Why Plant Caddies Are Essential for Houseplant Lovers

Plant caddies are game-changers for lovers of substantial statement specimens. One of these practical, portable stands makes moving your sizable Swiss cheese plant a breeze. No more struggling with back pain, cracked containers or flattened foliage.

Are you on the fence about whether this accessory is a good investment? I asked experts for their views on the best plant caddies and their benefits.

What Is a Plant Caddy?

Plant caddies (aka plant dollies) are low-to-the-ground, flat platforms or saucers on swivel wheels. They allow you to move substantial plants or flower-filled containers without struggling with their heavy weight and awkward shapes.

Why Get a Plant Caddy?

There are lots of reasons to consider adding one or more to your indoor or outdoor plant accessory collection.

Mobility

Maneuverability is the No. 1 reason to purchase one. Says David Cohen, CEO of Flower Station: “Caddies with wheels make it effortless to move heavy pots for sunlight exposure or maintenance, reducing the risk of strain or damage to floors.”

Moving your heavy plants around more easily means you can:

• Easily rotate them to promote even growth;
• Zip them into a sunnier spot if foliage is fading;
• Move it temporarily to vacuum or mop behind it;
• Save your back from strain and your floor from scratches;
• Efficiently move it from indoors to outdoors in spring;
• Wheel containers out of the way when you need more space for entertaining on your deck or patio.

Drainage

Cohen says caddies often come with drip-catching saucers or slats so water can drain — perfect if you’re worried about overwatering and root rot.

Protection

Gardening expert Lindsey Hyland says elevated plant caddies prevent moisture damage. No more worrying about a dripping pot base leaving watermarks on your hardwood flooring . And your carpet won’t be at risk for dampness, which can encourage harmful mold and mildew patches.

What To Consider When Buying a Plant Caddy?

When choosing a plant caddy, consider these factors:

• Material: If you’re using it outdoors, opt for weatherproof materials that can handle damp conditions and hard frosts. Stainless steel, carbon-coated steel, aluminum, tempered glass, tough plastics and rot resistant woods like teak or cedar are all practical choices.

• Size: The caddy diameter should allow for repotting as the plant grows.

• Weight capacity: Choose one that can handle a considerable container. Models with maximum capacities between 150 and 300 pounds will work for most big specimens.

• Aesthetics: While caddies are just flat platforms, you usually still see some of it around the plant pot edges. Consider one that’s more luxe or matches your decor, especially indoors.

5 Popular Plant Caddies for Your Houseplants

Via Merchant

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some expert-approved choices.

Dolceluna wooden plant caddy

The Dolceluna wooden plant caddy doesn’t require complex assembly. Its round, reinforced construction means it can handle plants and their pots up to 150 lbs.

Two of the wheels lock, preventing your plant from sliding down a floor with a slight slope. And you won’t deal with constant small movements that can wear on your wood floor. The rustic wooden slats match well with most home styles.

“It ensures our premium potted plants are easily maneuvered without compromising safety,” Cohen says.

Amagabeli metal plant caddy

Hyland loves the Amagabeli metal plant caddy. “This rust-resistant caddy has sturdy wheels that glide smoothly, even under heavy pots,” she says.

The tough, weatherproof construction means it’s suitable for houseplants or patio container gardens. And with a 300-pound weight capacity, you can put the heaviest concrete planters on top.

This is another round model with a lockable wheel for extra stability. The powder-coated iron looks sophisticated in any setting.

Cerbior wood-poly composite plant caddy

If you want a modern-looking caddy for your minimalist home, consider the charcoal-colored Cerbior plant caddy, available as a square or round models.

Hyland calls it durable and reliable. It features a 150-pound capacity and those all-important 360-degree rotating, lockable wheels.

Sanya adjustable plant caddy

Choosing a plant caddy with an adjustable base means it won’t take up too much floor space when supporting a smaller plant. Then if you want to use it for your big fiddle leaf fig, just expand the base size.

The Sanyi adjustable plant caddy is perfect for this. Depending on the pot, it expands from 16 to 21 inches in diameter. Plus it features lockable wheels, an anti-skid surface and a generous 330-pound capacity. The one downside? It’s not as stylish as some other caddies on this list.

Planterhoma plastic plant caddies

When you’re on a budget and have lots of big houseplants, you can’t beat Planterhoma plastic plant caddies. They come in a pack of six and feature drip-catching trays.

Despite their low cost, these planters (available in eight colors) still feature lockable, 360-degree rotating wheels and a 120-pound capacity.