Ripleys Nest · plant pot guide

Best plants for head planters

Q: Should I use real or artificial plants in a head planter?

Either can work. Real plants give natural movement, while artificial stems are useful in dark corners or places that are hard to water.

The easiest head planter styling trick is to treat the plant like hair or a crown. Trailing plants soften the face. Upright plants add height. Compact plants keep the sculpture crisp.

Quick answer

For most head planters, start with a small trailing plant if you want a soft, living-hair look. Choose an upright plant if the pot will sit on the floor, a plinth, or a wide shelf where extra height makes sense.

Always check the plant's nursery pot size against the planter opening before ordering. If you are using a cache-pot setup, keep the plant in its own inner pot so watering is easier to manage.

Shop head planters

Simple rule: trailing for movement, upright for drama, compact for a tidy sculptural look.

What works best

Plant style	Good for	Why it works
Trailing plants	High shelves, sideboards, mantlepieces	They fall around the face and make the planter feel softer.
Upright plants	Floor stands, plinths, clear corners	They add height and make the bust feel more sculptural.
Compact plants	Desks, windowsills, narrow shelves	They keep the planter shape visible and tidy.
Artificial stems	Low-light rooms or awkward spots	They give the look without worrying about watering or light.

Plant ideas by look

For a soft trailing look

Try pothos, trailing ivy, string of hearts, or a small trailing fern. These suit head planters because they break up the edge of the pot and give movement around the sculpture.

For a taller statement

Try a small snake plant, peace lily, spider plant, or upright fern. These work when the planter has room around it and the plant can rise above the head shape.

For a clean sculptural look

Try a compact peperomia, small fittonia, small fern, or artificial foliage. This keeps the face, finish, and silhouette easy to see.

Water carefully and lift the inner pot out where you can. That helps protect the planter surface and keeps the plant easier to care for.

Head planters to style

These are active Ripleys Nest head planters with real product photos. Choose the shape first, then match the plant to the opening, height, and room placement.

Nefertari Head Planter | Cast Stone Woman Bust From £46.97

Black woman head planter with peace lily

Cast Stone Woman Planter | Black Woman Head Planter From £46.97

Gold Face Plant Pot | Golden Tears Bust Planter From £46.97

Spiral face plant pot with trailing greenery

Spiral Face Plant Pot | African Head Planter From £43.57

Art Deco face plant pot with gold crown and greenery

Art Deco Face Plant Pot | Gold Head Planter From £43.57

Teal face plant pot with gold wave crown

Teal Face Plant Pot | African Head Planter From £43.57

Questions people usually ask

Should I use real or artificial plants in a head planter?

Either can work. Real plants give the best natural movement, but artificial stems are useful in dark corners or places that are hard to water.

What plant gives the best hair effect?

A trailing plant usually gives the strongest hair effect. Pothos, trailing ivy and string of hearts are common choices for that look.

Do head planters need drainage?

Check the individual product option before ordering. If you are unsure, a nursery pot inside the planter is the simplest setup.

What should I check before buying?

Check the planter opening, the nursery pot size, the room light, and where the leaves will fall. A plant that looks right in the space matters more than choosing the trendiest variety.