Decorative pots are a popular decorative item, but can you plant directly in them? The answer may surprise you. In some cases, decorative pots are not meant for planting due to their materials and some may be too shallow to support plant growth, but in most cases.. yes, they are a definite choice for any indoor or outdoor garden. In this article we will explore what decorative pots are used for and if you can plant directly in them.
What are Decorative Pots and What are They Used for?
Decorative pots are containers that are used to hold plants and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials while adding color and style to homes or gardens. They are essentially an extension to ones personality while providing focal points in and around ones garden spaces.
Since there are many options available, they come in many different designs that can fulfill any creative desire and can often be crafted to recreate any design imaginable. This is often the reason why many choose the decorative type, but can often be limited to what can be planted in them such as size and height, but is also true of all planters and pots. Additionally, you can make and design your own from unneeded household containers.
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However, you may be wondering if you can plant directly in decorative pots. The answer is yes. Often times, many wonder if it’s possible because of drainage issues, but many retailers sell decorative pots with drainage holes that comes with a drain plug, so it’s essentially a non-issue.
Regardless, here are a few tips for planting directly in decorative pots, but can be applied to any other plant pot.
- Choose the right potting mix: When planting in decorative pots, it is important to choose the right potting mix. A good potting mix should be lightweight, well-draining, and rich in nutrients.
- Consider the size of the pot: The size of the decorative pot will also play a role in how well your plant grows. Make sure to choose a pot that is big enough to accommodate the roots of your plant. Also if the pot does not have drainage holes, consider making your own if possible.
- Water regularly: decorative pots can dry out quickly, so it is important to water your plants regularly. Be sure to check the soil before watering and only water when the soil is dry.
For more information on plastic and terracotta pots and drainage hole check out these articles below:
- Pros and Cons of Terracotta Plant Pots Explained
- Pros and Cons of Plastic Flower Pots and Planters
- Is One Drainage Hole Enough for Flower Pots? How Big Should It Be?
What type of plants can you plant in a decorative pot and how do you do it?
Most decorative pots are suitable for a wide variety of plants. However, it is important to consider the size and type of plant you want to grow before choosing a pot. If you are using your pot till the plant or tree grows a certain size to repot, it shouldn’t be a problem.
For an obvious example,
Small decorative pots are better suited for plants that don’t require a lot of space to grow such as succulents. On the other hand, large decorative pots can accommodate plants that need more room to grow such as small trees or shrubs. Although it should be obvious on the size of pot you need, many plants tend to outgrow their current conditions and repotting may be necessary.
While it’s not true for all plants, such as house plants and succulents, some plants may indeed become rot-bound and may have growing problems later down the road. Additionally, any plant can be potted in a decorative pot style, but just keep in mind the placement and needs of the plant, such as, sunlight and water requirements. This is to avoid having to relocate the plant when it reaches a mature state where the plant may become to big resulting in a cracked or broken pot.
For more information on succulents and if pot size matters, check out this article: Do Succulents Stay Small In Small Pots And Why? Growth vs. Pot Size
Are There any Benefits to Planting in a Decorative Pot as Opposed to Traditional Planters or the Ground Itself?
While decorative pots can be more expensive than traditional planters, they offer a number of benefits that make them worth the investment.
- One of the biggest benefits is that they are far more versatile and can be placed just about anywhere. For example, decorative pots can be placed on patios, decks, balconies, and even indoors. This is perfect for those who want to add a splash of color and style to their home but don’t have the space for a traditional garden.
- Another benefit of decorative pots is that they can be moved around easily. This is perfect for those who like to change up their décor frequently or for those who live in apartments and other small spaces where flexibility is key, and is true for all other plant pots such as plastic and terracotta.
- Finally, decorative pots are often made from materials that are more durable and long-lasting than traditional planters. This means that they will last longer and require less upkeep over time.
Furthermore, decorative pots offer a number of benefits that make them worth the investment. If you’re looking for a versatile, stylish, and low-maintenance way to add color and life to your home, decorative pots are a great option. Also, if your looking for something unique there is no shortage of what you can find.
To view our affiliate category of pots and planters, click here: Planters
Check out these amazon.com picks below:
How do you Take Care of Plants Planted in a Decorative Pot, and What Should you Avoid Doing at all Costs?
When it comes to decorative pots, it is important to choose the right potting mix. A good potting mix should be lightweight, well-draining, and rich in nutrients and as well as other recommendations below as specified earlier.
- Size of the pot: As specified earlier, The size of the decorative pot will also play a role in how well your plant grows. This is because a plant will only grow as big as it’s container and usually become root bound. Usually small succulents do quite well in smaller pots and are popular in indoor settings.
- Water regularly: Since Decorative pots can dry out quickly, plants need to watered regularly. Make sure of soil condition before adding additional water to avoid root-rot. Sometimes having a substrate below the soil can help with overwatering if the pot does not have a drainage hole. This is frequently used in terrariums and is why plants do quite well.
For more information on terrariums click here: How to Build Your Own Terrarium: Beginners Guide
- Fertilize: Most decorative pots are not sealed, which means that nutrients can leach out of the soil quickly. As a result, it is important to fertilize your plants regularly to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.
Main Factors to Avoid in Decorative Pots
- Avoid over-watering: One of the biggest mistakes people make when caring for plants in decorative pots is overwatering. This can lead to root rot and other problems, so be sure to check the soil before watering and only water when the soil is dry. This is also true of all potted plants.
- Allowing the plant to become to big where moving and repotting is an issue. This is where many people end up with over-grown plants that makes it almost impossible to repot and ultimately have to destroy the plant. Again, this is true for all potted plants.
For more information on watering indoor/outdoor potted plants, check out this article: How Often Should I Water my Indoor Plants/Outdoor Potted Plants?
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your plants thrive in decorative pots. Just remember to choose the right potting mix, consider the size of the pot, and water regularly to keep your plants healthy and happy.
What are Some Tips for Choosing the Right Decorative Pot for Your Plants and Home Décor Style?
When choosing a decorative pot, it’s always best to consider the size and type of plant you want to grow. Small decorative pots are better suited for plants that don’t require a lot of space to grow such as succulents. On the other hand, large decorative pots can accommodate plants that need more room to grow such as trees or shrubs.
In addition, it is important to choose a pot that fits your home décor style because there are many different styles of decorative pots available, so take some time to browse through your options before making a decision. Also if purchasing online, read through the recommendations and specifications.
Here are some tips below.
- Do some research on decorative pots before buying one. Be sure to inspect and ask any questions regarding what types of plants can be planted.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes, if not, check to see if you can make them yourself if needed.
- Place the pot in an area where it will get enough sunlight.
- Make sure the pot is big enough, but not too big where you cannot move it once you have planted your plant.
- Lastly, have fun choosing from the different shaped and sizes available. You would be surprised on what you can find on the market by doing a quick search.
Final Thoughts
Decorative pots are a great way to add color and life to your home and garden. Just be sure to choose the right potting mix, consider the size of the pot, and water regularly to ensure that your plants thrive. Also, keep in mind the plant you are planting since it can become to large for pot. With a little bit of care and research, you can enjoy your decorative pots for years to come.
