How to choose plant pots

Each plant needs its own pot. Choosing a container isn't just a matter of aesthetics, which certainly matters, but above all, it's about ensuring the plant can grow and flower in the best conditions, and isn't wasted due to a poor choice of pot. A pot that's too small limits the roots, while one that's too large can retain too much water and cause rot. Some plants (oleander, laurel, photinia, and small trees) require a pot that's much taller than it is wide; while for others (small succulents, aromatic plants), a shallower pot is sufficient. As for materials, taste aside, one fundamental objective must be considered: they must insulate as much as possible from temperature changes. But let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each possible material.

Index of topics

Terracotta

Terracotta is undoubtedly the best choice for our plants: before choosing a terracotta pot, remember to moisten it thoroughly by immersing it in a bowl of water to help the soil adhere better to the pot's surface. The porous walls allow excess water to filter through the sides and drainage holes, thus allowing the roots to breathe. This prevents waterlogging: to determine if the plant has received too much water, look at the sides: if they turn dark and become damp, it means you need to reduce watering. Terracotta is breathable, natural, and stable, but it is also fragile and dries out easily.

In general, plants that like dry soil, such as cactus, they should definitely be placed in terracotta pots.

Ceramic

A ceramic pot, especially if glazed, is very beautiful to look at. If the ceramic is unglazed or poorly treated, it is slightly porous: this helps air reach the roots and promotes the evaporation of excess water, reducing the risk of stagnation. Other advantages of a ceramic pot include: it is certainly more resistant than other (and unsightly) materials, such as plastic, it offers excellent thermal insulation, and it is a durable product. On the other hand, among the advantages, there are four factors to consider:

the highest price compared to other materials
the fragility of this type of vessels which can easily break or chip
drainage is not always high
the heaviness that makes these vases not always easy to move

Ceramic pots are ideal for medium to large houseplants, such as ficus, or for outdoor aromatic herbs.

Plastic

Widely used, plastic pots are very inexpensive and quite durable and easy to handle. Be careful with watering, however: the pot is characterized by poor transpiration, so it's important to limit watering. watering to avoid waterlogging that could damage the plant. During the summer, however, especially in places where temperatures are very high, depending on the plant you're planting, place the pot in a spot exposed to the sun only for a few hours of the day, as Plastic tends to retain heat longer, significantly warming the ground. Furthermore, plastic, which we do not recommend, is not aesthetically pleasing.

Wood

Then there are wooden pots: beautiful and very distinctive. Remember that when shaping the wood to create the pot, only the outside should be treated and painted, never the inside, as the various substances could be toxic to the plant. One important caveat: constant watering can easily cause the wood to rot.

Resin

The vases are excellent resinTheir natural porosity makes them breathable, allowing them to release moisture and providing excellent insulation from heat and low temperatures. Resin is lightweight and durable, but it is more expensive and less breathable than other materials.

Cement

Then there are concrete pots, which are certainly very durable but also very heavy and awkward to handle. The same goes for stone pots. Don't keep them exposed to too much sun, as they tend to retain heat and could damage the plants' roots.

The right size of the vase

Evaluate the size of the vase Depending on the type of plant: if it's too large, water could be wasted. Conversely, a pot that's too small can cause the plant to suffer. Consider the size of the pot based on the plant's growth potential, and remember to never repot a plant in a terracotta pot into a plastic one, or vice versa. The roots develop differently depending on the pot and you risk compromising their growth.

A common rule for choosing the right size of a vase could be the following:

Il vase should have a diameter about 2-5 cm widerof the plant's clod.
For repotting, choose a vase 1 or 2 sizes larger(e.g. from 12 cm to 14-16 cm in diameter)

The right color of the vase

The color It is generally a feature chosen based on personal taste, yet keep in mind that i Light-colored pots reflect the sun's rays better, creating a cooler environment for plants, while darker ones absorb them more than darker ones, causing the soil to warm more. Consider this feature before choosing a pot.

Another important factor in choosing the color of the vase is the dominant colors in the outdoor space or room (if the vase is placed indoors). In particular:

In an environment dominated by neutral colors (white, gray, beige), you can dare with a colored vase, such as blue, emerald green or red.
In an already very colorful environment a vase in neutral tones (grey, black, matt white) is preferable to avoid the “too full” effect.

The best materials for plant pots