing potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice. A typical potting soil you might use for other plants can hold too much water for succulents.