Choosing The Right Pots For Your Plants

Plants can beautify any space be it indoors or outdoors. The pots holding the plants further add to the charm and magnificence and can even become a sight to behold. The choice of planters is also crucial for proper growth and health of the plants.

Following are some of the key pointers to be kept in mind when picking out planters:

Size – A small plant in an oversized pot or a stately plant in a comparatively diminutive planter will not only look incongruous but can also affect its development. The roots of a small plant can start rotting in too large a pot as the soil dries very slowly. The plant will have stunted growth too. Conversely, large plants can become root bound in small pots. The soil will also dry too quickly, thus necessitating frequent watering. It is advisable to transplant the pots as the plants grow and always choose large concrete planters for bigger sized plants.

Drainage – Irrespective of the size, shape or material, all pots should have holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain and let in air to the roots. Standing water and soggy soil can cause the plant to die out quickly.

Weight – Keep the mass of the pot in mind as the soil and plant will add to the load. Heavy pots can become difficult to move around. On the other hand, too light a pot can topple over easily, especially in windy areas.

Color – While color is not one of the primary consideration when choosing planters, black or other dark-colored pots can heat up quickly and provide less insulation, especially when kept in sunny locations. They are not advisable for heat-sensitive plants either, but can work well for plants that need warm soil.

Shape – You can go for regular shaped pots or play around with a mix of profiles depending on the arrangement of the plants and the décor of the place. You can even let your imagination run wild with whacky contours or use eclectic items as containers for the plants!

Material – There is a wide choice of materials for pots ranging from the regular ceramic, terracotta, concrete, plastic and metal to coir, wood, resin, fiberglass and more. Planters made of natural materials trump the other varieties as they are porous and will allow air and moisture to move around. They can absorb excess water and keep the pots cool as well. However, non-porous plastic, resin or even glazed ceramic pots not only look colorful and attractive but require less watering too.

Outdoor Fire & Patio (www.outdoorfireandpatio.com) provides an enticing range of regular, large and commercial planters and urns in different shapes, colors and sizes. Made of glass fiber reinforced concrete by skilled artisans, they are light, strong and stylish.