Even though a plant can spend several months, even years, in the same pot, eventually its roots will become cramped. Choosing the proper potting soil and pot is important to ensure the growth of the plant.

Shape of pots

Pots today come in all sizes, shapes and colours. Round, rectangular or square, there are two categories: standard pots and azalea pots.

  • Standard pots are as wide as they are high.
  • The height of an azalea pot is about 3/4 of its width.

African violets, hoyas, fittonias, spiderworts and zebrinas, do particularly well in an azalea pot.

Clay pots

Use to grow:

  • cacti
  • succulent plants
  • ferns
  • begonias

We like them because:

  • They are porous and let the soil breathe.
  • The soil (substrate) dries out more quickly than in a plastic pot.
  • Heavier, they are not as likely to tip over.

What to know:

  • Clay pots that have a decorative lacquer finish means they are no longer porous.
  • Brand new clay pot should soak in water for about 8 to 12 hours before you use it.
  • Soak older clay pot in hot water with some liquid bleach (1 tbsp. for 4 litres of water) and then clean it out with a stiff brush.

While

Plastic pots

We like them because:

  • Cheaper to buy, lighter
  • Easier to clean.
  • Infinite shapes and colours.

What to know:

  • Plastic pots should be cleaned with soapy water (use dish detergent) and rinsed well.

Which size to choose

  • For plants in pots less than 30 cm in diameter, increase the pot size by only 2 to 4 cm each time you repot.
  • For plants in pots bigger than 30 cm, you can increase by 5 to 10 cm.

Take a look at our new collections of containers and cover-pots