Pot head planters are a whimsical and stylish way to bring character to your indoor or outdoor spaces. These unique planters often resemble human heads, allowing you to “style” their hair by planting pothos, ferns, succulents or air planes. Whether you want a conversation piece for your living room or an artistic element for your patio, pot head planters are versatile and fun. Let’s explore the best plants to use and how to care for them to keep your planters looking fabulous all year round.
The pictures throughout this post are all mine-yes I am obsessed! Every time anyone comes to my house they are the first thing everyone talks about. The Aimebby planters pictured above (middle and right) are some of my favorites. Along with the Unie head planter I have the fern in, I have a second one with string of pearls. Also love this resin face planter to plant 2 different plants in one pot!
Best Plants for Pot Head Planters
Choosing the right plants for your pot head planter ensures it stays healthy and visually appealing. The trailer on the left is planted in my favorite resin head planters. Here are some excellent options:
Trailing Plants
Trailing plants like ivy, pothos, or string of pearls work perfectly because they mimic flowing hair. These plants are low-maintenance and grow beautifully, creating a dramatic effect.
Bushy Greenery
For a fuller look, opt for plants like ferns, spider plants, or asparagus ferns. Their fluffy foliage gives the impression of a voluminous hairstyle, making your planter stand out.
Succulents
Succulents such as echeverias, sedums, or crassulas are ideal if you prefer a compact and structured appearance. Their low water needs and unique shapes make them a trendy choice for small spaces or minimalist decor.
Air Plants
Air plants are perfect for both large and small pot head planters. The air plant pictured below is a large air plant and creates a perfect hairstyle for my pot head planter.
Herbs
Herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley not only look good but are practical too. Imagine having a stylish pot head planter doubling as your personal herb garden right on the kitchen counter.
African Violets
I even have miniature African Violets in a few small pot head planters-one is pictured at the bottom of this post. I have them under grow lights in my entertainment center and they have bloomed continuously for the past three years.
How to Plant in a Pot Head Planter
Proper planting techniques will help your plants thrive. This unie head planter is perfect for my string of pearls. Follow these steps to get started:
- Choose the Right Soil
Select soil based on the type of plant you’ve chosen. Use a well-draining potting mix for most houseplants, while succulents and cacti need a gritty, sandy mix. - Prepare the Planter
Ensure your pot head planter has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. I like to place a piece of screen over the hole to make sure I don’t lose allot of soil when watering. - Plant Carefully
When placing the plant, keep the roots intact and avoid planting too deep. Gently fill in the soil around the roots, ensuring the plant is secure. Leave enough space at the top to make watering easier.
Caring for Your Pot Head Planter
Maintaining healthy plants in your pot head planter requires regular care. By meeting your plant’s needs, you can keep your decorative display thriving:
- Watering
Most plants prefer consistent but not excessive watering. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil to check for dryness before watering. Succulents need less frequent watering, while flowers and ferns often need more. - Light Requirements
Place your pot head planter in a location that matches your plant’s light needs. Most trailing plants and flowers thrive in bright, indirect light, while succulents love direct sunlight. For shaded areas, choose low-light plants like ferns or pothos. - Fertilizing
Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer during their growing season. For flowers, use a bloom-boosting fertilizer every few weeks. Succulents and ferns typically need less frequent feeding. - Pruning
Regularly trim dead leaves or overgrown stems to maintain the plant’s shape. For flowering plants, deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth. This helps keep your pot head planter looking neat and attractive. - Pest Control
Inspect your plants for pests like aphids or spider mites. If you spot any, treat them with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Keeping the foliage clean by wiping it gently with a damp cloth can also help prevent infestations.
Why Pot Head Planters Make a Great Choice
Pot head planters blend functionality and artistry, making them ideal for both plant lovers and design enthusiasts. Their playful nature brings joy to any space, while their versatility allows you to experiment with endless plant combinations. Whether you prefer flowing vines, vibrant flowers, or spiky succulents, you can create a display that fits your style.
With the right care, your pot head planter will remain a charming centerpiece for years. So, grab your favorite planter, pick the perfect plants, and start creating a unique masterpiece today!
The adorable girl face planter above is perfect for miniature african violets or succulents!
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Saving, Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!
My old man planter as I call him is perfect for Burro’s Tail succulent.