Choosing the right plant pots can be a daunting task at first. Where do you start? Do certain plants suit specific planters? It can all be quite confusing, but it’s relatively simple once you know the basic principles to follow. Are the type of plant pots you choose important? Yes! To get the best out of your plants, you need to ensure that the planter is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Selecting the wrong planter may not only look odd, but it could also hinder the growth of your beautiful plant. Below, we’ve put together a guide on choosing the best plant pots for your plants. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll soon know precisely what pot or planter you require.
*This is a collaborative post.
Do You Need a New Planter?
Does your plant need a new planter? This is the very first question you need to answer. If you just bought a new plant, then the answer is probably yes. But, if you’re looking to re-pot an existing plant, the answer may not be so obvious.
To tell if your existing plant needs repotting, look for the following signs:
The roots are growing out through the drainage holes at the bottom of your existing planter.
The roots are pushing the plant up and out of the existing planter.
The plant is growing noticeably slower than usual.
The plant is too top-heavy and often falls over.
The plant is drying out more quickly than usual, requiring more watering.
The roots are taking up more than three times the pot space.
There are noticeable salt and mineral build-up on the plant or planter.
If you can see one or more of the above, you likely need a new planter.
Pot or Planter?
Depending on who you speak to, these two words have the same or different meanings. Some people say pots are small and round, made for individual plants only, whereas planters are for several plants and come in a wide array of shapes and sizes.
Most people, however, will attest that the term “planters” encompasses any object that holds a plant.
What Size?
Despite what people may say, size does matter (for planters anyway). People often talk about plants in inches. What they’re actually talking about is the size of the pot or planter. The size is the diameter of the pot the plant will grow in. So, if you see a plant that says four inches, it has nothing to do with the plant’s size — they’re referring to the diameter of the pot.
When selecting the right pot or planter, always go one to two inches larger than the current pot if it’s 10 inches plus. If the current pot is less than 10 inches, go two to three inches more than the current pot size. This way, you allow the plant to grow to its full potential and thrive (until it’s time to repot again).
To Drain or Not to Drain?
Many planter sellers will give you the option of buying a planter with or without drainage. We highly recommend that you buy a pot with drainage. You only ever need to water a plant to one-third of its capacity. Too little, and the plant won’t get enough water, too much, and you may kill it. The frequency at which you water your plants will depend on the species. A simple Google search will help you with that piece of information.
One smart trick is to add stones to your planters’ bottoms for excess water to drain into. This will avoid overwatering.
What Material?
There are hundreds of materials to choose from for your planter. Does it affect the plant? Not really, but the material may protect your plant and avoid you buying too many pots. Each pot or planter you buy should be strong and durable. Fibreglass planters, metal planters, and stone planters will last you a long time with minimal weather damage. Fibreglass planters are particularly useful, as they can take on the look of ceramic or terracotta, but they are far more durable and weather/UV-resistant.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
