How to Pick the Right Pot for Your Houseplant

Many different houseplants come in all shapes and sizes, but there is a specific pot shape and size perfect for every plant. Learn how to choose the right pot for your plant,  since the right pot has an essential impact on its growth and health.

Houseplants need the right balance of water, air, and soil to thrive. To determine if you need to change the pot, you need to examine the root ball. The roots are important for absorbing nutrients and water from the soil. If the roots are crammed in the pot, they can’t get enough oxygen, and water, leading to root rot and other problems. 

A pot-bound plant or a plant with a root-bound condition may begin to experience top growth problems, yellowing leaves, and may appear generally unhealthy. If you see these signs, it’s time for a new planter. Houseplants can be moved from one pot to another as needed. To keep your houseplant healthy, make sure to repot it when necessary. 

A new planter will give your plant fresh soil, more space for the roots to grow, and better air circulation. It is also an excellent chance to remove any old or decaying matter from the root ball. It can also help ensure that your plant promotes a new healthy growth from the top.

Choosing the right pot for your plant isn’t as simple as choosing any pot that catches your eye. There is a specific pot size perfect for every plant. Pot plays a major role in the health and beauty of your plant. 

The pot you choose needs to be durable, watertight, and well-draining to ensure that your plant receives all the needed nutrients for its growth. Below is the type of pot you need for your houseplants.

1. Ceramic Pots 

   Ceramic pots are great because they are durable and watertight. It comes in a range of colors and patterns, adding beauty to any space. It also comes with different glazes, which affects the potency of light it lets through. Ceramic pots are among the most preferred pot material for houseplants.

   These pots are porous, which means they can absorb some moisture and slowly release it into the soil. It provides a constant supply of water to the plant’s roots while preventing root rot from overwatering. Ceramic pots are best for plants that need more moisture in the soil, such as succulents and bonsais.

2. Clay Pots

   A clay pot comes in various colors and patterns, adds beauty to any space while keeping the plant healthy. It is also great with most plants because it allows the proper amount of air circulation while keeping enough water for the plant to grow. If you want a neutral pot, the clay pots are great because they can be left outside in natural conditions without deteriorating.

   These pots are lightweight and durable, making them easy to move around. Clay pots are best for plants that need a more even supply of moisture in the soil, such as African violets and orchids.

3. Plastic Pots

   Plastic pots are durable and watertight, which is vital for the health of your plant. It comes in various colors and can be decorated with paint or decals to suit your style. The only real downside of plastic containers is that they do not let moisture evaporate as easily as ceramic and clay. 

   Plastic pots tend to hold on to too much water, which can cause root rot if the plant is overwatered. This option is best for plants that need only a little water at a time, such as cacti and succulents.

4. Terra cotta Pots

   Terra cotta pot is porous, which means they absorb and release water. This is suitable for indoor plants sensitive to having soggy roots, such as cacti and succulents. The pros of this type of terra cotta pot are that they’re cheap and extremely easy to find. The cons of terracotta pots are that they aren’t great for plants that need moist soil, such as plumerias or hibiscus.

5. Glazed Ceramic Pot

   Glazed ceramic pots are what you need for plants that like moist soil. These pots can store and release water, depending on how dry the surrounding environment gets. Some of these pots also come with a reservoir at the bottom to increase their watering efficiency. Glazed ceramic pots are made for indoor plants, so they’ll fit perfectly on your windowsill.

   The pot you choose for your houseplant says a lot about its health and appearance, so it is important that you make the right size pot and material choices for your plants.

As houseplants grow and become larger plants, they become pot-bound. The roots of the plants may be stuffed in the container, leaving little room for soil and water. If this happens, it is best to repot your plant into a larger container, as houseplants typically need to be repotted every one or two years.

Repotting is a simple process that does not require much work. However, it is important to do it properly and carefully to avoid damaging them. But how to know if your plant needs repotting? Here are several signs that show when a houseplant needs a new pot:

1. Overcrowded Roots

   It is a common sign that your houseplant needs to be repotted. When the roots are crowded, it becomes difficult for them to receive enough water, so they will have dry and will grow unhealthy. While the plant may still look healthy, it will likely show signs of damage in the next few months if you do not repot it.

2. Wilting or Drooping Leaves

   Houseplants may wilt or droop due to various reasons. However, the most common reason your plant is drooping or wilting is its need for an adequate water supply to keep its leaves nourished. When the roots are overcrowded, they will not absorb enough soil moisture, which may result in a wilted or drooping leaf.

   If you notice this, it means that your houseplant is then not suitable with its current pot size and needs to be repotted.

3. Stunted Growth

   Stunted growth is another sign that your houseplant needs to be repotted. When the roots grow in an unhealthy way, it will affect the plant’s ability to absorb sunlight. This may result in slower-growing small plants. Chances are a houseplant that is struggling to grow needs more room for its roots and needs a wide pot.

4. Discolored Leaves and Branches

   Leaves and branches may turn yellow, red, or brown when the roots are overcrowded and unable to absorb sufficient water from the soil. If this is the case, it means that your plant needs to be repotted immediately.

   You can identify discoloration by looking at the plant’s leaf veins. If the veins are still green, it means that the plant can recover after it is repotted. But if the leaves have turned yellow or brown around the veins, it means that your houseplant has already suffered severe root damage and will not be able to grow well if you do not repot it soon.

5. Decreased Blooms

   Another common sign of repotting is the decrease in blooms as the soil dries. This happens when the roots are growing in an unhealthy way. When they are overcrowded, they will not be able to absorb water fast enough.

   This may result in the growth of weak roots that cannot support plant growth or produce flowers. When this happens, repot your houseplants as soon as possible before the root damage becomes permanent.

   Repotting should be done during springtime when there are optimal temperatures so you can prevent shock to your plants. Repotting should also be done when the soil is dry so you can avoid injuring your houseplants and you should choose the right pot.

Now that you have decided to repot your houseplant, the next step is to choose a new container. Though there are many options, it is important to look for a container that will not damage your plant while you are repotting.

Here are some things you should consider when choosing a good container:

1. Size

   Choosing the right pot size is essential when repotting. Ideally, choose a container with at least one inch extra space between its top rim and your plant’s root system. The excess amount of potting soil will help to provide enough water for your houseplant without harming it during the process. The right pot size for your plants will also provide enough room for fresh soil to fill the gap.

2. Material

   When choosing a container, you need to make sure that it will not harm your new plant in any way. Ensure that the material is non-toxic and will not cause discoloration or wilting of leaves when water or soil is in contact with it for too long. It is also best to choose a container with a good drainage hole to provide enough soil aeration and prevent water stagnation.

3. Drainage

   Different types of containers have different drainage systems. There are containers with a single hole for draining and others with multiple drainage holes to allow water to flow out through a whole system of perforations. You need to ensure that the drainage system is enough to keep excess water from hindering your plant’s root growth. Without enough drainage, it can cause nutrient and mineral buildup that may harm your houseplants.

4. Design

   The design of the container is also a critical consideration that you need to make. For example, clay pots are known for allowing air circulation into their openings. However, if they happen to be left in a hot environment, the clay pot may expand and crack because it absorbs too much moisture from within. 

   If you want to avoid this kind of container, look for ones made from plastic or glazed ceramic. Both of these materials are designed to withstand excessive heat, so you can be sure your container will last for a long time.

   Also, the design of the container should complement the overall look of your home. For example, if you have a traditional home with wooden furniture and decorations, it would be best to match these elements by choosing light-colored containers. If your house has a modern or contemporary design instead, then try choosing darker-colored containers and those that feature organic motifs.

5. Cost

   Last but not least, the cost of the container is also a factor. Container prices vary depending on their material composition and design. Generally, if you are looking for good air circulation at an affordable price, you should choose plastic or glazed ceramic containers. If you want something with more aesthetic value without increasing too much on the price, then clay pots are good options.

   You need to remember that some materials are more durable than others, so it is best to choose those that will last longer and can withstand excessive heat, humidity, and moisture.

   Choosing and using the right plant container is important when repotting houseplants. Make sure that you consider all these factors before choosing a new container for your plants.

Terrarium and planter may sound the same, but they have many differences that you can see from their design and usages. Each one has its purpose that makes it unique from the other.

1. Terrarium

   A terrarium is a self-contained garden enclosed by glass or plastic. It contains potting mix, plants, and any other materials you want to add to create a miniature ecosystem. The terrarium is often used as an educational tool because of its self-sustaining environment that ensures living organisms can thrive despite the surrounding environment’s condition outside.

   In most terrariums, the lid acts as a barrier against heat and humidity to create enough temperature for plant life to survive inside. It also helps keep the moisture inside at a certain level to avoid making the soil too saturated. This is important because it can harm plant life if there’s too much water, but it can also cause root rot if there isn’t enough water.

2. Planter

   On the other hand, planters are containers made from materials like plastic or ceramic. The latter mostly comes in colors and patterns since it is glazed. Unlike terrariums, planters don’t have a lid, so they may not be as self-sufficient as the former. However, planters can still keep plants alive despite being exposed to external conditions such as heat and humidity.

   You can also use them for different plants, especially those that need to be repotted often. You can place the planter inside the terrarium if you want, but this entirely depends on your plant’s growing preference and what works best for it.

   Terrarium and planter can be used to grow plants, but it is best to use them according to their intended purpose. They can both create a good growing environment for your houseplants, but their differences contribute to the varying results you will get.