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How to Choose the Right Pots and Planters

No matter if you are growing beautiful indoor plants or maintaining a container garden, you will need to select pots and planters that are right for your plants. While choosing a container might seem like a simple matter of aesthetics, it is actually an important decision for the health of your plants. Everything from the size and shape to the material of the planter will have an impact on the plants. The biggest impact will be with how water and soil interact under different conditions created by containers.

The terms pot and planter are often used interchangeably. Pots, however, are generally smaller and are intended to contain one plant. Planters are usually meant for outdoor environments and can be irregular in size. Planters may contain several plants. As container gardening has grown in popularity in recent years, so have the varieties and styles of pots and planters. Companies such as Pots Planters and More offer numerous types of indoor and outdoor planters and pots. With so many choices, things such as material, size, and drainage will help you make the right choice. Let’s take a look at some tips for choosing the right pots and planters.

Repotting

Repotting is good for the health of your plant. Repotting will provide it with fresh potting soil and more room to grow. Additionally, a bigger pot will allow your plant to get larger. Initially, however, repotting might not be about moving up in size. At first, you might consider repotting to change out the old potting mix that is lacking in nutrients. At various intervals thereafter, your plant will probably need repotting based on size. Eventually, your plant will need a larger pot. When this happens, you will need to choose pots and planters that compliment your indoor and outdoor spaces and that promote plant health.

Size

Pot size

When selecting the right container for your plant, size will be one of the major things to consider. Large planters and pots are impressive, however, you will need to find a size that is appropriate for your plants. If the pot is too large, the soil could have a hard time drying out and expose the plant to root rot. If the pot is too small, however, the soil could dry too fast leaving your plant without adequate water. Additionally, if the pot is too small, the plant could become root-bound. Ideally, you will want to look for a pot that is two to four inches larger in diameter than the plant. You can choose a larger size pot for faster-growing plants. If the plant is slow-growing, an appropriate pot will be one to two inches larger.

Material

Material used

Once you select the size of the pot that you will need, the next consideration will be material. Common planter materials are plastic, terra cotta, or clay. Plastic pots are the most versatile in that they come in a variety of colors, are lightweight, and are usually cheaper. Plastic pots generally retain moisture better and might require less frequent watering. Terra cotta pots are heavier and typically cost more than plastic containers but can be more ornate. Terra cotta and clay pots are porous and will require plants to be watered more frequently. Terra-cotta and clay are the perfect choices for plants that thrive in dry or well-aerated soil. These containers will be good for plants such as cacti, succulents, and orchids. You will also want to consider the location of the container and determine if the material will be appropriate.

Drainage

drainage container

The majority of plants will not do well in standing water. Any container that you choose must have the ability to drain excess water. Perhaps more important than size and material, you must choose containers with drainage holes. Proper drainage holes will allow water to run out and air to flow in. In some instances, you might want a pot without drainage holes for aesthetic purposes. If this is the case, you may use the decorative pot to hold the container and plant with proper drainage. This is sometimes called double potting.

The container that holds your plant is a very important part of gardening. No matter if you’re dealing with indoor or outdoor planters, there are some things that you’ll need to consider for the health of your plant. The size, material, and drainage capabilities should all be considered alongside decore and aesthetics for healthy, long-lasting plants.