Pots for Plants

Choosing the correct pot is an essential ingredient in growing beautiful houseplants. Traditionally, pots were made of clay, but now pots are made out of many different types of materials. The two main types of materials are clay and plastic. There are pros and cons to each type of pot.

Clay pots:

• normally are easily breakable when dropped

• are much heavier than plastic pots so are more stable for larger plants

• are more difficult to clean than plastic pots

• are a natural color and therefore fit in more decorative color schemes

• are porous so damaging salts from city water can escape from the potting soil

Plastic pots:

• are lightweight and easier to handle

• become weak with age especially if left in cold or sunny areas

• are not porous and so soil needs less frequent watering

• are available in a wide range of colors and can be easily matched with interior decor.

Pots are normally sold in a wide range of sizes from 2 inch to 15 inches in diameter, or larger. The depth of a pot is usually the same as the width.