A plant pot is your plant’s home and so it’s absolutely necessary you chose a container that suits the plant best for it to grow healthily. You know it’s time to repot your plant when it has outgrown its current pot. Another is when you get a new plant. No matter whether it’s a new plant or time to repot an old favorite, here are 5 things to keep in mind when picking the right container:
Drainage:
Did you know that overwatering is the most common reason for the death of houseplants? It is easy to pour out your love for plants by giving them a deadly amount of water. Even if you aren’t a chronic overwatering parent, finding a container with good drainage is important for the plant’s long-term health.
It doesn’t mean you can’t grow a healthy plant in a container with no drainage hole, but it does make it easier to take care of the plant. The important thing to note here is to not let the water sit at the bottom of the container as it will cause the roots to rot. Because an excessive amount of water invites the risk of pests and disease which can eventually kill off your plant. To avoid all of this, you can take your pot to the sink, give it a good soak and then let the extra water drip before placing the container back in its place.
But don’t worry if you have fallen in love with a container that doesn’t have a drainage hole, you can easily make a hole with a drill or get a moisture meter to know how much water is needed for the plant.
Size of the Container:
This is an important factor to consider when buying a container as plants need enough space to grow. People generally consider the size of leaves when buying containers, however, Martha Stewart suggests that you should take a look at what’s going on in the soil first. Check the needs of the plant’s roots first by gently pulling out the plant and see if the roots are swirling in the soil or have enough space to grow.
Getting a pot that’s way too big for the plant can cause the root to rot since there is too much soil and not enough roots to soak in the moisture, so the water is most likely to sit there in the soil. On the other hand, using a small container can restrict plant growth and while most plants don’t mind being root bound, it is vital to give them enough space so that the soil has enough nutrients.
Type of Material:
The type of material in your plant container affects the health of the plant and also the aesthetics of your home décor. The weight and durability of the container should also be considered before choosing the pot.
Terracotta is a solid choice as they are good for plants that don’t want to sit in water. They are also affordable and come in different colors, sizes, and shapes.
However, they do break if dropped and can develop a salt crust on the outside with continuous watering. Plastics, on the other hand, are lightweight and affordable but very easy to break. The same goes for glazed ceramics, though they do make a very aesthetically pleasing décor piece.
Once you have considered all these factors in your mind and have a pretty good idea about what you are looking for, visit nurseries that sell pots and containers and pick one that suits your plant and you the best!
