Houseplants Under Lights

Lesson 2: Houseplant Containers & Potting Media

Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Containers

Study the advantages and disadvantages of the various possible containers. Which one best suitsl your situation and your plant?

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. Clay pots are 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

This is the marvel of our modern age. 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: Plastic containers come in all sizes and shapes. They hold moisture in because it doesn't absorb moisture from the media. Roots don't adhere to the sides of the pot making transplanting easier. Plastic containers are lightweight. They are virtually 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. They may be selected to match your home's decor. Ceramic planters make excellent cache planters. Disadvantages:Ceramic breaks easily and 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: Baskets are lightweight with a natural appearance. They come in many shapes and sizes. Disadvantages: Baskets easily discolor from soil or contaminants in the water. They need special preparation by sealing the outside and 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: Wire baskets allow plant roots to get air, drain easily, and are very lightweight. Disadvantages: They dry out quickly, thus requiring frequent watering. They may rust out in a single season of growing unless the wire is treated with a protective coating. Due to dripping, the planter should be moved to a protected location for watering.

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