The Genuine Article

Good-looking enough to go indoors, glazed ceramic pots often come in bright colors, which provide the perfect accent for subtly hued leaves. The porous material lets roots breathe, while the glazed finish conserves moisture. This Vietnamese glazed ceramic container ($50, www.worldpottery.com), which stands only 12 inches tall, weighs about 20 pounds empty.

The Flattering Imitation

The Provence Planter ($35, www.gardeners.com), a 16-inch-tall, 2 1/2-pound polypropylene look-alike from Gardener's Supply, is a fine option for someone who wants to move plants around.

Experts Say

The fake fooled four out of five experts — and the fifth wavered. "This fake is convincing, especially when it's filled," says Naomi Blumenthal, a garden designer in Alford, Massachusetts.