Green thumb
How to help your pot plants grow with the flow
We’ve been growing plants in pots for a long time so you would think we should know how to do it by now. The oldest plant container in the world was found in Malta at the temple of Hagar Qim, it dates from the second millennium BC. Archaeologists have found in the ancient ruins of Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan and India evidence of decorative containers which were once used to grow plants.
The design of an early Victorian pot had drainage holes raised by means of a deep underrim, which prevented worms from entering the pot; unfortunately, pot makers have not continued this tradition. Worms in pots can decimate the potted plant’s roots and leave the soil in the pot slimy and anaerobic.
Plant pots today come in every shape and size and a variety of materials. Once the container is chosen and the plant potted, it’s a big effort to change to another shape or colour; so what’s the best pot to show off a plant?
Always choose the plant before the pot, as the growth requirements of plants differ considerably, and subsequently the type of pot that would best suit the plant.
A tall plant will need a pot with a wide base, otherwise a huff and a puff and the plant will fall down, break the pot, and oh what a mess!
A spreading plant will need a pot with a wide surface such as a bowl; this will allow the plant to display its beauty.
A hanging plant will need a tall pot to hang over the edge or a basket to hang down its tendrils.
A climbing plant will need a pot that can support a coir stake or decorative frame and be stable in windy weather.
Consider the position for the pot: Is it a windy spot? If so then a stable pot with a wide bottom is needed; no tight skinny bottoms here.
Will the pot be placed in full sun? Then a glazed or plastic pot which will retain water in very hot weather or away times is best.
Will the pot be a central showpiece? Search for something unique in colour and shape that highlights your personality; something that makes a wow statement.
Will the pot have the company of other pots around it? In that case, a neutral colour, white or black, is often best in company.
What is the surface the pot will sit on, timber or tiles? Whatever surface, plant pots will cause stains; even when a saucer is used. If that is out of the question, particularly with timber floors, the solution could be a completely enclosed selfwatering pot; many designs are available.
Good drainage is essential for many plants. Calatheas, medinilla and succulents are just some of the plants that will not tolerate wet feet and must have full drainage at all times, otherwise they rot.
The solution is to increase the size of the holes in the pot and to add 10cm of gravel to the base of the pot. Any saucer under the pot should be filled with sand or gravel to avoid water lodging in the pot and around the roots of the plant.
Plant pots made from recycled plastic and other materials have come of age and the selection of well-designed pots in a lightweight, durable material makes environmental sense without any loss of style.
If there is a need for a heavy pot for a large plant, then homemade concrete, painted or tiled on the outside, or if the budget allows, a custommade glazed ceramic pot in a glossy blue or red can certainly make a statement and would be suitable for trees like citrus.
Be wary of pots with small necks (jar or vase design), it’s impossible to remove the plant through the narrow neck once grown, and the design is inherently unstable.
Stability is of primary importance in a plant pot that is placed in an exposed area. Strong winds and storms are likely to blow it over, and there’s always that active child on a tricycle.
One last thing: never place a potted plant on or close to household electrical appliances – an accident with water can happen and that might be very costly.