The HC Companies Eclipse Square Plastic Planter w/Attached Saucer - Outdoor & Indoor Plant Pot with Drainage Holes - Lightweight, UV-Resistant Plastic Pots for Plants

Why I reached for a square planter

Square planters make better use of tight corners and narrow ledges than round pots, and they group cleanly without awkward gaps. That’s what drew me to the Eclipse square planter—a lightweight, 12-inch, UV-resistant plastic pot with a removable attached saucer and pre-drilled drainage. After several months rotating a pair between my living room and back patio, I have a good sense of where it shines and where it’s merely serviceable.

Design and build quality

The Eclipse is molded from polypropylene with a matte finish that reads modern rather than glossy or cheap. The walls have a bit of flex—this isn’t the thick, heavy resin you find on premium outdoor vessels—yet the body is uniform, consistent, and free of warps or flashing. The material choice keeps the weight low, which is a significant plus when you’re repotting or shifting arrangements seasonally.

The form is a gentle taper from top to base, with a clean rim and a squared saucer that nests underneath. The saucer is “attached” in the sense that it clips on and stays put, but you can pop it off to dump water or give it a wash. Small detail, big difference: the clip points are robust enough that they don’t feel like they’ll snap after a few cycles.

If you’re accustomed to pottery, the Eclipse will feel light for its size. Pick it up by the base once planted, not just the rim, and it’ll treat you well. I had no issues with cracking or seam splits.

Size and planting capacity

The 12-inch dimension refers to the outer top width. Inside, you get a bit less due to wall thickness and the taper. In practical terms, this pot comfortably takes a 10-inch nursery plant if you’re slip-potting, or about 4 gallons (roughly 15–16 liters) of potting mix if you’re planting directly. For context, that volume suits:

• A Boston fern, peace lily, snake plant, or ZZ plant with room to grow
• A compact shrub or seasonal annual display
• A single pepper or bush tomato on the smaller side, provided you stake it

Root depth is about 10.5 inches, which is generous for most houseplants and many edibles. If you’re growing deep-rooted vegetables or large shrubs, you’ll want a larger container.

Drainage and saucer system

Out of the box, the Eclipse includes pre-drilled drainage holes—no punching or guessing needed. Water moves through the base readily, and the saucer is deep enough to catch a normal watering without overflowing. I appreciate that the saucer sits flush and doesn’t rattle; it makes indoor watering less nerve-wracking on wood floors.

A few observations after repeated use:

• The saucer’s depth is a double-edged sword. It’s great at protecting surfaces, but if you’re heavy-handed with watering, it can hold more than you think. I found it easiest to unclip and empty the saucer outside rather than wick it out with a towel.
• For outdoor setups in heavy rain, I preferred leaving the saucer off entirely so excess water could drain freely. The clips are sturdy enough to reattach later without fuss.

Indoor and outdoor performance

I ran one planter indoors with a fern and the other outdoors with a coleus/annual mix. Indoors, the matte finish hides fingerprints and potting mix smudges better than gloss. A quick wipe with a damp cloth brings it back. There’s no chemical odor, and the base sits flat without wobble.

Outside, the UV-resistant claim held up well through a hot, sunny season. I didn’t see fading or chalking, and there were no hairline cracks after a couple of cool nights with light frost. Because it’s so light, wind can be a factor with top-heavy plants; adding an inch of gravel at the bottom or moving it next to a wall solved that.

Aesthetics and color

The Eclipse leans modern: crisp lines, squared profile, matte surface. In black, it disappears and lets foliage carry the look; paired in a set, they create a tidy, structured arrangement on a patio or entryway. If you prefer color, the line includes several shades beyond black, and the color runs through the plastic rather than sitting on top like paint, which helps with scratch resistance.

Matte finishes can show scuffs from dragging against rough surfaces. My fix has been simple—lift, don’t slide, and use felt pads if you’re parking it on a shelf or delicate floor.

Usability and ergonomics

A few things I liked in day-to-day use:

• The square base wastes less floor space and sits neatly against walls or in corners.
• The rim gives enough purchase to move the pot, even with gloves on.
• The saucer’s secure clip means I’m not chasing it every time I reposition the plant.

And a few quirks:

• The sidewalls flex slightly when the pot is fully loaded. Lift from the bottom to avoid strain on the rim.
• If the saucer floods, unclipping to dump can be drippy—do it outside or over a sink.

Durability over time

After a full season outdoors and continuous use indoors, the planters show minimal wear. No UV fade, no brittleness, and no deformation from water exposure. The matte surface has a couple of light scuffs, but they’re only visible at certain angles. The drainage holes haven’t clogged, and the saucer clips remain tight. I can’t speak to multi-year performance yet, but early signs are optimistic for a plastic planter in this price tier.

Value and alternatives

The Eclipse sits in the “affordable but not bargain-basement” bracket. You’re paying for the convenience of pre-drilled holes, a snap-on saucer, and a contemporary finish. Compared to ceramic or thick-walled composite, you give up heft and some premium feel; in exchange, you gain portability and an easier time repotting.

If you need a planter that can double as a wind anchor or sustain hard knocks from pets or kids, a heavier resin or ceramic might be a better fit. If weight and cost matter more—and you like the square footprint—the Eclipse hits a sweet spot.

Tips for best results

• Add 0.5–1 inch of gravel or pumice at the bottom if you’re placing it in a breezy spot.
• Use a high-quality, light potting mix for faster drainage; avoid garden soil.
• Water until you see runoff; then check the saucer after 10–15 minutes and empty if needed, especially indoors.
• For outdoor use in rainy climates, consider leaving the saucer off during the wet season and reattaching for summer.

Who it’s for

• Apartment dwellers and renters who need lightweight, easy-to-move planters
• Anyone building a clean, modern plant display in corners or along walls
• Indoor growers who want drainage without risking floor damage
• Patio gardeners rotating seasonal plantings who value portability

Who should look elsewhere:

• Gardeners in very windy locations who need heavy, tip-resistant containers
• Buyers seeking the premium heft and thickness of high-end resin or ceramic

Final take

The Eclipse square planter gets the fundamentals right: adequate volume for a broad range of plants, truly functional drainage, a practical saucer system, and a clean, contemporary look—all in a lightweight, UV-stable package. It’s not the thickest or heaviest planter you can buy, and the sidewalls have some flex, but in use that rarely matters. What you notice day to day is how easy it is to move, how tidy it looks in groups, and how reliably it protects your floors and decks from overwatering mishaps.

Recommendation: I recommend the Eclipse for anyone who wants a modern-looking, square planter that balances price, function, and portability. It’s an especially good fit for indoor use and protected patios. If you need the mass and bulletproof feel of ceramic or heavy resin, this won’t replace those—but for most houseplants and moderate outdoor use, it’s a smart, dependable choice.