Getting plant stand size right is one of those things that seems simple until you actually try to do it. You measure your pot, find a stand that looks about right online, and when it arrives it's either too small, too tall, or somehow just doesn't look right. I've received countless messages from readers who've experienced this exact frustration, which tells me it's worth dedicating an entire guide to getting this fundamental choice correct.
The truth is that choosing the right size involves more than just making sure your pot fits. You need to consider the plant's height and spread, the visual proportions, the space where the stand will live, and even how the plant will grow over time. Let's work through each of these considerations systematically.
Measuring Your Pot Correctly
Let's start with the basics: measuring your pot accurately. The key measurement is the pot's external diameter at its widest point, which for most pots is the rim. Don't measure the base—that's almost always smaller. And remember to measure the pot itself, not the decorative cache pot it might be sitting in.
For a pot to sit securely on a stand, the platform needs to be at least 2-3 centimetres wider than the pot's diameter on all sides. So a pot that measures 20 centimetres across needs a platform of at least 24-26 centimetres. This gives you a small margin for placement and ensures the pot won't teeter on the edge.
For stands with ring-style tops designed to hold round pots, you'll need to measure the internal diameter of the ring. The pot should sit comfortably inside without dropping through. A pot that's 20 centimetres at the base but flares to 22 centimetres at the rim will sit on a 21-centimetre ring without falling through.
If you're ordering online and can't check fit in person, err on the larger side for platforms. A platform that's slightly too big still looks fine and holds the pot securely, while one that's too small creates both an aesthetic and safety problem.
Height Considerations
Height is where sizing gets more complex, because you need to consider both the stand's height and the plant's height together. The goal is usually to bring the plant to an optimal viewing height while maintaining pleasing proportions.
Viewing Height
For most situations, you want the plant's foliage to be roughly at eye level when you're in the typical position for that space. In a living room where you're usually seated, that means eye level while sitting on the couch—roughly 90-110 centimetres from the floor. In an entryway where you're standing, eye level is around 150-170 centimetres.
Calculate backwards from your target viewing height. If you want foliage at 100 centimetres and your plant is currently 40 centimetres tall in its pot, you need a stand of approximately 60 centimetres. Simple maths, but it's surprising how many people forget to account for the plant's existing height.
Proportional Height
Beyond viewing height, there's the question of proportions. A tiny plant perched atop a very tall stand looks precarious and awkward. A large, bushy plant on a short stand can appear to be overwhelming its base. General guidelines suggest the stand should be roughly one-third to two-thirds the height of the plant for the most pleasing proportions.
For statement plants that you want to showcase, err toward shorter stands that let the plant itself dominate. For smaller plants you want to elevate, you can use relatively taller stands without the arrangement looking unbalanced.
The combined height of stand plus plant should position the plant's most interesting features—flowers, variegated leaves, or architectural shape—at eye level for that space's typical use.
Space Dimensions
A beautifully proportioned plant and stand combination still needs to fit appropriately in its intended space. Consider both the floor footprint and the visual mass of the arrangement.
Floor Space
The stand's footprint should be appropriate for its location. A corner arrangement has different requirements than a stand in the middle of a room. Measure your intended spot, including any clearance needed for foot traffic. Remember that plants spread—a pothos on a stand in a hallway might start interfering with passage as it grows and trails.
Ceiling and Overhead Clearance
This is often forgotten until the stand arrives. Measure from floor to ceiling, then subtract the combined height of stand and plant (including any upward-reaching fronds or leaves). You need at least 15-20 centimetres of clearance above the plant's highest point for visual comfort and to allow growth. More clearance is needed if the plant is near a doorway or under pendant lighting.
Wall Distance
Stands placed against walls need to account for the depth of the plant's foliage. A plant that extends 30 centimetres forward from its stem needs a stand positioned at least that far from the wall, or the plant will be pressing against the wall. This can damage leaves and prevent proper air circulation.
Sizing for Tiered Stands
Multi-tier stands introduce additional complexity because you're fitting multiple pots and need clearance between levels.
Shelf Spacing
The vertical distance between shelves determines what plants can fit on each level. Most houseplants need at least 30-40 centimetres of clearance between the shelf surface and the bottom of the shelf above. Taller plants or those with upright growth habits need more. Measure your tallest plant destined for a particular shelf to ensure adequate clearance.
Shelf Depth and Width
Each shelf needs to accommodate its intended pots with the same 2-3 centimetre margin we discussed for single stands. On corner-style tiered stands, shelves often get progressively smaller toward the top—make sure each shelf is large enough for its intended plant.
Before purchasing a tiered stand, sketch out which specific plants you'll place on each shelf and their measurements. This prevents the common disappointment of receiving a stand only to find your plants don't fit as envisioned.
Planning for Plant Growth
Plants grow—it sounds obvious, but it's easy to size everything for how a plant looks now without considering how it will look in six months or a year. A fiddle leaf fig that's a manageable 60 centimetres today might be towering at 150 centimetres next year.
Consider the mature size of your plants and whether your stands can accommodate growth. For fast-growing plants, it might make sense to start with a taller stand than currently seems necessary, knowing the plant will grow into the proportions over time. Alternatively, plan to repot into larger pots and potentially transition to different stands as plants mature.
Trailing plants present another consideration. A string of hearts that's compact today might cascade a metre or more with good care. Will those trailing stems interfere with anything below? Plan ahead for the growth patterns of your specific plants.
Weight Capacity Sizing
Finally, don't forget that size relates to weight capacity. A larger platform doesn't necessarily mean higher weight tolerance—construction and materials matter more. Refer to our safety guide for detailed information on weight capacity, but always verify that any stand you choose can safely support the combined weight of pot, soil, water, and plant.
By working through these sizing considerations systematically, you'll avoid the disappointment of stands that don't quite work and create displays where everything fits together beautifully. Take your measurements, consider the space, think about growth, and you'll make choices you'll be happy with for years to come.