5 Tips On How To Choose The Right Pot For Your Outdoor Plants
Placing your plant in an ideal pot will go a long way in optimising its health
When it comes to gardening, there's no easier way to add a decorative touch to your outdoor areas than with the addition of a beautiful plant in a statement pot.
But it's important to note that the type of pot you choose for your outdoor plant will have a major impact on its health. According to research by Australian gardening supplies store Northcote Pottery, 61 per cent of us can't tell the difference between indoor and outdoor pots.
"Picking the right pot isn't just about style and design, it's also important to consider the functionality of the pot and how you'll be using it in your garden," says Melissa King, horticulturalist and Northcote Pottery ambassador.
"Outdoor pots are designed with holes in the bottom to allow the potting mix to drain freely. On the other hand, [decorative] cache or cover pots don't have a hole at the bottom, so the plant is placed inside the cover pot in the original black plastic pot," adds Melissa.
"Plants [in this set-up] need to be removed before watering to allow the water to drain completely. Consider self-watering options if you want to make watering your container garden simple."
So, what kinds of pots are best for your outdoor plants? Here Melissa shares her top tips:
Terracotta pots are a classic choice when it comes to outdoor pots, and for good reason. Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, terracotta pots are perfect for planting a wide range of plants – including citrus trees, if you're feeling ambitious.
With a rich, earthy colour and a timeless look that suits a wide range of interior design styles, terracotta pots can stand alone for a bold statement, or be clustered together in a verdant vignette.
"Terracotta pots are porous, allowing air and water to pass through the walls of the pot, so they are an ideal choice for dry-loving herbs such as rosemary and oregano, or plants like geraniums and lavender," says Melissa.
If you're looking for a more colourful option, look no further than glazed outdoor pots. Named after their beautiful glazed finish, glazed pots come in a range of vibrant colours and styles that make them an ideal choice for adding a striking statement to your outdoor areas.
"The glaze [on glazed outdoor pots] seals the outside of the pot and makes the clay less permeable, so the pot holds onto moisture better," says Melissa.
For plants that prefer a more moist environment, glazed pots are a better choice than more porous pots, but if you're planting a plant that prefers dryer condition, make sure you use a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot.
"The glaze also results in a stronger, more resilient pot and the thick walls help to protect the soil from absorbing excessive heat," Melissa adds. "So, in most cases they are a good option for hotter areas."
For bigger plants, you'll ideally want to choose a bigger pot with as much soil and room to grow as possible. What this unfortunately means is that these pots can often be extremely heavy – especially after you've filled it with soil and have planted your plant or tree.
This is where lightweight pots that are specially designed to be lighter step in. "Lightweight pots are made from a combination of fibre clay, glass reinforced cement and fibreglass, so they are tough and light enough to manoeuvre, even when full of potting mix and plants." explains Melissa.
"They are an ideal choice for city dwellers or renters, particularly those who like to chop and change their potted displays," she adds.
Plastic pots are the default pot that most plants come in, and as the saying goes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it!
Not only are plastic pots extremely lightweight, but they're also quite durable and always come with drainage holes.
Available in a wide range of styles and colours, plastic pots are also more budget-friendly than their fancy ceramic cousins, so if you are planning on creating an extensive potted garden, they are a fantastic option to choose.
"Plastic pots are strong, lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and plant up, making them suitable for balconies and decks," says Melissa. "They come in a variety of modern designs, styles and colours that are sure to match your garden décor.
And unlike porous clay pots, plastic containers don't dry out as quickly, so they are ideal for moisture loving plants, or if you don't want to water as frequently.
"Avoid using dark coloured plastic pots in hot areas as they absorb heat. Sunlight can fade poorer quality plastic pots or make them brittle, so look out for UV treated plastic planters to ensure they stand the test of time," advises Melissa.
For the plant parent who is always on the go, self-watering pots are the best investment you can make for your garden. As the name suggests, self-watering pots helps your plants to stay watered for longer, via a clever drainage tray that allows excess water to be reabsorbed as the plant requires.
"If you have a small space and prefer a potted garden that's easy to care for, then self-watering pots are the way to go," says Melissa. "With a self-watering system, plants can access water as they need it, and in most designs the overflow hole drains away any excess liquid."
She adds: "These pots also help to retain nutrients and reduce watering time. Another advantage of self-watering pots is that moisture doesn't sit on the foliage, so there is less chance of fungal disease."
Text: Homes To Love