A flowerpot is a container designed to hold soil and a growing plant. Many flowerpots are made from clay, ceramic, or plastic, often with a hole in the bottom that lets excess water drain out so the plant's roots don't rot.

People use flowerpots to grow plants indoors where there's no garden soil, or outdoors on patios and porches. You might see flowerpots holding herbs on a kitchen windowsill, colorful flowers on front steps, or even small tomato plants on an apartment balcony. Some flowerpots are plain and practical, while others are decorated with painted designs or interesting glazes.

The drainage hole at the bottom is important: without it, water can pool around the roots and harm the plant. That's why flowerpots often sit on matching saucers that catch the dripping water. If you've ever helped repot a plant that's grown too large, you know how satisfying it feels to give it a bigger flowerpot where its roots have room to spread.