Choosing the right pot size for your plants

[Dave]

Pot types and sizes

Proper pot size is an important factor to consider. A pot that is too large will cause root disease because of the excess moisture retained in the soil, while a pot that is too small will halt a plant's growth. Generally a plant can stay in the same pot for two or so years.

Pots come in a variety of types as well, but usually can be broken down into two groups: porous and non-porous. Porous pots are usually clay and are highly recommended because they provide better aeration as air passes laterally through the sides of the pot. Non-porous pots such as glazed or plastic pots tend to hold moisture longer and restrict airflow. Another potting essential is drainage holes.

Usually pots come with a hole in the bottom to allow excess water to flow out of the soil, which helps to prevent root rot. If a pot does not have drainage holes, a substitute drainage mechanism can be made by placing clay shards or pebbles at the bottom of the pot before filling it with soil. Then the excess water will pool in the bottom of the pot instead of the soil. Before reusing old pots, make sure to wash them in the dishwasher to kill any bacteria that might be left behind.

[orchid_guy]

What size pot would you use for a new plant? The first time that it is placed in a pot.

[Dave]

Well it would depend on what size what size pot it was originally. For instance, if you bought an 8 inch potted plant, I would probably look for a pot size of 10-12 inches. You don't want to go any small than 8 inches unless you like the height of the plant now. Small pot= small plant
Lager pot= Larger the plant will grow because the roots won't be root bound at all.
Hope this helps!
-Dave

[lydia]

you cant put clay pots in dishwasher...can you?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Clay pots probably need to be sterilized in an oven: http://crittercreeklab.s5.com/ . I don't use clay pots for a number of reasons. The biggest of which is that when it is time to repot, the roots are so firmly attached to the clay, that damage has to be done to them to remove the plant. In plastic, one needs merely to flex the pot and the roots break free with no damage. Shards in the bottom of clay pots is an invitation for snails and slugs to have a happy home. Plastic pots have numerous smaller holes, which do a good job of draining and to a small extent venting. Clay is too heavy for my hardware cloth covered benches. I have plastic pots in azalea types every 1/2 in, and bulb pans every 1 ". They store easily by nesting, and are cheap enough to use a new one every time I change pot size for a plant. Hmmm, there may be more reasons, but can't think of them just now. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[Evangeline Bourne]

Personaly Im a fan of potting the plant into a plastic pot then putting it inside a clay or glazed pot with some mulch over the top to make it presentable. works well for me, and my plants dont object there are a couple I have straight into clay pots, my micro mini rose and snow bush for example, I had a reason when I did it, I just cant remember what it was now...