How to choose a pot correctly

We fall into the mistake of believing that pots are only the container of our plans. A common mistake that today we want to correct, learning to discover what the different types of pots can bring us or how we can take advantage of them. And we are not only talking about the well-being of our plants, but also about the aesthetic component that pots and pot covers have and with which we can play in the decoration of our house, terrace or garden.

But, beyond this, how to choose a pot correctly involves taking into account different important factors that range from its diameter or shape, to the type of material with which it is made. Because, beyond being «simply» a container, a pot is still the home of a certain plant and, for this reason, it is important that it is comfortable to grow healthy.

And it is important to start knowing that certain plants need a specific type of pot (such as a good number of orchids that demand translucent pots) while others adapt perfectly to almost any.

Discover how to choose your pots correctly according to the type of material and even the plant.

MATERIALS, FUNDAMENTALS IN THE CHOICE OF A POT

Although, at first glance, it may seem that how the pots are made does not affect the life of our plant, nothing is further from the truth! The truth is that the manufacturing materials of the pots are part of the living conditions of a certain plant, so it is important to know what advantages and disadvantages each of them has before choosing them.

Plastic pots and planters are, in general, one of the most common containers for plants. They are, without a doubt, the most economical and avoid the rapid elimination of irrigation (so it is ideal for plants that need a high degree of humidity or a constantly moist substrate). The great risk of plastic pots is, above all, if they are exposed to the sun: given the composition of their material, they can subject the roots to high temperatures.

To avoid this, the ideal is to bet on clay pots. Being made of a porous material, it facilitates the rapid elimination of water (which is why it is common, for some plants, to use a plate under them to provide a little more water to the plant). For plants that need rapid removal of irrigation, it is the ideal material, although it is true that they have a couple of drawbacks: on the one hand, they are more fragile than plastic ones; on the other hand, we have to be careful not to expose them to frost (since they can break with these extreme changes in temperature).

Similar in terms of characteristics but eliminating the problem of the rapid elimination of water, varnished clay pots are also an ideal bet that, by presenting less porosity, will help us not to have to be so aware of watering.

SIZE AND DEPTH OF THE POTS, TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ACCORDING TO THE PLANT

Another important aspect that we will have to consider when choosing pots for our plants is the future size that they can reach. Something that will not only help us to choose them correctly but, above all, will help the normal development of the plant. A good reason to be advised when buying a plant by specialists, who can guide us on the ideal dimensions of the pot.

If we are talking about plants that reach around 50 centimeters in height, a 30-centimeter pot will suffice. If our plant can reach a meter in height, the ideal is that we plan a pot around 50 centimeters in diameter. For plants that can reach two meters in height, it will be necessary to consider pots that exceed 60 centimeters.

And if the diameter is important, it is almost more so the depth of the pots. This will influence the support of the roots and, therefore, the correct growth of the plant vertically. For those plants that we already know, a priori, that they can reach a good height, the ideal will be a deep pot. What’s more: the plant itself will tell us if the bottom of the pot is suitable. If we see that the plant is twisted and loosens the substrate from the pot, it is time to look for a deeper pot.

Some simple tips to know how to correctly choose pots for your plants. A guarantee of health for them and, incidentally, so that we can enjoy them as they deserve: with all their natural beauty.

Discover our selection of pots here and choose the most correct for the type of plants you have> Pots, planters and pot covers