The year 2020 is the year when the number of plant parents significantly spiked. That’s all thanks to the quarantine and lockdowns. True enough, this hobby of nursing cute little plant babies saved the most of us during our most depressing times. So there’s no doubt many will find their peace in such a vocation.
And those who have gotten into this endeavour just last year, are probably in the stage of repotting now. And we bet you’re one of them. That’s why you’re here right? Well, you’re on the right page!
In this piece we teamed up with Hello Blooms to guide you in your repotting sessions. Below are some tips on choosing the best pots for your little greens:
Does size really matter?
Yes, it does.
When choosing a pot for a new plant or a planter for repotting your growing plants, size must be considered. The size of the pots that you must buy will ultimately depend how wide your plant’s root mass is. Ideally, your plant’s new home must be at least an inch wider than its root mass. That is, of course, to allow it to grow. But if it grows faster than you’ve expected, then consider buying a pot that is four inches wider.
The local hardware or garden shop in your area probably have different sizes of pots available in their store. You just have to learn what these standard sizes are and what plants to grow in them. Here’s a guide:
- 10-inch pots—These pots can hold about three gallons of potting soil. It’s a good fit for succulents, herbs and vegetables like small carrots and lettuce.
- 14-inch pots—On the other hand, this size can serve cabbages and other leafy greens well. As you can see, as the pot goes bigger, the type of plant it can hold also grows in size.
- 18-inch pots—Aside from cacti, you can also grow kitchen staple veggies like broccoli, tomatoes and peppers.
- 24-inch pots—These can hold massive house plants! If you plan on growing taller plants, this size will be enough. Just make sure that the pot height is enough for an extensive root system to grow downwards.
Check the materials of the pots.
While the variations in materials are purely aesthetics, they can somehow affect your plant parenting journeys. So might as well learn about them. The four main materials that are largely used in pot making are plastic, red clay, ceramic, and baskets. They’re readily available in your local garden,so you won’t have a hard time getting at least one of them.
Plastic Pots
Anything that’s made with plastic tends to be cheaper and more lightweight than its counterparts. That’s why plastic pots are perfect when you’re just starting out. They’re also available in different fun colors so you can go plant parenting in style.
Terracotta Pots
These pots are made from red clay so they’re naturally porous. Terracotta pots absorb water from the soil then dry it out, so they’re usually paired with drought-tolerant species like succulents.
Glazed Ceramic Pots
If you want a chic and stylish pot, this is the best way to go. Glazed ceramic pots are also sturdy and can be glazed in a wide array of designs. But its strength and aesthetic come with a heftier price tag. If you’re tight with the budget, we’ll understand if you half-heartedly pass on these.
Hanging Baskets
They are best paired with small plants. And aesthetically speaking, these pots will work well with spaces with minimalist themes! Just be mindful not to place anything below them because you don’t want them getting wet.
Like we always say, no pots are created equal. There is no one size that fits all. So if you’re looking to repot those plant babies, or simply start your plant parenting journey, know your pots. As much as you know your plants. Mastering this detail will definitely help you achieve the best indoor or balcony garden in town!
