How to pot your artificial plants

Written by on 29th Apr 2025.

Transform your artificial plants from basic to breathtaking with the perfect pot. This expert guide shows you how to create stunning, stable displays that enhance your décor and extend your plant's lifespan. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to refresh your collection, our professional tips and step-by-step instructions make potting simple and rewarding.

Why Repot Your Artificial Plant?

how to repot artificial plants and trees

Most artificial plants arrive in basic starter pots that serve functional purposes but lack aesthetic appeal. Here's why repotting is worth your time:

Enhanced Appearance: A decorative pot complements your decor and elevates the overall look
Improved Stability: Proper potting prevents tipping, especially for taller plants
Better Proportion: The right pot creates visual balance with your plant's size and shape
Protected Base: Quality potting extends your plant's lifespan by securing the stems
Design Flexibility: Change Planters and pots seasonally to refresh your space without buying new plants

Choosing the Perfect Pot

Selecting the right container is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality:

Size Considerations

Diameter: Measure your plant's starter pot and add 5-10cm (2-4 inches) to determine ideal width
Height: Consider the "foliage clearance" (space between pot and lowest leaves) when selecting pot height
Base Stability: Wider bases provide better stability for taller plants

Style Selection

Match your pot to your decor style (modern, traditional, rustic, etc.)
Consider how the pot colour will complement or contrast with your plant
For outdoor plants, ensure the pot material can withstand weather conditions
For frequently moved plants, look for pots with integrated wheels or lightweight options

Essential Materials

Gather these supplies before starting:

Your artificial plant
Decorative pot of appropriate size
Potting medium (options include):
- Garden soil or potting mix
- Play sand or builder's sand
- Decorative stones or gravel
- Polystyrene chunks (for lightweight options)
- Expanding foam (for permanent installations)
Decorative toppers (optional):
- River rocks or pebbles
- Moss (preserved or artificial)
- Decorative bark
- Coloured glass stones
Basic tools:
- Gardening gloves
- Small trowel or scoop
- Level (to ensure straight placement)

Step-by-Step Potting Instructions

For Plants in Starter Pots

Preparation
- Place newspaper or a drop cloth in your work area
- Ensure your decorative pot is clean and dry
- Check if drainage holes need to be blocked (if using soil/sand)
Position Check
- Place the plant (still in its starter pot) into the empty decorative pot
- Check the height—if the pot is too tall or you want to increase overall plant height, pre-fill the bottom with your potting medium
- Ensure the plant sits centred and straight using a level if needed
Secure and Fill
- Keeping the starter pot intact, position your plant centrally
- Gradually add your chosen potting medium around the sides of the starter pot
- Pack the medium firmly as you go to ensure stability
- Fill to about 1-2cm (½-¾ inch) below the pot's rim
Add Decorative Topping
- Spread your chosen decorative material evenly across the surface
- Create a neat, finished appearance that hides the potting medium
Final Adjustments
- Check once more that the plant stands straight
- Gently brush off any soil or decorative material from the foliage
- Position in your desired location

For Plants on Spikes

Prepare Your Pot
- Select an appropriately sized pot for your spike plant
- Fill approximately 80-90% with your chosen medium (soil, sand, or floral oasis)
Insert the Spike
- Push the spike firmly into the centre of the potting medium
- Ensure it's stable and positioned at your desired angle
Finish the Surface
- Add decorative topping of your choice
- Arrange any trailing elements for a natural appearance

Special Considerations for Outdoor Artificial Plants

Trees and plants for outdoor use face unique challenges and require additional attention:

Weather Resistance
- Choose heavier potting media for wind resistance
- Select weather-resistant pots (concrete, heavy resin, or fibreglass)
- For extremely windy locations, consider cementing the pot in place
Stability Solutions
- Use a larger pot with a wider base than you would for indoor plants
- Fill the bottom third with heavy material like gravel or stones before adding soil
- For tall trees, consider expanding foam for permanent installation
Drainage Considerations
- If using real soil outdoors, ensure the pot has drainage holes
- For outdoor locations with no drainage needed, seal any holes with waterproof sealant

Creative Potting Ideas

Take your artificial plants to the next level with these designer touches:

Layered Media: Create visual interest with layered potting materials visible through glass or clear plastic pots
Companion Planting: Place smaller artificial plants or moss around the base of larger plants
Seasonal Updates: Switch out decorative toppers seasonally (pine cones in winter, artificial flowers in summer)
Mixed Media: Combine your artificial plant with preserved moss, branches, or dried elements
Hidden Storage: Use hollow pots to conceal small items while displaying your plant

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Unstable Plant: Add more weight to the base or choose a wider pot
Visible Starter Pot: Add more decorative topping or consider a taller decorative pot
Fading Colours: For outdoor plants, use UV-resistant spray on both plant and pot
Dusty Appearance: Regularly clean foliage with a soft cloth or gentle compressed air

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I repot pre-potted items like hanging baskets or window boxes?

Pre-potted arrangements are typically secured with strong adhesives and aren't designed for repotting. Attempting to remove them may damage the plants and void any warranty. For these items, consider placing the entire arrangement inside a decorative outer pot if you wish to change the appearance.

What's the best material to weigh down artificial plants?

The most effective materials are natural ones: garden soil, sand, and decorative stones. For outdoor locations, a combination of gravel at the bottom and soil on top provides excellent stability while allowing for appropriate drainage if needed.

When should I use expanding foam instead of soil?

Expanding foam creates a permanent installation and is best used when:

You're certain of the pot and position you want long-term
The plant will be in a high-traffic area where stability is crucial
You're placing a plant outdoors in an extremely windy location
You need the lightest possible finished weight while maintaining stability

Can I use the same potting techniques for all types of artificial plants?

While the basic principles remain the same, different plant types may benefit from specific approaches:

Tall trees need wider, heavier bases for stability
Hanging plants often look best with visible trailing elements around the pot
Flowering plants may need extra support to keep blooms positioned naturally

How do I clean artificial plants without disturbing the potting?

Cover the potting medium with plastic wrap or a cloth before cleaning to prevent dust from settling into the decorative topping. Use a soft brush, microfibre cloth, or compressed air to clean foliage without disrupting your carefully arranged pot.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll transform your artificial plants from simply decorative items to stunning focal points in your home or garden. Remember that proper potting not only enhances the beauty of your faux greenery but also extends its lifespan by providing stability and protection.

Need more help with your artificial plants? Explore our full range of artificial plants, outdoor options, and decorative pots to create your perfect arrangement.