Plant pots is a simple yet an inexpensive way you can liven and grace your compound or indoors. They also a way that you can fulfill all your gardening wishes. There are a lot of benefits that are encompassed by using plant pots. These pots make it easy for children, the elderly, and the disabled to easily access the garden.
Growing plants in pots allow you to own portable garden that be easily moved and rearranged to get the effect you love. These pots can also be brought indoors when the weather is cold ensuring you of fresh flowers, vegetables, and herbs all year round.
When you opt to grow plants in a pot, you can be assured to save a considerable amount of money as you do not need to spend money on pesticides. This is because plants that are planted in pots are affected by less and serious diseases.
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To ascertain the success and healthy plants, you need to choose a perfect pot. Due to the increased demand, plant pots are made from different materials like plastic, fiberglass, ceramic, and Terra Cotta. In this guide, we are going to sample different types of pot together with their pro and cons. Shall we get started?
Terra Cotta Pots
Terra cotta or unglazed clay pots are high standard pots that are made using baked clay. The porous nature of the clay used allows water and air to pass through the wall of the pot. This is a feature that ensures healthy plants by preventing root rot diseases and those that are caused by overwatering. However, you closely monitor your plant and water when necessary as this feature can also cause the soil to dry quickly.
Terra cotta pots also help in removing moisture from the soil thus ensuring the healthy and success of the plants. They are the ideal pots for those who over-water their plants.
Pros
- Terra cotta pots are perfect for cold climates. These unique pots help in drawing water from the soil hence the soil dries more quickly.
- Clay has a porous nature that allows water and air to move from the soil therefore, preventing root rot and soil diseases.
- Regardless of whether you opt to do indoor or outdoor gardening, these pots will serve the intended purpose effectively
- They are a great option for plants that do better in dry soil like succulents, cacti, among others
- The older these pots get, they make a beautiful and alluring patina
- Compared to other pots, they are considered to be inexpensive
- You are assured to save a lot of money on pesticides as the plants will rarely be affected by diseases
- The thick wall prevents the plants from rapid temperature changes which can affect the growth and health of your plants
- Compared to other pots, terra cotta pots have a standard weight and are not blown off easily compared to other lightweight option
- Terra cotta pots form a white crust layer on the outside which is some gardeners consider as a way of adding beauty and elegance in their garden
- Terra cotta pots can be fully recycled
Cons
- Terra cotta pots during cold weather may cause them to break or crack
- These pots are not ideal for plants that need moist soil to grow effectively
- Terra cotta pots are not ideal for gardeners who do not water their plants regularly
- They are not the ideal option if you are trying to germinate seeds
- Some gardeners find the crust that forms outside which is caused by mineral salt deposits unsightly.
- They are not the ideal pots if you are planning to move as these pots break easily when moved
- It is encompassed by drainage issues if you do not have a watering planter.
For more in-depth information on terracotta pot, check out this article. Pros and Cons of Terracotta Plant Pots Explained
Plastic Pots
Plastic pots is another way that you can grow healthy plants. Most of these pots are made from Polypropylene High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). These plastics are usually harder to recycle than Polyethylene Terephthalate which is a plastic that is used in making drinking bottles.
Also, you should always keep drainage in mind, since it can either dry out or overwater you plant. If your wondering about this, click here. Is One Drainage Hole Enough for Flower Pots? How Big Should It Be?
Pros
- They are made from materials that ensure a safe and favorable environment for plants to grow
- They are made from recycled plastics which ensures a friendly environment free from plastics
- They are available in different color thus you can choose to liven your garden with your favorite color
- Since the thin walls do not allow air and water to pass through, the soil remains moist which makes them a good option for plants that need moist soil to grow
- Plastic pots are ideal for gardeners who do not water their plants regularly
- They are lightweight, flexible, and strong
- Since using plastic pots keeps the soil moist, they can be an ideal option for seed germination
- Unlike terra cotta pots, plastic pots can be used during cold weather without breaking or chipping
- They can be easily moved from one place to another without breaking
- They satisfy all your gardening needs regardless of the space you have as they can be hanged or put in the balcony.
- Plastic pots are an inexpensive way to add elegance and beauty to your living room or garden
Cons
- Compared to other common pots, plastic pots have thin walls therefore they offer little insulation to roots in case of a rapid temperature change.
- Black plastic pots act as heat collectors hence they heat the pot which damages the plants
- Some plants leach harmful chemicals which might affect your health as well the health and success of your plants
- Plastic pots are not ideal for outdoor gardening as sunlight can cause brittleness and fading
- These pots can only be treated with ultraviolet inhibitors to assure success when used for outdoor gardening
- They do not last for many seasons
- Plastic pots have a thin layer that cracks and chips easily
- They are not a good option for plants that require dry soil to grow as they keep the soil moist
For more in-depth information on plastic flower pots, click here. Pros and Cons of Plastic Flower Pots and Planters
Ceramic Pots
Unlike Terra Cotta, ceramic pots are made from light colored and fine textured clay. Ceramic pots are fired in the kiln at a high temperature which reduces the vulnerability and porousness of the pot.
Pros
- The walls allow water and air through the walls which ensures success and healthy plants
- Unlike other pots, these pots are waterproof hence they trap air and water which makes the ideal option during hot weather
- They are a great option for gardeners who live in windy areas because they cannot be toppled or blown away because they of their heavy weight
- They add beauty to your garden or indoors especially when they are painted with beautiful colors or a specific design
- Ceramic pots can be used indoors or in your gadren
- Since these pots are heavy, they can safely accommodate the weight of a growing plant without breaking
- Ceramic pots offer a conducive environment for plants that need moist soil to grow.
- Ceramic pots are the best pots for gardeners who do not like watering their plants regularly
Cons
- Most ceramic pots have a single drainer which provides poor drainage for plants
- To enhance drainage, you can drill holes at the bottom which may crack and break the pot
- When ceramic pots are used outdoors, they chip easily which affects the plant’s appearance
- During cold weather, ceramic pots crack and break after the soil freezes and then expands
- During re-potting, ceramic pots can easily break
- They have a curved shape which normally makes it challenging to re-pot or potting mixing
- Ceramic pots retain heat which burns the plant and kills the microorganism
- They are not perfect for seed germination as they do not retain moisture and air
- Ceramic pots are not a good option for plants that need moist soil to grow
- With ceramic pots, you need to water plants regularly to ensure and promote their growth
Fiberglass Pots
When you think of a beautiful and modern living room or garden, think of fiberglass pots. They are made from lightweight and durable material that can be designed to assume a stone, wood, among other materials. Fiberglass pots are made by interweaving fiberglass fibers which are laid out in a specific pattern.
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Pros
- They are lightweight pots hence you can easily move them on your patio, in your garden, or indoors.
- Compared to other pots that cracks and chip when exposed to certain weather elements, fiberglass pots are rustproof, frost resistant, and shatterproof.
- Fiberglass pots can be used during cold weather without the worry of them cracking or breaking
- Unlike plastic pots, these unique pots are not damaged when exposed to Ultraviolet thus their color does not fade
- They are durable therefore does not need to be replaced regularly
- With fiberglass pots, you can re-pot easily without the pot breaking or cracking
- Unlike terra cotta pots, fiberglass pots do not require maintenance
Cons
- Since they are non-porous, fiberglass pots trap water and heat which makes the soil to overheat therefore, damaging your plant
- In case of a slip, these pots can easily crack and break
- Some of fiberglass pots are expensive compared to pots that are made from different materials
- They are not a perfect option for growing tall plants like tomatoes and green peas
- Smaller pots can be easily blown away during windy days
- Most fiberglass pots are not designed with a drainage hole
Hanging Pots
Pros
- Can be hanged just about anywhere
- Can fit any type of pot
- They can be wrapped with strong material to hang freely
Cons
- Once it’s hanged, you have to replace the hook
- Watering and lighting may be an issue
- Plant might outgrow container
For more information about the different types of brackets, check out our article here. 10 Best Looking Hanging Basket Brackets
Conclusion
Limited space should no longer be an excuse as to why you have a dull garden, patio, or living room. This is because you can use growing pots which are a simple way for you to modernize your home. The above 4 types of pots will help you to choose the ideal pot that will make all gardening dreams come true.
