Collecting succulents has become a popular pastime but, how do you choose the right pot for your succulents? With a few considerations, such as lighting, sizing, and drainage, there are endless possibilities to explore the perfect home for your succulents where they can thrive happily and healthily.
Continue reading below to gather the facts before beginning your fairy garden. Not all pots are made the same and you want to avoid choosing a pot solely because it looks cute. Making an informed decision when choosing the right pot for your baby greens will save you time and money in the long run.
Measure What Size Pot You Need For Your Succulent
First off, making certain you find the right size home for your succulent is essential to providing the highest quality of life. It is vital to provide the plant with adequate room to grow. For reference, if your plant is 5 inches in diameter, aim for a pot of 5.5”.
Choosing the right width and depth of a pot ensures the succulents get proper nourishment. A pot that is too large can retain an abundance of moisture which will cause the succulent to rot. While a pot that is too small can hinder the healthy growth of the roots.
Pot Sizing for Clusters Of Succulents
If you are potting a cluster of succulents, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Make sure each green has ample room to grow properly
- Keep an eye out to ensure each plant gets enough lighting
- If any of the succulents seem crowded, be prepared to re-pot them as soon as possible
Planting multiple succulents in one container can be tricky, so if you do decide to go this route, make sure you choose a pot large enough for the buds to grow into.
Drainage and Airflow Are Important When Choosing A Pot
Although succulents are regarded as nearly effortless, they do have basic survival needs.
Proper Drainage Is Essential
Succulents retain more water in their leaves and stems than other plants. Because of this, they require proper drainage from their pots. It allows the soil to dry faster, preventing the rotting of the roots.
Adequate Airflow Is Necessary
Plants need airflow to breathe and make food. Succulents are no exception to this rule. Choosing a pot that provides generous airflow will lead to overall healthier succulents.
Make sure to keep these necessities in the back of your mind while choosing the right pot for your succulents.
Pros and Cons Of Popular Pots
There is an abundance of readily available pots to choose from for your succulents. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
Clay Pots Are Ideal Material
Clay pots, like ceramic or terracotta pots, are a great option for succulents, particularly in more tropical climates. They are very porous which helps in avoiding rotting roots. The material soaks up some moisture from the soil, and are great for indoor or outdoor succulents.
Clay pots are common enough where you can find them quite affordably at a local home and garden store.
The downside to clay pots is, they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some of the inspirational arrangements you find online and are typically a neutral orange-ish color. Keep in mind that they are also fragile and typically have only one or two drainage holes.
You can find more attractively colored clay pots that have been glazed over. If you go that route, keep in mind that the glaze does slightly alter the porousness of the pot which can decrease the amount of moisture it would soak up.
Plastic Pots Can Be Fun
Plastic pots are another prevalent choice for succulent pots. Unlike clay, you can find plastic pots in a large array of
- Sizes
- Colors
- Shapes
These give the ability for a more personalized arrangement. They are also quite affordable and easily found at a local store.
Plastic pots typically have good drainage, but pliable enough to drill into to create more holes, if necessary. Their lightweight material makes them a safer option for an area with small children or pets because they are not as breakable as clay.
The downside to plastic pots is they heat and cool easily. The material makes it easier for your succulents to burn or freeze. If you choose plastic pots, it is recommended to keep them indoors to keep an eye on the temperature.
Wood Pots Are Eye-Catching
Their unique style has enhanced the popularity of wooden pots and planters. They are a natural and sturdier material and do their best in full, direct sunlight.
They also come in endless varieties of
- Stains
- Shapes
- Sizes
They are conversation pieces.
Although beautiful, wood pots can split or rot out at the base if not kept in proper sunlight. This is simply because wood is a natural, porous material that pools moisture too easily. If you think about trees, which normally rot, this should be expected if choosing a wood pot or planter. Just keep an eye out, checking the integrity of the pot every so often.
Since wood is an organic substance, acknowledge the possibility of some pests nestling into this kind of pot.
Choosing an Uncommon Type Of Pot
These are only a few of the endless other options, besides the usual suspects, to consider when choosing the right pot for your succulents.
Metal Pots Are Decorative
An unexpected type of pot used is metal. While they add intriguing and undeniable style, metal pots can overheat very quickly and eventually rust, causing irreparable damage to your succulents. It is recommended to only use a metal pot as a temporary home.
Glass Pots Add Pleasing Aesthetic
If you choose to go with a glass pot for your succulents, you will want to remember there are sufficient drainage and airflow concerns.
You will most likely have to drill extra holes for drainage as these pots will probably be custom-made. Also, take care to choose one with a larger opening than you would get with another pot made from different materials. This is because your soil needs plenty of airflow, and the quality of airflow with glass is almost nonexistent.
Hanging Baskets Add Style To Small Spaces
Hanging baskets are most common when growing a succulent such as a string of pearls because they grow big enough to see in the baskets. They make beautiful accents to small spaces, like a deck or porch.
Hanging baskets are one of the eco-friendlier options out there. You can easily find one made from
- Organic Products
- Recycled Products
- Recyclable Products
They may not be a great choice for smaller succulents, as they will be strung up and nearly impossible to see. Also, if choosing this type of pot, it needs to be kept away from high wind spaces because they can dry up quickly.
Choosing The Right Pot For Your Succulents
When you choose the right pot for your succulents, it will ultimately be the pot that works best for your
- Space
- Aesthetic
- Budget
- Environment
If you have a home with young children and pets, your perfect pot is most likely not made of clay.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an entirely unique pot, the good news is you can make almost anything into a customized succulent pot. Just remember to create proper drainage, have a large enough opening to promote healthy airflow if the material is not porous enough, and make the pot large enough for the plant to grow strong.
Last update on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
