If you've recently caught the houseplant bug—and let's be honest, who hasn't these days—you've probably started wondering how to display your growing collection. That's where plant stands come in, and trust me, choosing the right one can make all the difference between a cluttered mess and a stunning indoor garden that looks like it belongs in a design magazine.
As someone who's been obsessing over plant displays for over a decade, I've made my fair share of mistakes. I've bought stands that wobbled dangerously, chosen materials that couldn't handle a bit of water spillage, and completely misjudged sizes more times than I care to admit. This guide is everything I wish I'd known when I started out, compiled to help you avoid those same pitfalls.
What Exactly Is a Plant Stand?
At its simplest, a plant stand is any structure designed to elevate and display your potted plants. But modern plant stands have evolved far beyond simple pedestals. Today, you'll find everything from minimalist single-pot holders to elaborate multi-tiered shelving systems, wall-mounted options, hanging designs, and corner units that transform unused spaces into verdant displays.
The purpose of a plant stand extends beyond mere aesthetics, though that's certainly a major benefit. Elevating plants improves air circulation around the foliage, which helps prevent fungal diseases. It can also position plants at better heights for optimal light exposure, create visual interest through varying elevations, and protect your floors and furniture from water damage.
Before shopping for plant stands, measure your tallest plant from the bottom of the pot to the highest leaf. You'll want a stand that showcases the plant without cramming it against a ceiling or blocking it behind furniture.
Understanding Plant Stand Materials
The material of your plant stand affects everything from durability to style to maintenance requirements. Here's what you need to know about the most common options available in Australia.
Wood and Timber
Wooden plant stands offer warmth and natural beauty that complements greenery perfectly. Hardwoods like Australian jarrah, spotted gum, and blackbutt are extremely durable and can handle both indoor and outdoor use when properly treated. Softer woods and pine are more affordable but require more care and are best kept indoors. The main consideration with wood is moisture—always use drip trays under your pots, and wipe up spills promptly. You can learn more about caring for these stands in our wooden plant stand maintenance guide.
Metal
Metal stands—typically steel, iron, or aluminium—offer excellent durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Powder-coated finishes provide good rust protection, though this varies in quality. For outdoor use in Australia's harsh conditions, look for marine-grade finishes or galvanised steel. Wrought iron offers a classic look but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. The industrial trend has made metal stands particularly popular for contemporary and minimalist interiors.
Bamboo
Bamboo has become incredibly popular, and for good reason. It's sustainable, lightweight, surprisingly strong, and has a beautiful natural appearance. Quality bamboo stands can last for years with proper care. However, bamboo doesn't love excessive moisture or humidity, so it's best for indoor use in well-ventilated areas. It's also worth noting that not all bamboo products are created equal—look for solid bamboo rather than pressed bamboo composites.
Rattan and Wicker
These natural materials bring a relaxed, coastal vibe to any space. They're lightweight and perfect for creating bohemian or tropical aesthetics. However, they're generally best for indoor use only, as moisture and UV exposure can cause deterioration. Natural rattan is more durable than synthetic versions, though synthetic rattan (often called resin wicker) can handle outdoor conditions better.
Choose your material based on location first, style second. Indoor-only allows any material, while outdoor stands need weather-resistant options like powder-coated metal or treated hardwood.
Choosing the Right Size
Getting the size right is crucial, and it involves more than just making sure your pot fits. Consider the mature size of your plant—a small fiddle leaf fig today might be a towering specimen in a few years. Think about the visual weight of the plant and stand together, and how they'll fit in your space.
For single pot stands, measure your pot's diameter and look for a stand platform that's at least 2-3 centimetres larger all around. This gives you a bit of wiggle room and ensures the pot sits securely. Height is trickier and depends on where you're placing the stand. A general rule is that the top of the plant should be roughly at eye level when you're in the most common position in that room—standing in a hallway, seated in a living room.
For tiered stands, consider the spacing between levels. Plants need room for foliage to spread without crowding neighbours, and you need to be able to water and tend to each plant easily. A minimum of 30 centimetres between tiers is usually comfortable for most houseplants.
Style Considerations
Your plant stand should complement both your plants and your existing décor. Minimalist modern stands with clean lines suit contemporary spaces and let architectural plants like snake plants or ZZ plants take centre stage. Ornate wrought iron works beautifully in traditional or Victorian-style homes. Bohemian spaces call for rattan, macramé hangers, or rustic wood. Mid-century modern interiors pair perfectly with stands featuring tapered legs and simple geometric shapes.
Don't be afraid to mix materials—a metal stand can work beautifully in a room full of wooden furniture if the style and proportions are right. The key is maintaining consistency in either style or colour palette.
Always check the weight capacity of your plant stand. A large terracotta pot filled with moist soil and a mature plant can easily weigh 15-20 kilograms or more. Exceeding capacity is a safety hazard and can damage your stand.
Where to Start
If you're just beginning your plant stand journey, I'd recommend starting with a single, versatile mid-height stand in a neutral material. A powder-coated metal or bamboo stand around 50-60 centimetres tall will suit a wide range of plants and spaces. This lets you get a feel for how a plant stand changes the dynamic of your space before investing in more elaborate or specialised options.
Once you're comfortable, you can expand to tiered stands for creating vertical interest, corner stands for maximising space, or hanging options for trailing plants like pothos and string of pearls. You might also explore our product comparison tool to see different options side by side.
The world of plant stands is wonderfully diverse, and there's truly something for every style, space, and budget. Take your time, measure carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment. After all, part of the joy of indoor gardening is creating displays that bring you happiness every time you walk into the room.