Pots.

Choices!

Cache Pot -

Any type of pot can serve as a cache pot. It doesn’t matter what the material makes up the pot, or how it looks inside or out. The term loosely means “hiding place, “ so it’s only fitting that the cache pot hides the plastic nursery pot from view and offers a more eye pleasing option. It’s a great choice for a houseplant that isn’t ready for or cannot tolerate a repot. It’s generally more convenient if a cache pot has no drainage hole, or has an accompanying saucer to catch the overflow of water that might result when you water your plant. If a drainage hole isn’t available, it’s fine to take your plant to the sink for watering and then return it to the cache pot once it’s finished draining.

Terra-cotta-

Terra cotta, meaning “baked earth” is a total classic in look and in construction. It’s available nearly anywhere, and the cost is usually low compared to decorative pots. Terra cotta isn’t just classic, it’s also a great way to enhance necessary air flow around your plant’s root system. Terra-cotta is a natural, porous clay that is formed into a pot and then baked at high temperatures to lock in the shape and stability. Overwatering is a top cause of plant death, so pairing a well draining soil with a terra-cotta pot is an excellent choice if you’ve over-loved your plants with the watering can in the past. Traditional orange terra-cotta pots can be easily found, and with a bit more effort similar pots in brown or striking white clay are available. If the look isn’t right for you, try matching a unique saucer with your pot, or decorating it with breathable paints or markers. 

Nursery pots or other Plastic Pots -

Unless you’re buying plants bare root, most will come to you in a plastic nursery pot. Some have drainage holes at the bottom and some have a removable saucer for the sake of tidiness. There are pros and cons to plastic pots, be they nursery pots or plastic decorative pots. In the positive column, they’re great for nursing cuttings or seedlings into being, hence the name nursery pot. They are less likely to break if dropped or struck, and you have a wide range of color or pattern choices with plastic. They also retain water very well. In the negative column, they retain water really well. This does not allow as much air flow to the root system. It’s kind of a double edged sword. The water remains locked in by the nonporous plastic, limiting the escape routes to only the surface of the soil and the small drainage holes on the bottom. If you have a perpetually thirsty plant that just can’t get enough water, plastic is for you. If you fear overwatering, root rot or mold, plastic can be an issue. That’s not to say that you can’t have those same issues with other materials. You absolutely can. It’s important to note here too, that when you repot your fledgling plant from it’s nursery pot into a larger plastic pot or a different material, your watering technique or schedule will change. A plant that retained a lot of moisture in its nursery pot will require adjusted watering when you move it to a larger or different container. 

Glazed pots -

Glazed pots are typically made of clay, but then sealed with a nonporous glaze in the firing process, rendering the overall product to be less porous or nonporous. They come in gorgeous shades and patterns and can withstand cooler temperatures outside than terra-cotta, which often cracks or crumbles without temperature specific care. Indoors, however, that isn’t a concern. Usually the inside of the pot is left unglazed, so the clay is exposed to the soil and the soil to the plant. There is some transfer or wicking of moisture, but the glaze prevents the full exchange of oxygen around the root system. Glazed pots are in the middle of terra-cotta and plastic as far as moisture retention and root oxygen levels are concerned. The unique colors and decorative options of glazed pots can be incentive enough to modify your watering, just see my photos of the lady pots. 

DIY or MYO pots -

Tea cups, tins, hollowed wood, DYI pots are only limited by the your imagination. Of course, it’s impossible to say how a DIY pot will effect your plant. It’s good to look for or create a drainage hole, or maybe use your DYI pot of choice as a cache pot. Old tea or coffee tins might rust, so be wary of that. Ikea sells tons of metal pots that are sealed to allow for watering your plant without rust. They aren’t DIY, but they’re still fun! The sky’s the limit!