Do large indoor plant pots need drainage holes?
Any water that pools at the bottom of a planter can allow bacteria and fungus to form and cause root rot, which can be deadly. Though every plant owner should know their individual plant’s care and watering needs, drainage holes in a planter allow any extra water to seep out. As it turns out, using rocks to better the drainage of your plants is a complete myth! If anything, you should avoid using them at all and let your plants naturally drain on their own with a simple hole at the bottom, a good soil, and good maintenance.Adding rocks can actually trap water, harm your plants’ roots, and even damage your container over time. So, what really belongs in the bottom of your planter? High-quality potting soil—nothing else.Adding rocks can actually trap water, harm your plants’ roots, and even damage your container over time. So, what really belongs in the bottom of your planter? High-quality potting soil—nothing else.
What are the best pots to use for indoor plants?
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. If you have plants that prefer well-draining soil, terracotta pots may be the better choice. If you have plants that prefer more consistent moisture, clay pots may be the better option. And if you’re looking to match your pots to a specific garden style, the aesthetic appeal of the pot may be the deciding factor.
Do plants do better in ceramic or plastic pots?
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. Plastic pots generally have thinner walls than their clay counterparts offering roots little if any insulation from temperature change. Black plastic can actually act as a solar collector, heating up the potting medium to plant damaging levels.
What kind of pots are best for indoor plants?
Terracotta pots are an excellent choice for many houseplants especially if you are new to houseplants. Not only is there a beautiful aesthetic, but it also corrects the common mistake of over-watering because of its wicking qualities that are inert to natural clays. Adding pebbles to the surface of indoor houseplant soil isn’t just about looks; it can help with moisture control, pest prevention, and overall plant health.
What plants don’t like terracotta pots?
Avoid terra-cotta pots for moisture-loving plants like ferns, Venus flytraps, and peace lilies since the porous clay dries out the soil quickly. Outdoor evergreens need frost-resistant pots—standard terra-cotta may crack in winter unless it’s a high-quality variety like Italian Impruneta. However, terracotta pots do have one downside. Because they are so porous, the soil dries out quickly in hot weather over the summer months – forcing me to water every day, if not twice a day.