How to choose the right pot for your planting needs | Gardening 101 | Gardening Australia

When space becomes limited, potted plants are the way to go. Whether you’re planting a balcony, small courtyard or indoor garden, Sophie’s here to help choose the perfect pot. Subscribe 🔔 http://ab.co/GA-subscribe

MATERIALS:
Plastic Pots: Black plastic pots often come along with your plant purchase, but there are a number of colours and designs to choose from. They’re lightweight, versatile and ideal for plants that like consistent moisture such as vegies and herbs.

Porous Pots: Pots made of terracotta or concrete material have tiny air pockets able to absorb moisture or air. This means they can dry out very quickly, so avoid pairing these with moisture-loving plants. These pots are ideal for plants that need good drainage or like to dry out between watering, such as succulents and Mediterranean plants.

Glazed Pots: These pots are often made of porous materials, but the pores have been sealed with a glaze to help hold in the moisture. In this way, they function similarly to plastic pots keeping the moisture levels consistent.

FEATURES:
With Drainage Holes: Almost all plants need some form of drainage. If water starts to pool around the roots for long periods of time it can cause the roots to rot – Imagine wrinkly toes after spending too much time in the bath. Even when using a free-draining mix, a pot with holes will allow somewhere for excess water to move away from the roots. These can be allowed to free drain outdoors or in a saucer depending on the plants water requirements.

Without Drainage Holes: You may be tempted to plant directly into these decorative pots, but these pots are designed for indoor or undercover areas as an aesthetic covering for the pots with holes. Pop a similarly sized, or slightly smaller, indoor plant inside the cover pot for a more attractive look that avoids water marks on your surfaces and floors. When it comes time to water your plant, you can easily remove the entire pot. Water it properly and let drain completely, then return it to the cover pot.

Weight: You’ll want to make sure your plant is not at risk of being blown over. However, if you need to move a plant regularly or are mindful of the holding weight of your balcony, minimizing the weight of your pot can be especially important. Consider that a large pot filled with wet potting mix can weigh up to a few hundred kilograms. Use a trolley to lift and move pots safely and position your pot before filling with potting mix. For large pots, a lightweight fibreglass pot may be the best solution for a decent display on a balcony.

Shape: If you’re looking for height in your display, choose a low, sturdy pot in a heavy material such as earthenware. Tall, tapered pots can often be top heavy and blow over in a windy spot or a walkway, so choose plants that can cascade over the sides or something low and shrubby.

POTTING UP:
Soil and Media: No matter what pot and plant combination you use, it’s important to choose the right potting media. Always use a mix that is made to Australian standards, which can be identified by the tick certification logo on the bag.

Volume: When choosing the size of the pot, make sure the plant has room to grow, but not so much that the plant is swimming in potting mix. The ideal increase in size is about one-third to one-half of the size of the plant.

You really can grow a plant in anything, but with these helpful tips, choosing a pot will be almost as fun as choosing your plants!
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