What Are Plant Saucers For?

by Khiddy Arcayos Jr. -- October 07, 2025

If you’ve ever watered your favorite houseplant and watched excess water spill onto your floor, you already know why plant saucers exist. These simple, often overlooked accessories play a big role in keeping your home clean, your plants healthy, and your space stylish.

Whether you’re decorating a sunny patio, setting up an indoor plant pots corner, or just trying to avoid water stains on your hardwood floors, saucers are a smart addition to every pot. In this guide, we’ll break down what plant saucers do, how to choose the right size, and why ceramic saucers are a beautiful and practical choice.

Explore our ceramic plant saucers collection, including 24 Inch Plant Saucers, to find the perfect match for your planters.

Why Plant Saucers Matter

Plant saucers aren’t just for decoration — they’re functional tools that protect both your plants and your surfaces.

Catch excess water: When you water a potted plant, extra water drains out of the bottom. Saucers catch this runoff, keeping floors, decks, and patios dry.
Prevent mess indoors: No more muddy rings on your floors or furniture. Saucers create a clean buffer between the pot and the surface.
Support healthy drainage: Proper drainage prevents root rot, and saucers let you water thoroughly without worrying about overflow.
Add a finished look: A well-matched saucer makes your pot look intentional and complete — especially when you use elegant ceramic designs.

Different Types of Plant Saucers

Not all saucers are made equal. The type you choose can impact both function and style.

Ceramic Plant Saucers

Ceramic saucers are durable, heavy, and often beautifully glazed. They hold up well outdoors, won’t blow away in the wind, and elevate the look of your ceramic pots. Their weight also makes them a great choice for larger planters on patios or entryways.

Plastic Saucers

Lightweight and inexpensive, plastic saucers are a popular option for temporary setups or indoor use. However, they can warp, discolor, or crack over time — especially under strong sun.

Decorative vs. Functional Designs

Some saucers are plain and purely functional, while others feature ornate rims, patterns, or colors that complement your planters. Ceramic saucers often combine both beauty and utility, making them perfect for home décor.

How to Choose the Right Saucer Size

One of the most common questions is: “What size saucer should I get for my pot?”

A saucer that’s too small will overflow. One that’s too big can look awkward and collect too much stagnant water. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get it right:

Measure the base of your pot (not the top).
Add 1–2 inches to that measurement — this is your ideal saucer diameter.
Match height: choose a saucer with a lip high enough to catch water without flooding.

Example Sizing

For 8 inch plant pots, look for saucers that are roughly 9–10 inches in diameter.
For a 12 inch pot, consider using 24 Inch Plant Saucers when you want extra coverage for heavy watering or to create a bold, decorative base.

Browse our plant saucers collection to find the right size and style for your setup.

Common Mistakes When Using Plant Saucers

Even though they’re simple, saucers are often misused. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

No drainage holes in the pot: Saucers can’t compensate for a pot with no drainage — stagnant water leads to root rot.
Using undersized saucers: Especially for 8" pots, small saucers overflow quickly.
Leaving water sitting for days: Empty excess water after watering to prevent pests and mildew.
Placing saucers on unprotected wood without pads: Even ceramic saucers can cause moisture rings if left too long.

FAQ – Plant Saucers

Do plant saucers need drainage holes?

No — saucers are designed to catch water, not drain it. However, you should empty them regularly to keep the water from stagnating.

Can I use ceramic saucers indoors?

Yes, ceramic saucers are excellent indoors. They’re sturdy, beautiful, and won’t leak if properly glazed. Just add felt pads underneath to protect wooden floors.

What size saucer do I need for an 8-inch pot?

Choose a saucer around 9–10 inches wide. This gives enough space for runoff without being oversized.

What to put under plants to catch water?

Plant saucers are the best solution. They’re purpose-built to catch excess water and protect your surfaces, unlike makeshift trays or plates that can crack or stain.

How do you clean plant saucers?

Empty them regularly, rinse with warm water, and scrub any mineral build-up with a soft brush or vinegar solution. Ceramic saucers clean up easily and don’t absorb stains like plastic.

Best Ceramic Plant Saucers for Your Home

Ceramic saucers combine style and function beautifully. At Ten Thousand Pots, we offer:

Heavy-duty ceramic saucers that won’t tip or blow away
Beautiful glazes that complement your indoor and outdoor décor
A wide range of sizes, perfect for 8", 12", and large planters

Explore our ceramic plant saucers collection to find durable, elegant saucers that complete your space.

Final Thoughts

Plant saucers might seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference. From catching excess water to protecting your floors and finishing the look of your planters, they’re an essential part of container gardening.

Whether you need a simple indoor saucer or a decorative ceramic piece for your patio, choosing the right one ensures both your plants and your home thrive.

Ready to upgrade your setup? Browse our plant saucers collection to find the perfect match today.