Why Are Plant Pots So Expensive? (Find Out Now!)
If you’ve ever done any planting or gardening, you’ve likely had to purchase plant pots. You might have also noticed that plant pots are extremely expensive if you want new, quality plant pots. However, plant pots are merely containers to hold a plant when you think about it. Why, then, are plant pots so costly?
Plant pots are expensive because of the material they’re made of and the labor involved. Plant pots also cost a lot to transport and ship to different places. This combination of transportation, labor, and material costs all contribute to why plant pots are so expensive.
This article will look more in-depth at why plant pots cost as much as they do. We’ll also look at the different types of plant pots and how to save money when you’re buying them. Plant pots might be expensive, but there are always ways to save money on them.
Why are Plant Pots so Expensive?
Plant pots are expensive for several different reasons. The three main ones are because of what they’re made of, how long it takes to make them, and how they’re shipped from point A to point B. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these reasons.
The Cost of Making Them
Plant pots don’t just happen by accident or happenstance. While most of them are now mass-produced by machines, it still takes time and manpower to create them. Man plant pots also have decorative designs and extra decorations that add time to production.
The most expensive plant pots are handmade from clay, concrete, or wood. As a general rule, the longer it takes to make a plant pot, the more it will cost.
The Cost of Transportation and Shipping
Many plant pots, especially those made of clay, ceramic, and other breakable materials, cost an arm and a leg to transport. The expensive transportation is because they are fragile materials that are prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
Another reason for expensive shipping costs is because plant pots are heavy. Shipping is usually charged based on the weight and size of a package. Because plant pots are heavy and large, shipping one will cost more than a standard package.
The Material They’re Made of
The biggest thing that affects the price of a plant pot is the material that it’s made of. The more expensive and difficult the material is to form into a plant pot, the more it will cost.
What are the Most Expensive Plant Pot Materials?
Plant pots are unique because you can make them out of almost anything. They can even be made out of recycled materials if you have a green thumb. Here are some of the most popular materials that plant pots are made of and what they typically cost.
Ceramic and Terracotta
The average cost of a ceramic or Terracotta plant pot is anywhere from $10 to several thousand dollars. It all depends on the size of the pot and the detail involved in its construction and design. As a general rule, the larger the pot is, the more expensive it is to make. Ceramic and terracotta are also the most popular and costly clay-based materials used for plant pots.
Ceramic and terracotta plant pots are some of the most beautiful plant pot materials and take the most time to form. They’re also some of the most durable and can last for decades, if not a century if they’re correctly cared for. Ceramic and terracotta pots are very smooth on the outside, but their interior is very brittle. As a result, they’re likely to shatter like glass if you drop them onto solid ground.
Cedar Wood and Redwood
Technically, you can make a plant pot out of any kind of wood, but cedar and redwood are the two most popular. They’re also two of the most expensive. The reason for both of these features is that they’re beautiful specimens of wood and durable. They also take the most time to craft into a plant pot and are the most expensive to make and transport. Quality wooden plant pots can cost anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars.
Concrete and Hypertufa
Concrete plant pots are beautiful, smooth, elegant, and ridiculously heavy at the same time. Hypertufa is like imitation concrete as it has the same look and feel but weighs much less. No matter which material you choose, they are durable and sturdy and can withstand harsh conditions. However, they’re also prone to cracking and breaking if dropped or frozen. Concrete and hypertufa plant pots cost anywhere from $10 to several thousand dollars.
Plastic
Plastic is the cheapest of all plant pot materials and the least impressive. The upside of using a plastic plant pot is that they’re budget-friendly and won’t break if you drop them. They are quickly produced and cheaply produced, which is why they cost so little. A plastic plant pot is also very light for transportation and can cost anywhere from $1 to $75.
Metal
Metal plant pots have a smaller price window than most other types of plant pots. This is because they usually aren’t made super large or terribly small, but usually for medium-sized plants. Metal plant pots can add a vintage flair to your garden and provide a unique look for some of your plants. Be careful, though, as metal plant pots tend to get extremely hot when they’re in the sun for too long. Handle with care!
Fabric
While using a fabric plant pot might sound crazy, they’re actually some of the best plant pots available. Fabric plant pots are usually made of thick knots of fabric, similar to a series of ropes or like a hammock. Plants thrive in fabric pots, and they’re unique because they offer natural drainage and breathing room for plants. Fabric plant pots are relatively inexpensive and cost anywhere from a few bucks to $50.
Are Large Plant Pots More Expensive Than Small Ones?
The bigger the plant pot is, the more expensive it’s likely to be. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. For example, a plastic plant pot that’s larger and rounder than a ceramic or terracotta one is likely to be cheaper. A concrete pot that’s slightly smaller than a fabric or metal one is also likely to be more expensive. In general, ceramic, terracotta, concrete, and hypertufa are the most costly materials that plant pots are made of.
How to Save Money on Plant Pots
If you’re the thrifty type and don’t want to spend a fortune on plant pots, there are ways to save money.
Use Secondhand Plant Pots
One of the best ways to save money on plant pots is to purchase them from secondhand stores. Whether it be at a thrift store, a garage sale, or a flea market, used plant pots are just as good as new ones if they’re still in good shape. Sometimes, all a plant pot needs to be revived is a good washing and a scrub down.
Concrete, terracotta, ceramic, and hypertufa plant pots are extremely durable and long-lasting. You can purchase a used one at a secondhand store that is ten years old, and it might last another twenty. As long as your secondhand pot is made of quality material and isn’t damaged, it will last a very long time.
Make Your Own DIY Plant Pot
While it might not be worth your while to learn how to mix concrete or form clay in order to make a plant pot, there are ways to make your own. The best way is to put an old metal, plastic, or wood bucket to use as a plant pot. By cleaning it up and adding a few drainage holes in the bottom of the bucket, you can quickly have a quality plant pot. Another good option is to use an old wooden or metal barrel and convert it into a plant pot.
Dress Up Your Plastic or Metal Pots
If you don’t want to spend the money on ceramic, terracotta, or concrete plant pots, there’s another option. Purchase a plastic or metal plant pot, and paint or decorate it yourself to add your own personal flair to it. Decorating plant pots are fun and enjoyable craft projects for you or a crafty person around the house.
Related Questions
How do I choose the right plant pot?
Choosing the right plant pot doesn’t have to be a difficult task. The main things are that you choose one that’s within your budget, one that is aesthetically pleasing, and one that’s the right size for your plant.
What exactly is terracotta?
Terracotta is translated from the Italian language that means “baked earth.” It’s often used in reference to plant pots made out of clay.
Are certain plant pots healthier for plants?
Most plants will thrive no matter what type of pot that you put them in. The main thing to remember is to have drainage holes in the bottom of your pot, so you don’t drown your plant.
Final Thoughts
An important thing to remember with plant pots is that you get what you pay for. The higher quality and more beautiful your plant pot are, the more expensive it’s going to be. While it’s important to have plant pots that encourage the growth and health of your plants, there are definitely ways to save money on them. Hopefully, this article gave you a better understanding of plant pots and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Before I started writing, I worked for 6 plus years in the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC business. I was primarily an HVAC installer but also worked as a plumber and electrician. Now I'm a copywriter, focusing on home improvement content and guides.
More by Jalin Coblentz
![12 Washing Machine Brands to Avoid [with Recall Data]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9075781/12-washing-machine-brands-to-avoid-with-recall-data.jpg?size=350x220)
