The darlings of the indoor plant world, succulents have become a must-have for anyone looking to make his or her space come alive. Besides their low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in less-than-optimal conditions, succulents are beautiful, textural specimens that look great in a wide range of pots. This quick guide includes five factors for choosing the best pots for your succulents.
If you have been a gardener for years or have recently become interested in gardening, knowing how to select the right pots for your succulents can help benefit future plants and, perhaps, the way your home looks.
1. Pot Material
The well-being of your succulents hinges in large part on the material of the planter you are using: clay, ceramic, or plastic. Each holds moisture and thus affects the plant differently. Clay and ceramic are more porous and allow the plant to breathe. However, they are heavier, costlier, and more prone to breaking. Plastic, on the other hand, is lighter-weight, less expensive, and more durable. However, they tend to hold more moisture, which can lead to root rot.
2. Pot Design
Design is another way a pot can enhance or detract from the beauty of a plant. The design of a pot is very important in the aesthetic aspect. The design, color, and texture of a pot should be carefully considered to determine its functional properties. An ornate design might be appropriate for a simpler, smaller succulent. While a plain, simple design might contrast nicely with a larger or intricate succulent.
3. Pot Size
The size of the planter you use is important for the ultimate health of your succulent—so you’ll likely want to repot your succulent in six to 12 months, on average. While it’s popular to plant succulents in larger containers, planting them in extra-large containers doesn’t encourage growth or make it easier for them to care for the plant. In fact, your succulent would likely prefer to be more cramped. It’s commonly misperceived that succulents need a large pot to thrive, so beefing up eight with a succulent. Truth be told, however, they prefer to be in a little bit tighter circumstances.
4. Pot Shape
Select the shape you desire; pots come in a variety of shapes from traditional round to modern geometric designs. Each type of shape serves a different purpose and can influence the aesthetic and the function of your pot!
5. Pot Drainage
When it comes to succulents, drainage is non-negotiable. What happens when you don’t have a good drainage system? Not only will the root rot set in, but in the case of living plants, they will become water-logged, which leads to their own set of problems, like rotting.
With these five key factors—material, design, size, shape, and drainage—in mind, plant enthusiasts can choose perfect pots for their succulents that foster plant growth and vitality and add stunning lines and structure to their displays.
