Plant Basket Size Guide

How to measure your nursery pot

Before choosing a basket, measure your nursery pot — not the plant, not the soil surface, but the pot itself. There are two numbers you need.

Outer diameter: Measure straight across the widest point of the pot from outside edge to outside edge. This is the number that determines which basket fits.
Height: Measure from the bottom of the pot to the rim. The basket should be at least as tall as the pot, or taller.

Nursery pots are usually labeled by their diameter. A "6-inch pot" has an outer diameter of roughly 6 inches. A "10-inch pot" has an outer diameter of roughly 10 inches. Use a tape measure or ruler across the top of the pot.

The 1-inch rule

Choose a basket with an inner opening at least 1 inch wider than your pot's outer diameter.

This gives enough clearance to slide the pot in and out easily. If the basket opening matches the pot diameter exactly, the pot will not fit — or will be so tight that you cannot get it back out when you need to water.

Every basket on our site lists its inner diameter on the product page. That is the measurement to compare against your pot.

Size chart — pot diameter to basket size

Use your nursery pot's outer diameter to find the right basket opening.

4-inch pot — look for a basket with a 5-inch or wider inner opening. Good for small succulents, herbs on a desk, or propagation cups.
6-inch pot — look for a basket with a 7-inch or wider inner opening. Common size for Pothos, small Snake Plant, Peace Lily starter, and herbs.
8-inch pot — look for a basket with a 9-inch or wider inner opening. Works for mid-size Snake Plant, Pothos in a hanging or shelf pot, small Fiddle Leaf Fig.
10-inch pot — look for a basket with an 11-inch or wider inner opening. Standard size for Monstera, large Snake Plant, Rubber Tree, and Bird of Paradise starter.
12-inch pot — look for a basket with a 13-inch or wider inner opening. Needed for large Monstera, mature Fiddle Leaf Fig, Olive Tree, and Bird of Paradise.
13-inch pot and above — look for our largest seagrass basket (3XL, 13.78 inches wide). Fits very large floor plants.

Size by plant type

If you know your plant but not your pot size, start here. These are the most common nursery pot sizes for popular US houseplants.

Monstera deliciosa — usually sold in 8-inch to 12-inch pots. Mature specimens often move to 12-inch or larger. Look for XXL or 3XL seagrass baskets.
Fiddle Leaf Fig — typically in 8-inch to 10-inch pots when purchased from a nursery. The 12-inch Cotton Rope basket or XXL seagrass works well.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) — commonly 6-inch to 10-inch pots. The 8-inch seagrass basket fits a 6-inch pot. The Jute basket with handle fits up to 10 inches.
Pothos — usually 4-inch to 8-inch pots. The small 8-inch seagrass basket works for most Pothos in standard nursery pots.
Bird of Paradise — needs 10-inch to 14-inch pots as it matures. The 3XL seagrass basket at 13.78 inches is the right choice.
Olive Tree (indoor) — typically 10-inch to 12-inch pots. The XXL or 3XL seagrass basket covers this range.
Peace Lily — usually 6-inch to 8-inch pots. The small seagrass basket or the Set of 2 smaller basket fits well.
Rubber Tree — commonly 8-inch to 10-inch pots. The 12-inch Cotton Rope basket or XL seagrass works.
ZZ Plant — usually 6-inch to 10-inch pots. Mid-size seagrass or jute basket.
Succulents and herbs — most come in 4-inch pots. The Set of 2 smaller basket is ideal for a desk or windowsill.

Common sizing mistakes

These come up repeatedly in plant communities. Avoid them before you order.

Measuring the plant spread, not the pot. A Monstera with wide leaves might look like it needs a 14-inch basket, but if the pot is 10 inches, a 12-inch basket inner opening is all you need.
Choosing the basket that matches the pot exactly. If your pot is 10 inches and the basket inner diameter is 10 inches, it will not slide in. You need at least 11 inches of inner opening.
Forgetting to check the height. A basket can be wide enough but too short. If the pot stands taller than the basket, the nursery pot rim will show. Match basket height to pot height or go slightly taller.
Ordering for the plant you want, not the pot you have. If you plan to repot into a larger container soon, wait and measure the new pot before ordering a basket.

Our baskets and what they fit

Here is a quick reference for every basket we carry, with the inner opening and the nursery pot sizes it fits.

Seagrass Plant Basket 8 Inch — inner opening approximately 7.87 inches wide, 6.29 inches tall. Fits nursery pots with an outer diameter up to 7 inches. Best for Pothos, herbs, small Snake Plant. View this basket.
Jute Plant Basket with Handle — inner opening approximately 11 inches wide, 11 inches tall. Fits nursery pots up to 10 inches outer diameter. Good for Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, Rubber Tree. View this basket.
Seagrass Basket Set of 2 with Liner — smaller basket fits pots up to 7 inches, larger basket fits pots up to 9 inches. Includes plastic liner. Good for building a two-pot display on a shelf or table. View this basket.
Cotton Rope Plant Basket 12 Inch — inner opening approximately 12 inches wide, 12 inches tall. Fits nursery pots up to 10 inches outer diameter. Foldable. Good for Fiddle Leaf Fig, Rubber Tree, large Snake Plant. Available in Black and White. View this basket.
Large Seagrass Basket with Handle and Liner — four sizes. L fits pots up to 7 inches. XL fits pots up to 9 inches. XXL fits pots up to 11 inches. 3XL fits pots up to 13 inches. Includes plastic liner and handles. Good for Monstera, Bird of Paradise, Olive Tree, large Fiddle Leaf Fig. View this basket.