How to buy plant pots?
Attractive flower pots for indoors and outdoors
You want to freshen up your living room a bit, but don’t want to spend a lot of money. So you buy a few new plant pots for your plants. This will make the room look completely different. In this guide, you’ll find out which plant pots are suitable for indoors and outdoors and which aspects you should consider.
Plants in a new guise: Plant pots as decoration and protection
Pretty flower pots made of ceramic, plastic or metal are decorative planters in which you can easily place the inconspicuous, thin plastic pots that plants are usually sold in. The decorative pots beautify your houseplants and herbs and at the same time give them more support and protection. Weatherproof models are even suitable for outdoor use.
Unlike the inner pots, planters usually do not have a hole in the bottom through which the water can drain. To prevent waterlogging, you should therefore place a few stones, coarse gravel or thick pieces of clay on the bottom of the planter. This intermediate layer gives the water space to drain downwards and the plant does not get “wet feet”. To keep it that way, you should regularly pour away the water that collects here.
What you should pay attention to when buying planters
There are plant pots to suit many tastes. In addition to the design, other aspects also play a role when purchasing.
How big should a plant pot be?
There should be a few centimeters of space between the planter and the inner flowerpot so that you can easily lift the inner pot out. If in doubt, opt for a larger diameter, because a plant grows over the years and will eventually need a larger inner pot. You can measure the size with a ruler on the top edge of the planter.
What material should a planter be made of?
- Plastic plant pots are lightweight, inexpensive and almost unbreakable. They are easy to clean and come in many shapes and colors.
- Ceramic and stoneware plant pots are quite heavy but stable. However, they cannot tolerate frost.
- Rattan is a renewable raw material and popular for outdoor plant pots.
- Metal plant pots are very robust and versatile: the surface can appear golden or almost black.
- Terracotta is the traditional material for outdoor flower pots. However, the fired clay is very heavy and relatively sensitive to impact.
- Plant pots made of wood or concrete are suitable for outdoors. They are weatherproof and can also spend the winter on the balcony.
Plant pots with watering system
Some planters have a watering system. This means you don’t have to constantly think about watering them. They usually indicate when you should add more water. This option is also practical for when you go on vacation.
Plant pots with frame
Flowers sometimes don’t look so good on the floor and you have to bend down to water them. That’s why plant pots with a frame are practical: Depending on the model, the plants are at knee or hip height. This means you can see the flowers clearly next to the sofa, for example , and the plants get more light.
Which planter suits my plant?
For most flowers, you can simply use the flower pot that you like best. But there are some houseplants for which a special planter is useful.
Flower pots for orchids
Flower pots for orchids meet the needs of these delicate plants. They are often made of glass or transparent plastic so that you can see the roots. Plant pots for orchids are often particularly high. This matches the shape of the roots and prevents the inner pot from standing in water.
Plant pots for herbs
Herbs on the windowsill or in a kitchen corner are pretty and practical. Many planters specifically for herbs have a watering system or a water tank so that the thirsty herbs last longer. Others are elongated so that basil, thyme and rosemary can fit next to each other.
Plant pots for palm trees
Palm trees or other tall plants need large and tall flower pots. It is important that the planter is heavy enough so that the tall plant does not tip over. Heavy materials such as ceramic or terracotta are therefore suitable. However, you should place such planters on a saucer so that they do not scratch the floor. If you prefer to use a plastic planter, you can fill the bottom with stones to weigh it down.
Conclusion: Find the right planter for your plant
Whether indoors or outdoors – with a beautiful planter, your potted plants will shine in new splendor. The practical decorative accessories offer your plants not only an attractive outer shell but also solid support. Here you can see the information again at a glance:
- Plant pots are decorative containers for plastic inner pots. The pots usually do not have a hole in the bottom so that the water cannot run out.
- Plant pots with a watering system make watering easier and also help you get through your vacation.
- For outdoors, you should choose sturdy flower pots made of terracotta, wood, plastic or concrete.
- Herbs need a lot of water, so a planter with a water tank or irrigation system is recommended.
- For tall plants, you should use a heavy planter or put stones in it to prevent the plant from tipping over.