How to choose the right pot for the plant?
Updated: Aug 19, 2020
When you think of pot you have many varieties. starting from plastic, ceramic, and terracotta pots. Choose a planter wisely according to the location you are going to place the plant.
Plastic pot - These planters are always a good choice
Pots are cheaper and cost-effective. When you go to the nursery you spot most of the plant shops having this plant in plastic containers. Because it is safe to handle. Where you can easily shift and carry.
Now let’s see the pros and cons of this pot:
It tends to break if exposed to direct sun for a long time.
It doesn’t have any breathable body to release excess water.
Recently these pots come with high-quality material, color & in different shapes suitable for every place.
These planters are easily washable and can be reused
Ceramic pot - Always attractive piece for the garden
The planter is much costlier than plastic. This looks very attractive. Glaze and handmade finish give an extra touch to the pot. The ceramic comes in different shapes and colors. Mostly it looks good for succulent and indoors.
Now let’s see the pros and cons of this pot:
It comes in attractive design & color with customized size & shape
Ceramic pot get heavier as size goes big
It is fragile and should be handled with care
Yes, these planters are sold with a high price
Terracotta pot – Easy to maintain & all-time favorites
These are easily available and comes in customized sizes. Its clay look gives an authentic look. It absorbs moisture quickly and releases the same way. Price is much less than ceramic. It perfects for outdoor and entryway.
Now let’s see the pros and cons of this pot:
The terracotta pot is made of clay and it can breathe in the surface, so it makes the soil dry quickly.
It cannot withstand in a cold winter climate and tends to get fragile
It cannot hold too much moisture and tends to rush
Choose pots according to the plant growth
For choosing a correct container you first need to know about the plant height and root type. If you have planted with bushy root you should use a wider planter and if you have tap root you should use a shallow pot. It is also important to see the dimension of the pot before selecting the correct planter.
Drainage hole in a planter
A drainage pit is a must because if water stagnates then it will lead to root rot eventually plant will die. We can also find a container without a hole. These are used for decorative purposes. The main planter is kept inside the decorative pot. It acts as a double pot.
For some shallow pot, it’s important to use gravel in the bottom and use the potting mix over it. Using gravel gives a proper opening to drain water.
When to repot
Repotting is required when you find plants attained its sustainable growth or It may require to give fresh potting mix to nourish the plant. Repot doesn’t always mean changing larger pot, but just changing another pot too. The important thing to note is plants need to get equal soil for their roots.