How to choose the right pots for your houseplants: main secrets

Houseplants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also a useful interior attribute. However, for many people, this is just an unnecessary hassle because flowers require careful and regular maintenance. Experts say that by choosing the right pot and transplanting it in time, you can create the best conditions for flowering.

Among the variety of shapes and materials from which pots are made, it is important to choose one that will be suitable for a particular type of plant. OBOZ.UA tells you how to choose the best one.

Size

The total volume of the container is of primary importance. When transplanting, remember a simple rule: the new pot should be slightly larger than the old one. For small plants, the difference can be literally a centimeter on each side. For large palm trees and ficuses, the minimum difference is the width of the palm of your hand.

For many plants, a large pot will be even worse than a small one. The root system needs not only soil and water, but also air circulation. In a large pot, too dense a substrate sometimes prevents the roots from breathing. Excess water is formed and the plants begin to rot.

Optimal shape

The depth and width of the container depends on the type of plant. For example, palm trees, dracaena, and aloe need deep pots because their roots grow deep. Violets, arrowroot, or various types of begonias, on the other hand, prefer wide containers because their roots are quite thin and located closer to the surface.

Florists say that for most indoor plants, a pot with a height approximately equal to its diameter is suitable.

Weight

In general, the weight of the pot does not matter for small plants. For tall palms, ficuses, or monstera, you also need support, so the container should be heavy and stable so that the plant does not tip over from a jolt or under its own weight. In this case, you can choose a reliable ceramic flowerpot or a wooden barrel.

Material

The main materials for pots include plastic, ceramic, and wood. Ceramics and clay pots can be porous, which ensures good air exchange, but they quickly absorb and evaporate moisture from the substrate. Wooden containers actively let air through and protect the substrate and roots from overheating in the sun, but they will have to be replaced frequently.

Florists note that glazed ceramic flowerpots and plastic pots are universal. All containers should be purchased at specialized flower shops to avoid buying ones that release harmful substances into the air and soil.

Water drainage holes

Please note that the flower pot must have holes for water drainage. You will also need a tray to drain the water into.

There are even specially designed flower pots with an automatic watering system. The water reservoir is built into the pot itself, which is provided by a special system when the water rises to the roots of the plant.

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