If you're looking for a new planter, you've likely considered both ceramic and concrete. They're both popular, both available in minimalist styles, and both look great on a windowsill. So what's the actual difference — and which should you choose?
Weight and Stability
Concrete wins on weight. A concrete planter is significantly heavier than a ceramic equivalent, which means it stays put. For larger plants or anything top-heavy, that stability matters. Ceramic pots tip — concrete doesn't.
Porosity and Drainage
Unsealed concrete is naturally porous, which is actually good for plants. It allows the growing medium to breathe and excess moisture to slowly wick away. Ceramic varies: glazed ceramic is non-porous and retains moisture, which can lead to root rot if you overwater. Terracotta (unglazed ceramic) is porous like concrete.
Durability
Ceramic chips and cracks on impact. Drop a ceramic pot and it's usually done. Drop a concrete planter and it'll likely survive — the material is inherently tougher. For households with children, pets, or clumsy moments, concrete is the more resilient choice.
Aesthetics
Ceramic offers glaze colours and a smooth finish. Concrete offers texture, weight, and a raw aesthetic that works particularly well in Scandi-minimal and modern interiors. Our concrete planters have subtle surface variation that makes each one genuinely unique.
Price
Handmade concrete planters are comparable in price to quality ceramic. Mass-produced ceramic is cheaper. But comparing handmade against handmade, both materials sit at similar price points.
The Verdict
For indoor plants in a modern home, concrete planters are the better choice if you value durability, stability, and a distinctive aesthetic. Ceramic is better if you want colour variety or a more traditional look.