Choosing a pot for your new plant may seem simple, but contrary to popular belief, style isn’t the only consideration. Of course, you want your chosen plant pot to complement the aesthetic of your home or apartment and your decorative plants, but it’s also important to take drainage, size, and material into account when making your selection. At the end of the day, choosing an indoor plant pot is ultimately about the health and longevity of your new houseplant. Ahead, find everything you need to know about how to choose a pot that complements your plant.
How to Choose a Pot: Drainage
Drainage is arguably the most important factor to consider when choosing a pot for your new plant baby. Without proper holes at the bottom of the pott, water cannot drain freely and the roots won’t have adequate access to air. This can lead to overwatering and additional life-threatening complications, like root rot, yellowing leaves, and fungus or mold. Additionally, be sure to purchase a tray to sit underneath the pot and catch all standing water. Be sure to empty frequently!
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How to Choose a Pot: Size
When choosing the right pot for your houseplant, it should always be a minimum of six inches larger in circumference than the existing plant root ball so there is room to grow. This rule of thumb ensures that the plant will be adequately nourished with each watering — any smaller, and you risk overwatering, and any larger, you risk underwatering. Once the roots start to grow through the drainage holes or along the top of the soil, it’s time to buy a new container and re-pot.
How to Choose a Pot: Material
While outdoor pots come in a wide range of materials, indoor pots tend to be plastic or ceramic. The former is great for the absent-minded plant parent who may forget a watering here or there, as they retain moisture longer than ceramic pots. Plus, they’re typically more budget-friendly and easier to clean. On the contrary, ceramic plant pots are porous and can therefore help wick excess moisture out of the soil and assist with drainage. As such, they’re a better option for those that tend to overwater their houseplants.
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