The Best Head Planters

Buying Guide for Head Planters

Why buy a head planter?

As the name suggests, head planters are shaped to resemble a head and face from the neck or shoulders up, like a small statue where you can plant flowers, herbs, and other foliage. Many people enjoy head planters because the plants grow out of the top of the head and thus look like hair. For this reason, plants with long tendrils are a popular choice to grow in head planters, though they’re by no means the only option. They make excellent planters for ornamental grasses, succulents, cacti, and more. Head planters may appear whimsical, realistic, simplistic, intricate, or modern. They can be colorfully painted or plain.

What should you look for in a head planter?

• Material: Like other planters, head planters are available in various materials. Common options include terracotta, ceramic, stone, concrete, wood, plastic, earthenware, and fiberglass. More porous materials are generally better, as they offer superior drainage and thus dry out faster to prevent overwatering or rot. This is especially important for outdoor planters seeing extra, unplanned precipitation. Wood is the most porous of these materials, followed by terracotta and then ceramic or earthenware. (Remember that wood may warp or crack out of doors if not treated properly.) Plastic is the least porous of these materials. Get a sturdier, weightier material like fiberglass, stone, or concrete for outdoor head planters or ones you plan to grow bigger, heavier plants in. Terracotta and plastic will be among the more inexpensive options, while ceramic head planters tend to be pricier.
• Size: A planter that is either too small or too large for your plants can lead to problems with the soil, roots, or overall plant health. Consider how big the plants can grow and, more importantly, how much space their roots require. Small- and medium-sized head planters are designed to fit on windowsills, desks, countertops, and larger ones are usually meant for outdoor display. When in doubt, larger plants with more foliage will generally have longer roots, so go for a deeper head planter with something like a spider plant and a shallower one for plants like cacti and succulents. Also, remember that head planters are rarely meant to hold more than one plant at a time.
• Drainage: When possible, you’ll want to opt for a head planter that has built-in drainage, especially if you’re new to growing houseplants. Overwatering can lead to root rot or the growth of bacteria, mold, or fungi. Look for models with drainage holes along the bottom, especially if you plan to keep your head planter outside with unpredictable weather. Some outdoor models will have drain plugs to trap and release water inside. Others will have aeration holes or extra drainage and airflow.

What other things can you do with a head planter?

Though they’re designed to hold plants, flowers, and other greenery, you can use a head planter to hold or display plenty of other items. You can fill a smaller planter with treats to serve as a makeshift candy bowl or colorful glass stones for decorative purposes. Taller planters make great desk organizers for pens and pencils and paintbrush holders. If they’re made from a material that can hold up to extended water exposure, they could also serve as a cute, whimsical way to hold bathroom items like cotton balls or q-tips. You can even use one as a centerpiece for dinner or a party.

Our Picks for the Best Head Planters

Pros: This beautiful head planter will look great in your home and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The premium resin material is lightweight yet durable, with a wide base for extra sturdiness during re-potting, pruning, shaping, or watering. Since these planters are hand-painted, each is slightly different. You can repaint it in your preferred colors if desired. The entire planter is 8.67 inches tall by 6.3 inches wide and 7.48 inches long, with a cavity that’s 4.92 inches deep by 4.92 inches wide. The size is great for smaller plants like herbs. It can also hold a smaller planting pot if desired. A small drainage hole with a rubber stopper removes excess water as needed. There are also four invisible rubber feet at the bottom of the planter to keep it from scratching your counter or tabletops and the surface away from stains.

Cons: The drainage hole is on the smaller side, so it might not drain as well as others. Thus, avoid using it for plants like succulents that require a lot of drainage to prevent root rot.

Bottom Line: This head planter is lovely and calming due in large part to the serene expression on its face. It’s one of the best options for homes and gardens since it’s the perfect blend of cute and sturdy.

 

Pros: This resin head planter is aesthetically pleasing and will look great in sunlight or shadows. The design features a woman with her eyes closed, cradling her cheeks in her hands. The resin material is lightweight, great for interior decoration, yet durable enough to last a long time. It has a drainage hole with a stopper, perfect for getting rid of excess water to ensure healthier and properly drained roots or keeping it trapped inside for plants that need extra moisture. And it’s available in several colors (five total), plus two different size options.

Cons: It’s smaller than many other models, even if you spring for the larger size. Thus this planter is only really suited for plants that are on the smaller side as well, and you may need to repot your plant since there’s a chance it’ll outgrow this planter.

Bottom Line: No matter which size or color you opt for, this head planter will be a cute, understatedly, colorful addition to your space. Whether placed in a garden, on a desk, or a living room shelf, it can bring a touch of serenity and warmth to your home or garden.

 

Pros: Available with either a human or dog face, this head planter’s most notable feature is how customizable it is compared to other models. The unique design of the head planter allows for some extra creative expression, as it can be drawn on with dry-erase markers and then wiped clean to redraw a new expression whenever you want. Additionally, it provides a designated spot to store glasses thanks to its nose and ears, reducing the risk of misplacing them. The ceramic is of good quality, especially considering its low price. This planter can be used for storing other small items like pens and pencils, making it a practical and stylish addition to any space.

Cons: Some eyeglasses or sunglasses with nose pads may not fit securely onto the nose of the planter, so there is a chance it won’t hold your glasses properly. Also, be aware that no glasses or marker(s) come included with your purchase; you’ll have to buy and provide your own if you want to take advantage of these aspects of the planter.

Bottom Line: This unique take on the typical head planter will add a splash of customization and creativity to any home. It also makes for a cute and reasonably priced gift for any plant lover, optometrist, or glasses-wearer in your life.

 

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Pros: This multi-face head planter is a unique and eye-catching item for a great conversation starter or gift. It comes in two color options– white or black– and is made from high-quality resin, which adds to its durability and appeal. The planter’s built-in drainage hole ensures it’s suitable for various small succulents, plants, and flowers. Its geometric design adds to its overall aesthetic appeal, making it a stylish and contemporary choice for any home, office, or garden.

Cons: Several buyers comment that the planter is smaller than expected; it’s only about six inches in diameter at the opening, so you won’t want to use it for larger plants around 5.5 inches wide.

Bottom Line: This artistic, high-quality head planter ringed with nine small faces is a practical and aesthetically pleasing item that will impress your guests and add personality to any room. While it’ll make your space appear cutting-edge and modern, it also has a certain Greek statue-like quality to ensure it suits more classic design styles.

 

Pros: This trio of head planters is cute and unique, even by head planter standards. Each is well-made and of good quality design, ensuring they will last longer and are safe for kids and pets. They’re suitable for small plants or succulents, and each of the three planters has a drainage hole at the bottom, so you won’t have to worry about water pooling around your plants’ roots. Additionally, each planter is lightweight, so you can easily rearrange or adjust them as needed. They’re available in a multicolored option (each planter will be a different color) or as an all-white trio.

Cons: The lack of weight in the bottom makes these planters prone to tipping over, and some buyers reported leakage, even with included plugs. Additionally, some customers have found the planters smaller than expected, so checking the dimensions before purchasing is important. The narrow openings also make it difficult to plant certain types of plants.

Bottom Line: Many plant lovers don’t want to display just one plant in their home, so you will need different planters or vases for each piece of greenery or flower you want to grow. If you’ve got more than one plant you want to pot into a head planter, this trio will suit your needs nicely.

Final Thoughts

If you want to make your plants look even better or stand out more, finding a cool planter to put them in is an easy and decorative way. These unique head-shaped planters will make artistic additions to your home and garden.