Best Mesh for Plant Pots: 10 Drainage Pads and Soil Cover Rolls Compared

Search for mesh for plant pots and you get two different products. One is a small pad that sits over the drainage hole and keeps soil from washing out, like the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads and LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads. The other is a roll of grid that covers the top of the soil to stop digging, like the NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch and Rovzup 157 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll.

For pads, the details are size and mesh gap. The GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads lists a 0.05 inch gap, the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads lists 2 mm openings and the 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets lists 1.5 mm holes. The GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets and 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets come as sheets you cut to fit big or odd holes.

We compared 10 meshes by type, size, pack and material, using only listing details. Pads do not make a pot leakproof, so you still need a saucer, and we flag where a listing says so.

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On this page

1. Compare Plant Pot Meshes by Type, Size, Pack Size and Material
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Mesh for Plant Pots
3. Do Not Mix Up Drainage Mesh and Soil Cover Mesh
4. Match the Pad Size to the Hole
5. How to Choose Mesh for Plant Pots
6. Which Plant Pot Mesh Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Plant Pot Meshes by Type, Size, Pack Size and Material

Detailed Reviews: Best Mesh for Plant Pots

1. GREGICH Drainage Mesh for Plant Pot 2 3 4 Inch Assorted 100 Pcs (Best overall mesh for plant pots)

• 100Pack
• 0.05 inMesh gap
• 2/3/4 inSizes
• PolyesterMaterial

Best for: several pot sizes at once with drainage holes

Why it ranks #1: It lists three sizes, a stated mesh gap and a named material in one set.

GREGICH lists 100 grey round pads: 50 at 2 inches, 25 at 3 inches and 25 at 4 inches. The mesh gap is listed at 0.05 inch, and the listing says the small holes help prevent soil loss.

The material is listed as flexible polyester that resists corrosion and has no odor. The listing says it suits bonsai, succulents and flower pots that have a drainage hole.

Skip it if you have big or odd-shaped holes; the GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets cuts to any shape.

2. GREGICH Drainage Mesh for Plant Pots 20 Pcs 8 x 12 Inch Sheets (Best cuttable mesh sheets for odd holes)

• 20Pack
• 8 x 12 inSheet
• 0.05 inMesh gap
• PolyesterMaterial

Best for: large or irregular drainage holes

Why it ranks #2: It lists a cuttable sheet size and the same mesh gap as the first pick.

GREGICH lists 20 rectangular sheets of 8 x 12 inches that you cut to the size and shape you need. The mesh gap is listed at 0.05 inch.

The listing says to cut the sheet and place it at the bottom of the pot. The material is polyester, the same as the round set.

Skip it if you want ready-made rounds; the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads has them.

3. LE TAUCI Plant Pot Drainage Hole Mesh Pads 2-Inch 50-Pack (Best polyamide mesh pads for small pots)

• 50Pack
• 2 inSize
• 2 mmOpenings
• PolyamideMaterial

Best for: small pots with small holes

Why it ranks #3: It lists a mesh opening size and clearly says the pads do not make a pot leakproof.

LE TAUCI lists a flexible, reusable polyamide mesh pad with 2 mm openings. The listing says it reduces soil washout while letting water pass through.

The listing says the pads do not make pots leakproof, so use a saucer or tray. It names bonsai, succulent, cactus and orchid pots as uses.

Skip it if you have large holes; the GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets and 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets come as sheets.

4. LE TAUCI Coconut Coir Drainage Pads 2 Inch Round 10 Pack (Best natural coir drainage pads)

• 10Pack
• 2 inSize
• CoirMaterial
• Pre-cutShape

Best for: gardeners who want a plastic-free pad

Why it ranks #4: It is the only natural fiber pad here and lists a pre-cut shape.

LE TAUCI lists 100 percent coconut fiber with a dense, plastic-free structure. The listing says slight fiber shedding at first use is normal.

The pad is pre-cut at 2 inches and the listing says it needs no trimming. It is listed for bonsai, succulent and small-hole containers.

Skip it if you want a reusable plastic pad; the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads is polyamide.

5. shemist Plant Mesh Drainage Screens 100PCS 2-Inch Reusable Grid Mats (Best 100 pack of 2 inch polyester screens)

• 100Pack
• 2 inSize
• PolyesterMaterial
• ReusableUse

Best for: a big batch of repotting for small pots

Why it ranks #5: It lists 100 polyester pads and repotting use.

shemist lists 100 percent polyester grids that are wear-resistant and hold their shape. The listing says they cover drainage holes while letting extra water out.

The 2 inch size is listed for small to medium pots, including succulents and herbs. The listing says to place one at the bottom before adding soil.

Skip it if you need several sizes; the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads has three.

6. 10pcs Flower Pot Hole Mesh Pad 11.8 x 7.8 Inch Glass Fiber (Best glass fiber mesh sheets)

• 10Pack
• 11.8 x 7.8 inSheet
• 1.5 mmHoles
• Glass fiberMaterial

Best for: cutting to fit and stacking over big holes

Why it ranks #6: It lists a fine hole size and a stack-friendly sheet.

The listing gives each sheet as 30 x 20 cm, or 11.81 x 7.87 inches, with 1.5 mm holes. It says the sheets cut and stack to suit any pot size.

The material is listed as glass fiber that is reusable. Wear gloves when cutting glass fiber, as the fibers can irritate skin.

Skip it if you prefer to avoid cutting fiber; the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads has pre-cut rounds.

7. Drain Smart Planter Pot Filler and Drainage Insert 6 Inch 5 Pack (Best rigid insert that replaces rocks)

• 5Pack
• 6 inSize
• 3DMesh
• USAMade in

Best for: bigger pots where you skip rocks and gravel

Why it ranks #7: It is a rigid insert, not a thin pad, and it lists where it is made.

Drain Smart lists a rigid 3D mesh disc that sits over the drainage hole so soil stays in and water flows out. The listing says it replaces rocks, gravel and bark.

The listing says it is made in the USA and is reusable, and that it helps prevent clogged drain holes. It is a pot filler, so it takes up space at the bottom of the pot.

Skip it if you want a thin pad; the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads or GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads are flat.

8. UtySty 15 Pack Flower Pot Hole Mesh Pad Plastic Cone Bottom Grid Gasket (Best cone mesh for airflow in the pot base)

• 15Pack
• 3Sizes
• ConeShape
• PlasticMaterial

Best for: pots where you want airflow under the soil

Why it ranks #8: It lists three sizes and a cone shape that the listing says adds airflow.

UtySty lists 15 tapered mesh gaskets in three sizes: 5 x 4.33, 5 x 2.91 and 5 x 2.28 inches. The listing says the hollow cone shape adds air and drainage.

The listing says to place it at the bottom of the pot with no need for clay pellets, and that it is reusable.

Skip it if you want a flat pad; the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads and LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads are flat.

9. NRWRTY 15.7 x 63 Inch Plant Pot Grids Cuttable Soil Cover Protector (Best soil cover mesh roll for digging pets)

• 15.7 x 63 inRoll
• 50Zip ties
• 10Ground stakes
• PEMaterial

Best for: stopping pets and squirrels digging in pots

Why it ranks #9: It is a kit with a roll, zip ties and stakes.

NRWRTY lists a PE mesh roll with breathable holes that lets water, air and sunlight through while keeping pets out. The kit lists 50 zip ties and 10 ground stakes.

The roll cuts to fit round, square or irregular pots, and larger planters can use two pieces joined together. It is a soil cover, not a drainage pad.

Skip it if you need drainage mesh; the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads to 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets are for that.

10. Rovzup 157 x 16 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll Cuttable Flower Pot Mesh Protector (Best long mesh roll for many pots)

• 157 inLength
• 15.7 inWidth
• 100Zip ties
• 24Ground nails

Best for: covering many planters against digging

Why it ranks #10: It lists the longest roll and the most ties and nails.

Rovzup lists a honeycomb PE mesh roll that is 157.4 inches long and 15.7 inches wide, cut to size for multiple planters. It lists 100 zip ties and 24 steel ground nails.

The listing says the mesh lets air and water through and is meant to keep cats, dogs and other small animals from digging. It is a soil cover, not a drainage pad.

Skip it if you need only one pot covered; the NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch roll is shorter.

Do Not Mix Up Drainage Mesh and Soil Cover Mesh

A drainage pad goes under the soil and a soil cover goes on top. The GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads to 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets are pads or sheets for the drainage hole. The NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch and Rovzup 157 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll are rolls that sit on the soil and use zip ties and stakes to stop digging.

If you use a soil cover, check that pets and small animals cannot get tangled in the mesh, and keep an eye on it. The listings say the NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch and Rovzup 157 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll let air and water through.

Match the Pad Size to the Hole

Pads come in set sizes. The LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads, LE TAUCI 10 Pack Coconut Coir Pads and shemist 100 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Screens are 2 inches, and the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads adds 3 and 4 inch pads. The UtySty 15 Pack Cone Mesh Gaskets runs from 5 x 2.28 to 5 x 4.33 inches. The Drain Smart 6 Inch Drainage Inserts is a 6 inch disc.

If your hole is large or irregular, use a cuttable sheet like the GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets or 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets. Wear gloves when cutting glass fiber, and layer pieces if the hole is large.

How to Choose Mesh for Plant Pots

Type

The GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads, LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads, LE TAUCI 10 Pack Coconut Coir Pads and shemist 100 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Screens are round pads. The GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets and 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets are cuttable sheets. The Drain Smart 6 Inch Drainage Inserts is a rigid disc and the UtySty 15 Pack Cone Mesh Gaskets is a cone. The NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch and Rovzup 157 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll are soil cover rolls.

Material

The GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads, GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets and shemist 100 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Screens are polyester, the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads is polyamide and the LE TAUCI 10 Pack Coconut Coir Pads is coconut coir. The 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets is glass fiber. The NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch and Rovzup 157 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll are PE.

Mesh size

The GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads and GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets list a 0.05 inch gap, the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads lists 2 mm openings and the 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets lists 1.5 mm holes.

Pack size

The GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads and shemist 100 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Screens have 100, the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads has 50, the GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets has 20 and the UtySty 15 Pack Cone Mesh Gaskets has 15. The LE TAUCI 10 Pack Coconut Coir Pads and 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets have 10 and the Drain Smart 6 Inch Drainage Inserts has 5.

Which Plant Pot Mesh Should You Choose?

• If you want the best all-round pad, choose the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads, because it lists three sizes and a 0.05 inch gap.
• If your holes are large, choose the GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets, because it is a cuttable 8 x 12 inch sheet.
• If you have small pots, choose the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads, because it lists 2 mm openings and a clear leak note.
• If you want plastic-free, choose the LE TAUCI 10 Pack Coconut Coir Pads, because it is coconut coir.
• If you need a big batch of 2 inch pads, choose the shemist 100 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Screens, because it comes as 100.
• If you want fine holes in a sheet, choose the 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets, because it lists 1.5 mm holes.
• If you want to skip rocks, choose the Drain Smart 6 Inch Drainage Inserts, because it is a rigid insert.
• If you want airflow under the soil, choose the UtySty 15 Pack Cone Mesh Gaskets, because it has a cone shape.
• If a pet digs in one pot, choose the NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch, because it comes with ties and stakes.
• If many pots need covering, choose the Rovzup 157 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll, because the roll is 157 inches long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mesh for plant pots?

For most pots, the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads is the best pick here because it lists three sizes, a 0.05 inch gap and polyester. For large holes, the GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets cuts to fit.

Do plant pots need mesh over the drainage hole?

Not always, but mesh like the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads helps keep soil from washing out. The listing notes it does not make a pot leakproof, so use a saucer.

Is mesh better than rocks in the bottom of a pot?

The Drain Smart 6 Inch Drainage Inserts is listed as a replacement for rocks and gravel, and the UtySty 15 Pack Cone Mesh Gaskets lists no clay pellets. Pads like the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads keep soil in without adding depth.

How do I stop my pet digging in a plant pot?

A soil cover roll like the NRWRTY Plant Pot Grid Roll 15.7 x 63 Inch or Rovzup 157 Inch Plant Pot Grid Roll sits on the soil and is held with ties and stakes. Check that animals cannot get tangled.

Can I cut drainage mesh to fit?

Yes. The GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets and 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets are sheets you cut to size, and the 10 Pack Glass Fiber Mesh Sheets lists cutting and stacking. Wear gloves for glass fiber.

Are coir pads better than plastic mesh?

The LE TAUCI 10 Pack Coconut Coir Pads is plastic-free coir but lists some shedding at first use. Plastic pads like the LE TAUCI 50 Pack 2 Inch Mesh Pads are listed as reusable.

Final Verdict

The GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads is the best mesh for plant pots in this guide. It is a 100 piece polyester set in 2, 3 and 4 inch sizes with a listed 0.05 inch mesh gap. For big holes, the GREGICH 20 Pack 8 x 12 Inch Mesh Sheets cuts to fit. Before you buy, match the pad to your hole and use a saucer, since pads do not make a pot leakproof.

See the GREGICH 100 Pack Assorted Round Mesh Pads on Amazon