Succulents Archives - Plant Palatia

Why do Pots Matter?

Plants have very specific needs. Like any other living thing, their needs vary based off the type of plant. However, generalizations can be made that will suit the majority of species. For example, you don’t want a pot that is too small, just like you don’t want to put an indoor plant in extreme heat. Read on to learn more about proper size conditions and materials for different types of pots!

The Size

A pot’s size is probably the most important aspect to consider when you purchase a new plant. You don’t want it to be too large or small for your newest green addition. The general rule of thumb is to choose a pot that has a diameter two inches larger than your plant. This way, the plant has enough room to grow comfortably and the root to soil proportion will be proper.

The root to soil proportion is crucial for deciding the proper size. If the pot is too large, the plants roots won’t be able to absorb moisture as quickly. Since there is so much damp soil, this could eventually lead to root rot which is a devastating plant disease. On the other hand, if the pot is too small, then the plant can become root bound. This is when the roots fill the entire pot and have no more room to grow. Luckily, the fix for this is much simpler than root rot, just move the plant to a larger sized pot!

The last thing to consider for size is the is the shape and depth. If the pot is too tall, plants may struggle to grow out of it and it could lead to some weird growths. On the other hand, if the pot is too shallow, many plants like flowers or trees will have a difficult time establishing a strong base. Each shape has a different benefit, but I generally stick to deeper, circular shaped pots, regardless of what I’m planting. If that doesn’t work for you, you can always repot it!

Materials

Pots can be made out of a wide variety of things. From your common terracotta and plastic pots that you find in stores or online, to 3D printed filament pots and glass jars, almost anything can be made into a unique pot!

Not all of these pots are made equally, however. For example, terracotta (or any clay-like pots) absorb water. This means that your plants will more than likely need some more maintenance compared to other plant types, but it will also help prevent over-watering. This is an amazing benefit for many succulent species.

Plastic, on the other hand, has no such features. The material doesn’t absorb the water and as such, you may not need to give your plant so much water at once. The biggest downside to plastic is the way that they manage heat. The black plastic absorb heat and that heat transfers to connecting surfaces, which in this case, is the soil and plant. This dries out the soil which in turn dries out the plant and could potentially kill it.

What Pots Should I Use?

The best way to figure out what you like is to experiment. I use a wide variety of containers and, at the end of the day, they aren’t all that different from one another. Metal rusts, terracotta breaks, plastic holds heat but is inexpensive. All types have their own pros and cons and the best way to learn is by getting hands-on experience with all of them, so get to gardening!

Types of Soils

There’s Different Types of Soil?

Yes! There’s a lot of different types of soil. Soil is one of the most important parts to growing a healthy plant, so make sure you choose the right one. The three most common types are sandy, loamy, and clay. Keep reading to see the benefits of each type!

Soil pH

I know. This isn’t a type of soil, but it’s important to know about before we cover the three types. If you remember from chemistry or even biology, the pH scale ranges from 0-14 for our intents and purposes. The lower the number, the more acidic the substance. The higher, the more alkaline (basic) the substance. A neutral substance has a pH of 7. For soils, we’re aiming to have a pH of about 3.5-10.

The majority of plants prefer a neutral soil, but some like the extremes, so check for your specific plants care guide!

To make a soil acidic, and lime fertilizers. More common items include vinegar and coffee grounds. To make a soil more alkaline, you can add sulfur or ammonia fertilizers. This is the most efficient method, however, it is believed that you can use baking soda or eggshells as well.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil usually has a lighter color. It drains and dries quickly and warms up quickly, making it phenomenal for succulents. Why doesn’t everyone use this if it helps prevent diseases such as root rot? Well, it doesn’t hold nutrients as well. Since it drains so quickly, the nutrients are washed away so supplements have to be added for your plants to grow properly.

What makes sandy soil lighter? There is more room in the soil. The sand particles are larger than the soil which allows for aeration. This also makes the soil lighter, which is an additional benefit for those not wanting to lift heavy pots.

Loamy Soil

Loamy soil: Your go to choice for most plants in a garden. It’s a mixture of sand, clay, and silt, usually in even amounts. This is the thick, nutrient heavy soil that you see packed into bags or soil in mounds. It retains moisture, doesn’t dry out quickly, and holds structure. This makes it ideal for your lawn, flowers, and fruits or vegetables.

Why is loamy soil not everywhere then? Well, it kind of is. The only plants that really dislike this type of soil is succulents. The moisture retaining properties of this soil can lead to succulents number one cause of death; root rot. If your succulent is in loamy soil, I recommend replanting it as soon as you can.

While loamy soil is high in nutrients, the common plants require just as much. In order for your plants to thrive, make sure you add supplements and mulches. There’s a great technique you can use for food production called rotating crops which can also be applied.

Clay Soil

The last type is clay. Clay soil is particular. It’s hard and made of sediment. Roots can’t get into the soil so a majority of plants struggle to thrive. Bigger roots, however, can thrive in this rough soil. If you’re planting trees or large shrubs, they will take quite well to the moisture retaining mixture.

If this is your only option, there are a couple ways to make this soil more hospitable to other plants. The first is to mix in some other materials that will aerate the soil. This can be gravel or other soils. You can also break up the clay so that it doesn’t clump together.

What soil should I use then?

Well, it depends. Each type of plant likes different types of soil and your best bet is to learn from others, so look for care guides online! In general, you can follow the suggestions I listed above if you don’t want to look for additional opinions. Succulents like sandy soils, most plants like loamy, and large plants like clay.

Remember to provide supplements to your soil, regardless of type, so that your plants have the best chances of growing. Listed below are some links to other Plant Palatia media where you can find help if need be. Good luck with your garden!

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