Top 5 Stones for Potted Plants Indoors and Out

Plants add life and vibrancy to our homes and gardens. From towering trunks to the prickly points of a succulent, plant life also comes in all shapes and sizes. To protect your diverse range of greens, you can pot them to ward off harsh weather and pests all year round. Stones for these potted plants provide aesthetic pleasure, additional protection from nibbling creatures, soil retention and better drainage. 

Step up your stone game and introduce a fresh wave of energy to your plants inside the home and out. 

1. River Rocks

River rocks are smooth, polished stones. Weathered by the rushing streams of water (or manufactured to look this way), the variety of colors and shapes cast a colorful glow on any garden. 

Try adding these unique rocks to the top of a potted indoor plant to find a mess-free watering experience. Rough rocks may splash water outside of the pot, but the smoothness of these river stones allows liquid nutrients to filter throughout the soil. 

Outside of the home, people can use river rocks as a bed on which to place larger potted plants. Imagine the soft hues of blues, tans and greys dotting the ground after a rainfall. With both aesthetic pleasure and practicality, river rocks are a great addition to your garden.

$18.59 from Amazon

2. Gravel Nuggets

Gravel nuggets are both smaller and rougher than river rocks. Made from chipped gravel, the nuggets may come in white, grey or black shades. You may find gravel nuggets inside terrariums and succulent gardens because smaller spaces pair well with these miniature shards. 

Nuggets are more than decorative, however. When placed on top of the soil, nuggets displace bugs and pests trying to reach the soil. The nuggets also tamp down the soil inside of the pot so that harsh winds or rain do not sweep it away.

$18.79 from Amazon

3. Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is another smallish rock collection that relies on shades of tan and white for its decorative element. For more of a sandy, desert look, pea gravel is the perfect option. It also adds needed weight to fragile or unbalanced pots. 

For smaller rock and gravel mixes like this, you may find improved drainage in your potted plants. The rocks increase the spaces between soil, making it less packed and dense. Water is then able to filter through and nourish the plants properly.

$12.99 from Amazon

4. Clay Pebbles

Clay pebbles offer a more unique appearance with their rounded, bean-like appearance. You may recognize clay pebbles from bonsai mixes. They are filled with tiny air pockets that contain moisture and oxygen needed for proper plant health. 

Even better, these pebbles are known to repel pests like gnats. 

$12.90 from Amazon

5. Gemstones

Gemstones and precious stones are the ultimate addition to a decorative garden or windowsill collection. In the sunlight, their unique reflections of color create dancing rainbows and shapes. Outside, butterflies may find these warm light patches as places to rest and dry after rain. 

There are also endless varieties of precious stones you can add to your potted plants. Rough, polished, translucent, large and small, gemstones are here to add color and beauty. 

Moss agate is known as the gardener’s stone for its mellow green color. You can play off of its gentle energy by pairing it with a spiky cactus or hardy succulent. 

$12.99 from Amazon

Harness Pebble Power

Potted plants come in all shapes and sizes, so your stones should match their personality and needs. No matter what your greens need, stones provide aid in many forms. With the right selection, your green thumb turns a little bit brighter.