We Gave a Plant Shop Owner $50 to Spend at IKEA — Her Picks Look So Luxe

First in her cart is the SANDKÖRSBÄR stoneware plant pot in beige. According to Cortez, she loves this sleek planter for its simple and straightforward design. “I like my pots minimal so that the plants can really be showcased,” she says. At a diameter of 4 3/4 inches, this planter is suitable for small plants, and thanks to the included drainage hole, it works for both indoor and outdoor use.

The HASSELBUKETT plant pot in beige was another quick add-to-cart for Cortez. This planter features a minimalist beige color with a playful shape that works as a supporting character to your plant’s gorgeous foliage. The HASSELBUKETT in beige is available in a small 4 3/4-inch diameter size, or you can grab it in olive green in a larger 6-inch diameter.

Terracotta pots are a dime a dozen at nurseries, plant shops, hardware stores, and big-box stores, but IKEA’s terracotta pots stand above the rest. They feature a unique shape and color that’s softer and more elevated than other deep orange varieties, giving your plant collection a truly standout look.

Terracotta pots are ideal for plants that thrive in drier conditions (think: succulents, cacti, and more) since the material naturally wicks moisture out of the soil. They are also ideal for use outdoors, where rainfall may oversaturate your potted plants. Plus, these terracotta pots have drainage holes! There are multiple sizes available, with the 4 3/4-inch size coming out at an affordable $6.99.

Looking for a larger planter? The PERSILLADE is Cortez’s top pick. Sleek, simple, and functional, it checks all of her boxes. This medium-size planter is perfect for plants that are 12 inches high or taller, and can be used on a stand or the floor.

Since this pot does not have a drainage hole, it should be used as a cachepot for indoor plants — meaning that your plant is planted in a smaller, plastic nursery pot inside this larger, decorative planter. The cachepot works to catch and contain excess water after watering, which can then be easily poured out, helping to prevent root rot in your houseplants.

Lastly, Cortez was sure to add a three-pack of the HEAT cork trivets to her cart. No, she’s not planning on using them in the kitchen (although you could!). Instead, Cortez uses these trivets under her plant pots to protect the surfaces they sit on. The cork helps prevent moisture from leaking through the bottom of the pots and looks much nicer than a traditional plastic plant saucer.