There are several different types of plant pots, and while it makes sense to focus on aesthetics when planning a container garden design, there’s a lot more to consider. The function and material of your containers have a considerable impact on your plants. Some types of plant pots can even cut back on your total time spent in the garden!
Drainage Holes
Water is essential for keeping your plants hydrated, but too much leads to soggy, funky soil. Root rot can lead to disaster, so you want to avoid it at all costs. A day of bright, direct Florida sun will usually evaporate moisture in a container within a day or two. However, if you’ve got a planter indoors or out in the shade, it could turn into a moldy mess if you overwater it.
To avoid excess moisture collecting in the bottom of your plant pots, look for ones with drainage holes. This way, the overflow will pour through, but the soil will still hang on to enough moisture to keep your plant happy.
Water Trays
Now, you might be apprehensive about getting a pot that allows muddy plant water to pour through the bottom. That’s where water trays come in! But they aren’t just for containers with drainage holes—even the types with no holes can develop moisture buildup on the bottom and stain the surface beneath it. A saucer or tray below your pot will protect your furniture and collect overflow.
Trays are also great if you need to increase humidity levels for your plants. Filling a tray with pebbles and an inch of water and placing your plant on top will expose the leaves to extra water vapor. This is great for tropical houseplants like Philodendrons and Calatheas that are accustomed to humid rainforest air.
Size and Convenience
Plant pots may be lightweight when they’re empty, but they’re pretty darn heavy when they’re full of soil! If you’re looking at larger planters, think critically about how you’re going to move them around. If you’ve got large containers, be sure you’ve placed them in the spot you want them before filling them with soil and plants.
If you want to make transport considerably easier, there are many types with wheels on the bottom, or you can purchase a plant caddy to add wheels separately. This prevents the risk of straining your back, so instead of lifting the pot, you can push or pull it around.
Weather Resistance
Since Fort Lauderdale has lovely weather year-round, we don’t have to worry about our pots cracking from the cold during winter. However, it’s a good idea to consider the effect of extreme heat on your plant pots. A metal planter could get scorching hot in the direct sun, and that could stress out your plants’ roots. Ceramic and clay pots are porous, increasing air circulation and leading to moisture evaporating more quickly from the container.
Plastic pots retain moisture well and are inexpensive, but ceramics can be really beautiful—especially Mexican Talavera pottery! Succulents and cacti do well in terracotta pots, as well as other heat-tolerant plants that don’t mind the soil drying out for short periods.
Color
Choosing color schemes and design themes for your collection is a fun part of the process, but your pots’ colors can significantly affect your plants! Dark-colored pots will heat up much faster in the sun, so keep those in the shade to avoid burning the roots. Try to use more light-colored containers in sunny areas.
We’ve got one of the most incredible selections of different types of plant pots for sale in Fort Lauderdale. Visit us soon to see the trendiest styles for 2021!