- have enough room for the roots
- have good drainage
- allow for the proper level of water retention for the plant
- allow for growth
WHICH POT IS BEST?
The simple answer is to match the pot to the plant by considering how they’ll work together. For example, if your pot is basic and unadorned, the plants can take over; here you might choose dramatic or contrasting plant and foliage colors because this showy display will not be overpowered by the container. However, if your pot is ornate or elaborate, it will make a statement all on its own; in this case, keep your plants simple -- perhaps a single color, or several shades of the same color.
Pots are measured according to their top diameter, so when purchasing a container, keep in mind the plant’s expected shape and size at maturity, as well as the amount of root growth. Pansies can fit nicely into an 8" pot, while a container that is at least 18" or more is best for small trees and large shrubs. Another thing to remember is that small pots dry out faster than larger ones.
Then, consider the porosity of the container -- that is, how breathable is it. Unglazed clay tends to be very porous, meaning that water and air can easily penetrate, while glazed ceramic and plastic are non-porous, meaning that they are slower to drain and retain more water than clay. The plant’s water requirements, your climate (how dry, windy or sunny is it?) and your watering habits (how faithfully do you water?) should all be taken into consideration when you choose a container.
IT’S ALL ABOUT DRAINAGE
One critical thing to look for in any container is good drainage, as poor drainage is a common cause of failure in container gardening. The number and/or size of drainage holes should increase with the size of the pot. If you fall in love with an unusual container or a ceramic pot with no drainage holes, don’t despair; it is possible to (carefully!) drill your own drainage holes in most containers. The other choice is to double pot -- that is, plant in a plain pot with drainage holes, and then put that pot inside the more decorative one. If you do this, make sure you don’t let the inside pot sit in water, since the outside pot will not provide any drainage.
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