Small or large size: how to choose?

Faced with a plant to pot, the first question is almost always the same: small or large size? The answer isn’t just about available space — three criteria really matter, and they don’t always line up with intuition.

The main criterion: the current root system

A young citrus tree or a shrub doesn’t need a large volume of soil — a small size is plenty, and an oversized box would even hold too much moisture around still-modest roots. Conversely, an orange tree, a bay tree or a palm that’s already developed needs the volume only a large size can offer, with panels designed for repotting rather than replacing the whole box every couple of years.

The criterion people often forget: handling

A box filled with damp soil is heavy, and that weight becomes a real issue as soon as the plant needs to be moved — to follow the sun on a terrace, or to shelter it before winter. A small size stays movable by one person. A large size, on the other hand, is designed with built-in handles or rings from the manufacturing stage — not a comfort option, but a genuine necessity once the box is filled.

The financial criterion, kept in its proper place

Price logically follows volume: expect €250–€450 for a small size, €600–€1,200 for a large size depending on dimensions and chosen finish — see our pricing page for the detail. But price shouldn’t be the only judge: a small size bought to save money for an already-developed tree will end up constraining its roots, while an under-used large size for a young plant brings no real benefit either.

Still unsure?

There’s no single size that fits every case — the workshop confirms the dimensions suited to your specific plant when you request a quote, rather than leaving you to guess. It’s also the moment to confirm the finish you want, which has no bearing on size but is decided at the same time: see our article on choosing a finish.

If in doubt, it’s best to describe your project — species, current size, location — and let the workshop confirm the right size rather than deciding alone on a rough estimate. Requesting a free quote takes two minutes and comes with no obligation.