5 Best Pots for Indoor Plants
A major factor that affects the health of your indoor plants and their growth comes from the factors of where you pot them. When choosing a pot and planters for a potted orchid for instance, one should consider aesthetics in the design of the pot as such can enhance the appeal of the plant so as to increase sales of the potted plant. Plants with well-angled pots will not only help new roots to take hold of the substrate faster, but will also help in recovering rot by restoring water loss and nutrients from the substrate in a timely manner.
There are certain aspects one has to focus on while selecting a pot. These aspects include: the size of the plant, its water requirements, the type of the material of the pot among others. A careful assessment must be made on how large a pot ought to be, on the one hand, it For example, the best pot to plant roots in must not be too small nor too huge for the user. Also, pots must have holes in them to allow excess water to escape and permit the improvement of plants’ growth.
Additionally, the substance of the pot can directly or indirectly influence the plant’s growth. Terracotta pots are associated with the risk of developing root rot, but their porous nature enables them to retain reasonable amounts of airflow and moisture. Polymeric or plastic pots are relatively cheap while very strong but protections may have inferior to terracotta ones. Glazed pots which ceramic pots tend to be most, are usually much easier to clean, however, they tend to be extremely expensive and very heavy.
Lastly, the color and design of the pot contributes greatly to the overall look as well. It is important that the pot blends well into our interior design or individual preferences. There are numerous styles of pots available including various colors, shapes and sizes.
Pots for Indoor Plants
In this article, we will study several examples of good pots for indoor plants and some of their particularities.
1.Terracotta Pots
Indoor-plant owners or lovers highly prefer the use of terracotta pots. Terracotta pots are made out of clay, which is characterized by being porous and able to facilitate adequate moisture evaporation as well as air circulation. This allow soil to breathe, as well as preventing the chances of root rot.
The main benefit of terracotta pots is the way they look. These pots tend to be very pleasing to the eye and blend well with the different styles of interior design and are pleasingly rustic. More so, terracotta pots are quite cheap and very easy to access as they come in various sizes and shapes.
Nevertheless, it is essential to highlight that Terracotta pots are heavy and have a brittle structure. They tend to require a lot of water since their porous texture allows for a very high evaporation rate. If you are in a place with temperature changes, making sure your terracotta pots do not crack is important since frost can be quite damaging to them.
2.Plastic Pots
Plastic tertiary are also another type of pots that are widely used for indoor plants. Plastic pots are lightweight and sturdy and are available in many hues and styles. Another advantage is the fact that plastic pots are inexpensive, washable and mid on a stackable material.
One major downside of plastic pots is their durability. In comparison to terracotta, they are more resilient which makes them a perfect option for homes with children and pets. As an additional benefit, such pots are often provided with holes at the bottom to allow for better drainage and prevention of the plants being waterlogged.
On the contrary, some people feel that plastic pots are not as attractive as terracotta or ceramic ones. There is also the chance that they are not very permeable as terracotta pots and can cause root rot if they are not looked after properly.
3.Ceramic Pots
A quite stylish and elegant option for indoor plants is using ceramic pots. They have an impressive variety of colors, shapes and finishes so you will be able to find the suitable one that will fit perfectly to your interior design.
Such pots are often polished from the outside, which provides for ease of cleaning. They are also tough and can last many years with proper care. On the other hand, however, ceramic pots tend to be heavy and expensive especially the bigger and designer ones.
4.Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots are ideal for those who do not wish to water the plants but want to own one. These pots have an inbuilt system that contains water, nutrients or both and feeds the plants.
These pots can eliminate the chance of under-watering or over-watering your plants, and with good moisture penetration with only an ideal amount of water. These pots are also a good idea for people who are planning a vacation or have difficulties in watering plants.
Though on the upside of the self watering pots, they do come at a cost. There is also a need of diy self watering pots for cleaning and wicks to be checked.
5.Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets are a good way to enhance the greenery of your house as they don’t take up much spacing of the floor. Also, the plants which hang over the baskets are a stunning showcase in themselves.
There are many hanging baskets that come in plastic, metal or wicker and those are varying in sizes and shapes enabling you to pick whatever basket that fits your plant.
Nonetheless, one of the problems of the hanging baskets is the process of watering them, especially large or heavy ones. You might require a lengthy spouted watering can or a hose to ensure the plants are watered. Plus, if not properly supported with screws on the wall or ceiling, there is a possibility that hanging baskets will fall over.
Besides the above pots, you may also consider additional parameters in deciding which pot to select for your indoor plants:
- Size: The pot should not be too big or heavy so as to make it hard to handle or allow the plant's roots to stretch too wide inside the pot.
- Drainage: Pots used should have holes at the bottom to allow excess water collect outside and not in the soil.
- Material: The material of the pot will decide about the weight and strength of the pot and the amount of air it can hold.
- Style: It should be in line with the decoration within the house.
The choice of the best pot for your indoor plants can be influenced by your preferences, the kind of plant you are growing, and other factors like your availability. A few questions that could be helpful in providing an answer include the following:
- What is the size of your plant? The roots of the plant should not go deep and wide over the lesser size of the pot and it should not become a cumbersome exercise shifting the pot around the house.
- What can be said about the watering needs of the plant? Some plants grow best in relatively moist soil; some will need to dry out between waterings. The frequency of watering will also depend on the type of pot used.
- What is the most preferred style in this regard? The pot should match the decor style of the house and the owner’s taste.
- What is the extent of efforts that you would devote for caring for your plants? Some pots, such as self-watering pots, will need less care than others.
By taking these factors into consideration, you are in a position to find a pot that will promote the health of your plants and serve as decoration to your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Which pots are best for indoor plants?
The size and structure of the plant, it’s watering needs and your aesthetic preferences will determine the size and type of pot that will be most suitable for your indoor plant. Let’s look at some interesting options:
- Terracotta pots: Easily evaporable but course material permits adequate air circulation.
- Plastic pots: These are lightweight and robust and come in various designs and colors.
- Ceramic pots: Attractive in appearance and quality but can be very expensive and higher in weight.
- Self-watering pots: Good for busy people but much cleaning is needed.
- Hanging baskets: Best for saving space and adding eye catching decor.
2.What kind of containers for indoor plants?
Containers for indoor plants can vary in material, size, and shape. Some common options include:
Pots: The most traditional option, available in various materials and sizes.
Hanging baskets: Ideal for trailing plants and to save space.
Planters: Larger containers that can hold multiple plants.
Terrariums: Closed glass containers for creating miniature ecosystems.
3.How to choose indoor pots?
When choosing indoor pots, consider the following factors:
- Size: The pot should be large enough to accommodate your plant's root system, but not so large that it is difficult to move or water.
- Drainage: The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Material: The material of the pot will affect its weight, durability, and breathability.
- Style: The pot should complement your home decor.
4.How to maintain indoor plants?
Proper maintenance is essential for healthy indoor plants. Here are some tips:
- Watering: Water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Check the soil moisture before watering.
- Sunlight: Provide your plants with adequate sunlight, but avoid direct sunlight if necessary.
- Temperature: Maintain a suitable temperature range for your plants.
- Humidity: Increase humidity if needed, especially for tropical plants.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your plants regularly during their growing season.
- Repotting: Repot your plants as needed to provide them with fresh soil and more space.
- Pruning: Prune your plants to maintain their shape and promote growth.
- Pest control: Monitor your plants for pests and take action if necessary.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your indoor plants thrive and bring joy to your home.