While a lot of people love plants and enjoy having them as décor all over the house, the truth is that most of them struggle with choosing the right pot for their plants. And many people aren’t even aware that the wrong pot can be detrimental to your plant’s health and longevity. You may see a pot in a store, like the way it looks, and decide to buy it without a second thought, not even thinking if it’s the right pot for your plant. But there are certain things you must consider before buying a pot, and we will explore that in this article. We will give you tips for choosing the right pots for your plants, so you know what to do the next time you go to the store to buy them.
Think about the size
The first thing you really must consider is the size of the pot. That is important, as the wrong pot size can ruin your plant. A too-small pot will stunt your plant’s growth, and the soil will dry much more quickly. On the other hand, a pot that is too big for your plant is more likely to develop root rot. So as you can see, the pot must be adequately sized. Getting a pot just a little bit bigger than your plant is always good. That leaves room for your plant’s roots to develop properly and grow until it’s time to repot. But this is a case-to-case thing. There is not one set rule for plants and pot size. Be vigilant and monitor your plant’s growth to get a bigger pot on time if necessary.
Choosing the right pots for your plants requires research
Before choosing a pot for your plant, it’s good to know some basic information about it. Like how big it is expected to grow, how often you will have to water it etc. It is good to know these things so you can focus on getting a pot tailored to your plant’s needs.
Don’t get carried away by the aesthetic
Today you can find all kinds of expensive and stylish pots in stores. But you can’t get carried away with that. You have to remember that with pots, it’s more important that they are suitable for your plant and functional than how they look. Aesthetics is also essential, especially if you have many indoor plants and want your home stylish, but try to find a balance. A pot that’s perfect for your plant but also stylish is a little harder to find, but it is not impossible. You will just have to put a little more effort into finding it.
Don’t forget about drainage holes
Drainage holes are one of the most important aspects of a pot. Drainage holes protect your plant from rotting, overwatering, and shortage of air. They are there so your plant can get rid of excess water and allow your plant to “breathe.” If your pot doesn’t have holes, it will cause water, fungus, and bacteria to accumulate in your plant’s roots and rot completely. A plant with an unhealthy root is not likely to survive. So it doesn’t matter if your plant is outdoors or indoors. It needs to have drainage holes in the pot. And you don’t have to worry about water spilling all over your carpet if it’s an indoor plant. Today you can find pots that also have stylish saucers.
You have to choose the suitable material
Another thing to consider when choosing the right pots for your plants is the material they are made of. Different materials have different traits, and it’s essential to know about them. For example, while plastic pots are cheap and light, they are also not very aesthetically pleasing and are not that well suited for outdoor plants. They get quickly damaged if exposed to the sun for too long and other environmental conditions. On the other hand, we have ceramic pots that benefit your plant because they help it absorb moisture better and ensure it doesn’t dry out. But you also must be careful with ceramic pots because they are delicate, and you must handle them carefully. Luckily there are many tips for packing pottery and ceramics online, so you will know what to do. Knowing details like this is helpful when picking a pot.
Set a budget
Before going to the store, set a budget that you are willing to spend. That will help you limit the list of the pots you choose from, as you will have to stick to a certain amount of money. You can use your budget as a helping tool in choosing the right pots for your plants.
Ask for help
If you find yourself in a store with gardening items and are unsure what to do, the best action is to consult with the people who work there. They will be your guide. You just need to tell them what you are looking for, how big your budget is, and what kind of plant you have. After that, they will recommend what they think is the best option for you.
In conclusion
Plants are an excellent addition to any house as they are aesthetically pleasing and bring positive vibes to your home. And as you can see, choosing the right pots for your plants doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple tips, you can find the right pot in no time. Just put a little effort in, set a budget, and do some research before going to a store. And if you are still unsure after all that, you can always ask some of the workers there to help you and recommend what they think is the right choice.
Author bio: Contributing author Linda Swift works as a writer and agent for Golans Moving and Storage. She is passionate about nature and likes to spend her free time tending to her lovely home garden with her husband and their two children.
Photo Credits:
Featured Image
Clay Pots
A person watering plants
Three White Pots