· 3 min read
Choosing the right pot for your plant
The right pot keeps roots healthy. Size, drainage and material all matter more than you might think.
A good pot does more than look nice. It gives roots room to grow and lets extra water escape, which is the difference between a plant that thrives and one that struggles.
Always choose drainage
Pick pots with holes in the bottom. If you love a decorative pot without holes, use it as a cover: keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot inside it, and tip out any water that collects.
Go up one size at a time
When repotting, choose a pot about two to five centimetres wider than the current one. A pot that’s much too big holds more wet soil than the roots can use, which can lead to rot.
Pick the material for your habits
- Terracotta breathes and dries quickly: good for succulents, cacti and anyone who tends to overwater
- Plastic and glazed ceramic hold moisture longer: good for plants that like evenly moist soil
- Outdoors in summer heat, lighter colours keep roots cooler than dark pots
Use fresh soil
Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix suited to the plant, rather than garden soil, which packs down and drains poorly in containers.
