Houseplant Pots and Repotting

Pot Materials

• Terra-cotta pots: These pots are porous, causing soil to dry out more quickly. They aren’t suitable for plants that thrive on constant moisture but work well with plants that need occasional or little moisture. Terra-cotta pots are also breakable and heavier than plastic pots, which can make them a bad idea if you have pets or children.
   
  
• Plastic pots: These pots keep soil moist for a longer time than terra-cotta pots, making them ideal for plants that need constant moisture. They’re also cheap and not easily broken. Some plastic pots may be too light to support top-heavy plants, however.
   
  

Pot Size

• Accommodate the root system in a way that allows for even absorption of water and nutrients. Too little space and the roots will be crowded; too much and you’ll end up watering soil, not roots.
• Provide adequate balance and support to keep the plant standing upright.

Repotting Houseplants

• No signs of new growth
• Roots growing from drainage holes or over pot’s edge
• Persistent insect infestation
• Tendency for the plant to lean or topple over

Potting Soil

• Potting soil: A prepackaged compound of organic and inorganic materials, such as compost and peat moss, specially formulated to meet the needs of houseplants. Potting soil is available at garden supply stores.
• Soilless mixes: Formulations of plant- or mineral-based ingredients such as sphagnum moss, vermiculite, perlite, and often fertilizer. Soilless mixes are often too light to provide a sturdy base for heavier plants but are perfect for plants (such as orchids) that can’t grow in potting soil.

How to Repot a Houseplant

1. Water the plant thoroughly a day before and a few hours before repotting.
2. Tap the container while tilting the plant on its side or upside-down to remove the plant. If the plant is stuck, run a knife around the plant’s inner circumference. If that fails, break the pot with a hammer or scissors.
3. If any roots form a spiral or circle, trim them with scissors to fit the new pot. Do the same for any brown, black, or straggly roots. Preserve all white roots.
4. Add potting soil to the pot, but only enough so that the top of the plant’s root system, when placed atop the new soil, doesn’t extend beyond the top of the pot.
5. Place the plant on top of the potting soil and surround it with more soil so that all the roots are covered. Compress the soil by pressing it with your fingers.
6. Water lightly to moisten the soil.

Cachepots

Basic plastic or terra-cotta houseplant pots are usually very plain or unattractive. Many growers therefore use cachepots—decorative pots that contain or conceal basic pots to improve overall appearance. Cachepots help make your plants more beautiful and enable you to coordinate color and style with your existing décor. But cachepots lack drainage holes—so always put your plant in a pot with drainage holes first, then place the potted plant inside the cachepot.