One of the contributing factors to good growth and happy plants is root health! When our plants look unhappy, it’s critical to diagnose not just what is above the surface; but down below as well. It’s no wonder, then, that selecting a proper growing container for your plant can help you save time, effort and help you find success in indoor planting. Here are 5 kinds of plant post you can choose from for your indoor houseplant.
Plastic Grow Pots
Plasic grow pots are the standard ones that most plant nurseries use to propagate, grow, and sell you plants in. They are often round, brown or black in colour, and feature drainage holes on the bottom. Because plastic is not porous, plastic grow pots also keep the soil moist for longer periods of time. Hence, it is important to ensure that your plant is in need of water, before offering it a drink, or you may risk overwatering your plant.
Plastic grow pots are cheap and easy to come by, but not the most aesthetically pleasing, so most homeowners might choose to place them in an outer cache pot. Because these are also made of plastic, they do not degrade when disposed of and are not the most environmentally friendly option.
Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots can be thought of as a two-tier system – Often, a pot is suspended over a water reservoir and features a wicking system so that you plant can draw up moisture as and when it requires it. The greatest advantage of using self-watering pots is preventing the risk of root rot due to this capillary action. These are convenient if you are time-starved and often forget to water your plants on time, just don’t forget to top up the water reservoir. Oh, and be sure you check the water for signs of mosquitoes or mosquito larvae if you live in Sunny Singapore!
Terracotta Pots
Terracotta clay pots have a porous nature that allows for air and water to move through the walls. They are heavier than plastic grow pots, and often come in a standard, rusty-brown shade. Although commonly used for succulents and cacti, terracotta is also a suitable option for indoor houseplant use, in an environment where air circulation is poorer than outdoors and can assist in preventing root rot by wicking away excess moisture from the soil!
Terracotta pots are inexpensive and highly beneficial for plants – What’s more, they develop a beautiful patina over time and give your home a unique look! Do take not that moisture-loving plants may mot enjoy being pot in terracotta, or may need to be watered more frequently.
Cache Pots
A cachepot is a decorative plant container, often used to hide plastic grow pots. They are more often used indoors and can be a fun, creative way to give your plant collection personality. Cache pots come in a variety of shapes, colours and designs, and often do not have drainage holes on the bottom as they are meant to protect the surrounding surfaces from water damage. Because of this, it is not recommended that cache pots are used for planting plants directly inside. Excess water will not be able to drain out the bottom and your plant may suffer a quick death if not addressed.
If you are using a cache pot to hold a plant that is planted in a plastic grow pot, always check the cache pot for excess water after 15 minutes of watering, and dispose of it. Indoor plants should never be left to sit in water.
Hanging Plant Baskets
Hanging plant baskets are a beautiful way to display trailing indoor plants, like the Philodendron Brasil or Scindapsus Pictus Exotica. Unlike the previous choices, these are often suspended from ceilings, and can help free up space around your home for more plants or provide additional dimension to an otherwise empty room.
Depending on design, hanging plant baskets may or may not have drainage holes. As they hang from heights, it may also be common to experience some gradual leaf drop as leaves at the crown of the plant receive insufficient light. This can be easily remedied, and a fuller pot of foliage can be achieved with regular pruning to encourage more growth.
