Choosing a pot for your new plant may seem simple, but contrary to popular belief, style is not the only consideration. Of course, you want the potted plant you choose to complement the aesthetics of your home or apartment and your decorative plants, but it’s also important to consider drainage, size, and material when making your selection.
At the end of the day, choosing a potted houseplant is all about the health and longevity of your new houseplant. Ahead, find everything you need to know to choose a pot that complements your plant.
Drainage is arguably the most important factor to consider when choosing a pot for your new baby plant. Without proper holes in the bottom of the pot, water cannot drain freely and the roots will not have adequate access to air.
This can lead to overwatering and additional life-threatening complications such as root rot, yellowing leaves, and fungus or mildew. Also, be sure to buy a tray to sit under the pot and catch any stagnant water. Be sure to empty frequently!
When choosing the right pot for your houseplant, it should always be a minimum of 15 centimeters larger in circumference than the root of the existing plant so that it has room to grow. This rule ensures that the plant will be adequately nourished with each watering – any less and you risk overwatering, and any greater and you risk overwatering.
Once roots start to grow through the drainage holes or along the top of the soil, it’s time to buy a new container and repot.
While outdoor pots come in a wide variety of materials, indoor pots tend to be plastic or ceramic. The former is great for absent-minded plant parents who might forget to water here or there, as they retain moisture longer than ceramic pots.
Also, they are typically more economical and easier to clean. In contrast, ceramic pots are porous and can therefore help absorb excess moisture from the soil and aid drainage. As such, they are the best option for those who tend to overwater their houseplants.
While the style of your pot is up to you, it’s best for your indoor plant decor to consider the color of the flowers and foliage and the overall aesthetic of your home. Generally speaking, you want any decorative plant pot to complement your plant and its surroundings, not overwhelm them. See in the gallery some vases that will highlight your little plant and still give your home a charm.
*Via bloomscape