Finding the Right Size Pot For Your Plant
To get the best for your indoor plants, you’ll want to make sure that you are providing them with the right home as they grow. Choosing the right size pots for your plants will ensure you grow the most vibrant, healthy plant possible. From an aesthetic viewpoint, big plant pots can act as attention-grabbing centrepieces, whereas small indoor plant pots lend themselves to more cohesive interior decoration. Knowing how to find the correct pot size for plants will help support their growth, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy.
How are Plant Pot Sizes Measured
In Australia, the size of a pot is determined by the diameter against either the height or by the volume of soil it can hold (in litres). There are common pot sizes where a pot’s width is roughly 10 cm larger than the diameter of the plant, correlating with the plant’s root system and growth potential. It is important to consider the size of your plant and its optimal growth conditions to make an informed decision on the right pot to plant in.
How to Choose the Right Size
Choosing the right pot size can prevent issues like decay or roots becoming bound. High-strength pot materials like fibreglass may protect root systems by preventing fractures or breaks from occurring in the pot as growth occurs. As a general rule, your pot should always be 5 centimetres larger than the diameter of your fully grown plant. The size of the pot you will need differs according to the specifics of your plant.
Check Your Plant’s Root System
Keep in mind the root system specific to your plant by observing the size of your root ball carefully. The pot should be large enough that roots have plenty of space to grow and can get adequate nutrients to support its development.
Different types of plants will grow different root systems. Succulents, for example, have more narrow root systems and will require pots that are much less deep and wide than leafy household plants would. Observing your plant’s root system before choosing a pot is advised.
Consider Water Needs
The size of your pot is also determined by a plant’s water needs. Water will travel vertically through the soil, which makes the height of a pot an important factor in your decision. Tall, narrow pots will dry out faster as a result. The water level may also travel out of reach of the root system where it cannot be absorbed and may stagnate, potentially leading to rot.
Knowing When to Repot
A pot that has been incorrectly sized may affect the health of a plant, but often there will be observable signs that can warn you that it is time to repot.
You Notice Slowing Growth or Delayed Flowering
Any changes in the speed at which a plant is growing or flowering, outside of seasonal changes like dormancy periods, could be caused by a lack of vital nutrients. A pot that is too big may make it difficult for root systems to reach nutrients, affecting the quality of the plant.
Roots Are Bulging Out Of Soil
A pot that is too small may have much more dramatic consequences, as root systems struggle to fit inside the space and become root-bound. Roots that grow out of drainage holes or plants that bulge over the sides of a pot are both good signs it is time to repot into a larger container.
These constrained root systems can also cause the pot to become too top-heavy. Watch out for pots that appear to be off balance or starting to tip over. Falling over can break or crack weak pots, which is why resistant materials like fibreglass are good for a plant’s early growing phases.
Your Plant Has Grown
Some plants, particularly leafy indoor plants or trees that develop large root systems, tend to grow more than other plants. Plants that undergo drastic changes in their own size may often benefit from being regularly re-pot every year or two in order to keep up with their growing roots.
Doing so before the more noticeable signs of an incorrectly sized pot can prevent your plant from any stagnation and may make re-potting a more hassle-free process. Pot sets are great for plants that have different space requirements as they grow.
Choosing a High-Quality Pot
Simply Good Pots has a premium selection of indoor plant pot sets in a large variety of sizes. Every pot is made from durable and weather-resistant fibreglass to withstand the potential stress overgrown root systems can place on pots right before repotting is required. They are also lightweight and easy to move to new positions, in case your plant outgrows its space as it does its pot.
Browse Simply Good Pots’ collection of elegant fibreglass pot sets to find a perfectly sized pot today.
Find the Perfect Pot
By being considerate of colour choices regarding your plants, you can create stunning displays that elevate the space around them. You can set the mood of a space by being deliberate about your pot’s colour and the combinations it creates with its surrounding background, plants and lighting. Picking up a plant pot set is also an easy way to promote unity of style.
Browse Simply Good Pots’ elegant collection to begin transforming your space. If you have any questions, you can reach our team via the online contact form or by calling us on 03 8582 3064.