Should indoor plants be in plastic pots?
Proper drainage is crucial for the health of your plants. While decorative pots should not have drainage holes to prevent indoor spills, it’s essential not to pot directly into them. Instead, keep your plants in plastic growing pots with drainage holes and place these inside the decorative pots. While proper drainage is typically crucial for plant health, it’s still possible to successfully plant and care for your green companions in pots without drainage. This guide will explore the ins and outs of planting houseplants in pots without drainage holes and offer tips to ensure your plants thrive.
What container is best for indoor plants?
Moisture-loving plants do best in plastic pots, which retain moisture better than their more porous plant pot counterparts. As long as you’re using the right potting soil and have proper drainage, most houseplants will grow well in a plastic pot. Since plastic is nonporous, the soil stays moist, perfect for plants that require more hydration, or for gardeners who forget to water regularly. Cyperus, selaginella, and Boston fern are examples of plants that will thrive in a plastic pot or container.Gardeners with a heavy hand at watering tend to over-water; their plants will probably benefit from clay. Other gardeners who wait for the wilting signal from their plants are better off with plastic. Plants which demand a well-drained, dry soil like cacti also prefer clay pots.
What is the best material for indoor flower pots?
Our advice is to go porous. Porous ceramics like terracotta will dry more evenly than plastic pots, and any wood planter will dry even faster than terracotta. Ceramic planters also are great choices. And if you’re worried about weight, fiberglass planters are ideal for plants 8 or larger in diameter. Ceramic pots are made from fired clay and come in a wide range of colors and designs. They are less porous than terracotta, which means they retain moisture better and require less frequent watering. Ceramic pots are also more durable and less prone to cracking in freezing temperatures.
Are ceramic or plastic pots better for indoor plants?
Plants in ceramic glazed pots generally grow better than plants in plastic, terracotta, painted or glazed pots. The main reason is because the soil in the ceramic pot is able to absorb moisture better and it won’t dry out as fast. Ceramic pots, by contrast, allow gradual evaporation and better temperature regulation, which helps keep the soil from becoming overly compacted or waterlogged. While glazed ceramic options are less breathable than unglazed clay, they still provide far better conditions than plastic.Ceramic pots generally offer better insulation for plant roots, maintaining a consistent soil temperature. They also allow more breathability, helping prevent root rot. Plastic pots, on the other hand, retain more moisture and heat, which can be advantageous or detrimental depending on the plant species and climate.