CONTAINERS FOR HOUSEPLANTS

Which planter should I use is the first question many new indoor gardeners ask. The answer is, "it all depends!" This chapter presents advantages and disadvantages of various container possibilities. You may look at containers you already own as possible planters.

You must know how you want to use any container before making your choice. Will the plant grow directly in the pot? If so, you need to be sure any container selected has at least one drain hole. Is the container simply a container for the pot the plant is actually growing in? Planters without drain holes, treated as a cover for the pot the plant actually grows in is called a cachepot.

Clay pots or planters

These are the traditional planters. Many still use them. They come in many sizes and shapes. You'll find them at most florist shops or garden centers. Most clay pots are sized so the width of their top edge is equal to the height of the pot. Some are taller. These are called long toms or rose pots. Others are short. They are called Azalea pots or bulb pans. You may see some intended for use as dish gardens. These are even shorter than bulb pans.

Advantages
The roots can "breathe" because air travels through the sides of the planters.
Heavy -- making them less likely to tip over when using a large pot.
Excess water can quickly evaporate through the sides of the pot (good if you tend to over-water). Clay pots look more natural than those made from other materials.

Disadvantages
Clay can absorb water from the potting media if you don't soak the planters every other week or so.
Clay planters dry out quickly making frequent watering necessary.
Clay planters are fragile.
Clay planters are expensive.
Clay planters develop discoloration from alkaline water or from the salts in fertilizers.
Clay planters develop moss or algae on their sides if kept in humid places.

Plastic Planters

Plastic can take many sizes and shapes. Plastic pots come in many colors, making it easier to match your color scheme. Some even mimic the old Italian urns and cement planters.

Advantages
Wide range of sizes and shapes available.
Holds moisture in because it doesn't absorb moisture from the media.
Roots don't adhere to the sides of the pot making transplanting easier.
Lightweight.
Unbreakable except by force.

Disadvantages
Plastic planters can hold too much water if you over-water.
Plastic planters cannot be recycled easily.
Dark color plastic planters heat up on hot days and cook the plant roots when sitting on unshaded south or west windowsills.

Metal Containers

Aluminum and brass are being used for many planters. Personally, I don't like the looks of metal planters, but many people consider them to be outstanding containers for their decor.

Advantages
Holds water.
Reflective surface mirrors other nearby objects.
Normally serves only as a cachepot.
Lightweight.

Disadvantages
Discolors if not treated with a clear protective coat.
Don't have drain holes.

Ceramic Planters

Flower shops and garden centers are good places to look for ceramic containers. You will often have the choice between a glazed interior and an unglazed interior. I suggest you always choose glazed because this prevents salts and other discoloring agents from leaking through to the outside of the pot. Alternatively, a ceramic pot with a sealant over the outside will solve the problem.

Advantages
Ceramic planters can be made in almost any shape or size.
Ceramic planters may be selected to match your home's decor.
Ceramic planters make excellent cache planters.

Disadvantages
Breaks easily.
Can be heavy.
Unglazed surfaces absorb water and fertilizer salt which makes the pot unsightly.

Baskets

Baskets make wonderful homes for a selection of flowering or foliage plants. However, you should never attempt to plant directly into the basket. They must be lined with plastic so water doesn't rot the basket fiber. Therefore, baskets are best used as cachepots (a cover for another pot).

Advantages
Lightweight.
Natural appearance.
Come in many shapes and sizes.

Disadvantages
Easily discolors from soil or contaminants in the water.
Needs special preparation by sealing the outside.
Have no drain holes.

Wire Baskets

There are many sizes of wire baskets available. Most can be lined with coconut fiber liners. Generally, these are designed as hanging planters.

Advantages
Drains easily.
Lightweight.

Disadvantages
Dries out quickly.
May rust out in a season or more of growing unless the wire is treated with a protective coating.
Drips water making it necessary to move the plant to another location for watering.

Choosing the Container Size

Houseplants do best in a close fitting pot. Never "overpot" thinking the plant will grow into the large pot. Large pots keep soil wet longer which leads to rotting problems if the plant isn't large enough to soak up the moisture fast enough. A good rule of thumb is to never put the plant in a planter more than 1" more in diameter than the one you are transplanting it from.

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Copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2012