Which Plants Suit a Face Pot
The best plants for a face pot are compact ones that act as hair: trailing plants for long hair, upright plants for a spiky look, and small flowering plants for colour. Keep the plant in proportion to the pot, so the face stays visible. A plant that outgrows the pot quickly will hide the very thing you bought it for.
Which plant gives which look?
| Look you want | Plants to try | Light |
|---|---|---|
| Long, flowing hair | Money plant, spider plant, wandering Jew | Bright, indirect |
| Short, spiky hair | Small snake plant, aloe, haworthia | Bright |
| Soft, curly hair | Asparagus fern, small ferns | Bright shade |
| Colourful hair | Portulaca, small seasonal flowers | Sun |
| Neat and low | Sedum, small jade, other succulents | Bright to sun |
Which size of Face Pot suits which plant?
| Pot size | Dia x height | Plate | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inch | 6 x 8 inch | Not listed | One small succulent or a young trailing plant |
| 8 inch | 8 x 7 inch | 5 inch | A spider plant or a small group of succulents |
| 10 inch | 10 x 12 inch | 6.5 inch | A fuller fern, money plant or a seasonal flower group |
Sizes are from our Face Pots page. If you want the pot on a shelf at eye level, a trailing plant shows best. On a low table, an upright plant keeps the top of the head tidy.
How do you plant a face pot so the face stays clear?
- Fill the pot with light, free-draining potting mix.
- Set the plant towards the back of the opening.
- Bring trailing stems to the sides of the face, not over the front.
- Water gently, and pinch back any stem that starts to cover the eyes.
Where should you place a face pot?
Face Pots work indoors and outdoors, and are suitable for balconies, patios, offices and cafes. Choose the plant by the light first. A fern that loves shade will suffer on an open terrace, and portulaca will not flower in a dim corner. If you want the same pot in both places, a money plant indoors and portulaca outdoors give two very different characters.
How often should you water?
Succulents want the mix to dry out between waterings, while ferns want it lightly moist. For that reason, avoid mixing the two in one pot. Group plants with the same needs, and check the soil with a finger before you water.
Can you change the look later?
Yes, and that is part of the fun. Lift out a tired seasonal plant and try another, or trim long stems for a new style. Grow Green Planters supplies Face Pots in 6, 8 and 10 inch sizes. See them on our Face Pots page, and ask us about colours and pack quantities.