A complete plant pot guide to pick the right kind of container for every plant
While gardening is extremely therapeutic, choosing the right plant pot is essential for the well-being of your plants.
Plant pots or planters are made of different materials, and come in various shapes and sizes. As well as complimenting the aesthetics of your home, the right type of planter ensures a healthy growth of the plants.
This video is sourced from YouTube@Rogers Gardens
Whether you’re a novice gardener or a plant enthusiast, we have compiled a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right plant pot for your home.
Table of contents
- Three main categories of plant pots
- Why the size of the plant pot matters
- How to choose the right pot for your home/garden
- Self-watering plant pots that are a must for your home
Three main categories of plant pots
There are three main categories of planter pots based on material: ceramic, clay, and plastic. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, outlined below.
Clay or Terracotta
The traditional pots made of clay or terracotta are among the most popular planters. They are usually available in a standard color and may vary slightly in size and shape. Clay pots are also easy on the pocket compared to their ceramic counterparts.
Plants that don’t need moisture to thrive and can survive heat and drier conditions are best grown in clay pots. These include succulents, cacti and certain types of herbs. Flower pots are usually made of clay as they contain more pores allowing proper circulation.
Pros
● As clay is biodegradable, these pots are eco-friendly and easily available in most parts of the world.
● Clay pots boast great drainage, which prevents the roots from rotting due to excessive moisture. It also has better air circulation compared to other materials.
● Not too heavy, clay or terracotta pots are easier to move around or transport, as long as they are cared for.
Cons
● Earthen pots are fragile and susceptible to damage or breakage, especially when exposed to a sudden change in the temperature.
● Unlike other pots for plants, clay pots need constant watering because the material easily dries out.
● Plants that need consistent moisture cannot thrive in clay or terracotta pots.
Plastic pots
Plastic pots have become popular in the modern day thanks to their appeal, reasonable price and the ease with which they can be maintained. You can find pots made of plastic almost anywhere in the world. Plastic planters are suitable for indoor and outdoor plants, they can be transported easily and are durable. Hanging plants are usually made of plastic.
A variety of plants can be grown in plastic pots or plants provided they have proper drainage and are exposed to enough sunlight. Planters made of plastic are suitable for certain vegetables, flowering shrubs and even ornamental plants. They are great options to grow indoor plants like Peace Lily and snake plants.
Pros
● Compared to clay and ceramic plant pots, plastic planters are significantly lighter. Available in a range of colors, they perfectly blend into your interiors. Larger plastic pots are a great choice for outdoor gardening too.
● They are cost-effective and last longer. Plastic posts are less susceptible to breakage or damage under harsh conditions.
● Plastic pots lack pores, so they don’t absorb moisture. Therefore, it’s easier to clean and maintain them.
Cons
● One of the biggest drawbacks of plastic pots is that they tend to retain excessive moisture due to the lack of absorbability. The roots are easily prone to rotting.
● While plastic insulates roots when exposed to extreme temperatures, plastic pots can become brittle from over-exposure to sunlight or prolonged heat.
● Plastic pots are not as breathable as other materials, which can be detrimental to root health and overall plant growth.
● Plastic planters aren’t ideal for growing large plants as the roots can penetrate through and cause the pots to break.
Ceramic pots
Ceramic pots are known for their aesthetics. Available in various sizes and shapes, they perfectly complement your home or garden. In terms of plant health, ceramic pots give more stability but have their share of disadvantages too.
Houseplants such as Golden Pothos, Succulents, Spider plants and Boston Fern that require evenly moist soil to grow are great candidates for ceramic pots.
Pros
● Whether you want to decorate your home or make your garden look more attractive ceramic pots are a great choice. They are also suitable for larger plants thanks to their sturdy structure and weight.
● These pots promote root health by retaining moisture, unlike clay pots. Ceramic pots are especially good for plants that thrive in moist soil.
● Ceramic pots are generally durable if maintained well and are resistant to UV rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight doesn’t typically damage the pot.
Cons
● Ceramic pots are comparatively heavier and aren’t for those who move homes frequently.
● While they are good at retaining moisture, the advantage can morph into a drawback if the roots are sensitive to moist soil. The poor drainage increases the risk of overwatering.
● Cost is a factor you must consider when picking ceramic pots because they can burn a hole in your pocket.
● Ceramic pots are great in insulating the roots against heat, but they can crack in cold climates from freezing
Why the size of the plant pot matters
The size of your planter, aside from its convenience, determines the overall well-being of your prize plant. Here are 5 factors to consider while measuring the size of a plant.
Water retention and drainage – The ability of the roots and soil to retain moisture and drain out the rest entirely depends on the size of the pot. For instance, smaller plants in larger pots may struggle to keep the water intact due to the excessive space between the roots and the soil.
Similarly, forcing a large plant into a tiny pot could cause the roots to dry out easily due to poor circulation.
Root health – Roots need adequate space to spread and efficiently absorb nutrients from the soil. Any stress to the roots due to the size of the pot can cause great damage to your plant.
Temperature regulation – Soil tends to heat up and cool down faster when the surface area of the pot is large. The fluctuation in the temperature can be problematic for plants sensitive to changes.
Support – A plant pot of the right dimensions is important to ensure the stability of the plant. Using the wrong size disrupts the growth.
Soil degradation – Soil tends to dry out quickly in smaller plants, affecting the root’s nutrient and water intake. Meanwhile, soil in larger pots can degrade easily and cause rotting of the roots with excessive water retention.
How to choose the right pot for your home/garden
Gardening can be challenging if you live in an apartment or a house with space constraints. Thanks to containers and different pot choices, anyone can be a plant parent. Consider the below factors while picking a pot for your home.
Environment – While ceramic plant pots are recommended for hot temperatures, clay pots are better suited for areas with moderate weather as they can crack easily when exposed to heat or cold. Whereas, plastic plant pots are durable and suitable for all weather, as long as the drainage and general maintenance are taken care of.
Plant type – Every plant thrives under different conditions. While cacti and succulents grow best in shallow and wide pots, larger herbs and shrubs need taller pots. Meanwhile, some plants like orchids grow tall and need good drainage, as opposed to maidenhair ferns which need consistently moist soil.
Time and effort – Gardening or even maintaining a single pot takes time and effort. Luckily, there are options, such as self-watering plants, that are self-sufficient. However, ceramic or clay pots are recommended if you’re willing to get your hands dirty with conventional gardening methods.
Aesthetics – Every aspect of the plant pot including its color, style, material, arrangement and placement enhances the appeal of your home. For instance, hanging plant pots are not only visually appealing but they also save a lot of space.
While some neutral or bold color choices create a sophisticated look and make your interiors stand out, certain shades can uplift your mood. Furthermore, the material, shape of the pots and their arrangements matter too.
Replanting – Most indoor and outdoor plants benefit from periodic replanting as a change of soil and pot supports healthy growth. Therefore, it’s advised to pick a pot that’s 1 or 2 inches larger than the current root size. So the roots have sufficient space to grow and removing the plant from the pot will be easier when it needs an upgrade.
Observe the roots of the plants to know when to re-pot them. It’s a sign your plant needs repotting if the roots circle within the pot or start to grow through the drainage holes or cause the pot to damage, it’s your cue to find your plant a new home.
Self-watering plant pots that are a must for your home
For first-time gardeners with a busy life that doesn’t allow much time for a hobby, we have listed 5 self-watering plant pots. We have one to meet all your needs, whether you want to decorate your home with an outdoor plant pot or make the interiors more edgy.
16 Inch Tall Outdoor Planters Set of 2
The self-watering tall outdoor planters by GARVEE comes with intriguing features, such as water level monitoring, flexible bottom wheels and water outlet.
The 16’ pot is perfect for a garden patio, balcony, or lounge. The aesthetically indoor outdoor self-watering plant pot can be bought for just $57.99.
20" Tall Large Round Planter Set of 2
The large self-watering large round planter for outdoor plants boasts features such as built-in drainage, weatherproof design and elegant design for any décor style.
Available in a set of 2 for $164.99, the tall large planter is made of high-quality plastic to sustain extreme conditions.
23" Large Outdoor Tall Planter Black Flower Pots
We highly recommend the outdoor flower pots for minimalists, who want to enhance the appeal of their home or garden effortlessly.
Thanks to its features such as a self-watering mechanism and built-in drainage, the outdoor planter can be the perfect addition to your collection for just $77.99.
Tall Oval Planter for Patio/Porch
Don’t worry if you’re looking for a planter shaped differently and has more space– we have found just the one for you!
The tall planter in modern design isn’t only aesthetically appealing, but the sturdy plastic is also durable and perfect for all weather.
You don’t have to worry about soil degradation because the design allows easy changing and the spacious planter boasts a generous 141.5-liter capacity, with ample space for multiple plants and arrangement. You can make this yours for just $94.99.
14.5 Inch Tall Planters Set of 2 Flower Pots
The self watering plant pots is ideal for indoor or outdoor usage. It’s modern, practical and versatile with features such as water level tracking, weather resistance and easy mobility.
We highly recommend the above tall planter by GARVEE if you’re planning to grow plants such as snake plants, Ficus lyrata, Strelitzia reginae, Pachypodium lamerei and Monstera deliciosa
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