By Donna Dawson

Container plants are so useful and so important to our well-being. As long as their needs are met, they are happy and will show that by growing up healthy and strong.

Terracotta or clay pots are very practical. Water does not build up as the clay material weeps it out, keeping the roots healthy. The fine hair roots are what the plant sends out to gather food so you do not want these hair roots sitting in wet soil or they rot. Plants in these pots must be checked more often as they will dry out faster. Terracotta also draws out salts that might be in the soil. That is why you will see those white marks on the pots after a time. If potting up large plants, terracotta is better as it is heavier and will help keep the plant from falling over.

 

If planting in plastic pots, watch your watering schedule as these have to be watered less often than clay. Plastic does not breathe so the water will stay there until it is used up by the plant. Make sure you have lots of drainage holes in plastic pots - one is not enough, especially for larger pots. Plastic pots if used outside will weaken after time, becoming brittle around the edges and cracking.

There are all kinds of other pots you can use to showcase your plants, whether inside or outside. It is a choice that demands you to make wisely, as those plants will be in those pots for a long time.

 

First published in The Visitor