Potting

Soil

There's more to this stuff than meets the eye; it's definitely more than just 'dirt'! Using the correct type of potting media is essential. It must provide support, nutrients, drainage, and aeration. Without a balance of these properties that is specific to the plant in that pot, your garden will not thrive.

Density of the soil is one thing to consider. If the soil is too dense, your plant will not be able to absorb nutrients and will have a diffficult time using the water provided to it. The soil you are using may work for awhile, but it will compact over time. Keep an eye on this and repot when you notice a change for the worse in your plant.

As a rule of thumb, natural soil from your backyard is not adequate! It is much too dense and has poor drainage. Instead, choose a potting mix offered for sale at your nursery or greenhouse. These mixes actually contain very little, if any soil. Taking the place of soil are materials such as peat moss, vermiculite, bark, sand, and perlite. Each has something special to add to the mixture, whether it's increased drainage, water absorption, water retention, or circulation.

Containers

What you put the soil in is just as important as the soil itself. It may be tempting, but don't buy a pot just because it fits well in your design scheme; there is much more to a pot than looks!

One important aspect to pots is size. Too big of a pot increases the risk of root rot, as there is more room for moisture. On the other hand, a pot that is too small will restrict your plant's growth.

There are many options on the market for what kind of pot to use. One type is terra cotta. These pots are inexpensive, easy to find, and come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Keep in mind, though, that these pots are porous, so they will absorb large amounts of water, especially the first time they are used. Pay especially close attention to the moisture levels of the soil in terra cotta pots. Due to the fact they are porous, they also help to circulate oxygen through the soi. lAnother feature to these containers is a drainage hole in the bottom. Be sure to set the pot on a dish or plate to capture any extra water.

Plastic is another way to go; it is lightweight both in the hand and the wallet! Since plastic is not porous, it will not absorb water, so your plant will need less frequent watering. However, it does not promote circulation, so make sure to use potting mix that will drain well.

A large variety of pots and planters are available, so be sure to look around! At GuidetoHouseplants.com, they offer containers such as GeoCube Planters, hand painted porcelain planters, and pots made out of resin.

Remember! If you are going to switch plants in your pot, be sure to wash it thoroughly to get rid of any pests or diseases the old plant left behind.