do you keep indoor plants in plastic pots

The solution: Keep your houseplants in their plastic nursery pots for at least the first year. You can still use your pretty pot, Lawrence and Gutierrez say. ... Most houseplants grow slowly and like to fit tight in their pots, Lawrence said, but when the pot is more roots than soil, it's time to transplant.

Are plastic pots good for indoor plants?

Plastic does not have the wicking action that clay has making them an excellent choice for moisture-loving plants or for those gardeners who water infrequently. Plastic pots are made of inert materials and are considered safe for growing plants.

What pots to use for indoor plants?

Ceramic and plastic are the two best options, and both have their pros and cons. Ceramic pots are porous which means your plants are less likely to experience root rot from overwatering. It also means you'll have to water more often. Plastic pots are lighter, less likely to break, and easier to clean.

Are you supposed to repot indoor plants?

Plants typically need to be repotted every 12 to 18 months, depending on how actively they are growing. Some slow growers can call the same pot home for years, but will just require a soil replenishment. Early spring, before the start of the growth season, is usually the best time to re-pot your houseplants.

Why is the color of plant pots important?

The color of plant pots is important because it can play a role in how much heat the pots will retain. Dark-colored pots will absorb more sunlight and retain heat longer than light-colored ones.

Do indoor plant pots need drainage holes?

Whether your potted plants are indoors or outdoors, proper drainage is an essential element to ensure they stay healthy. This process keeps water from pooling at the base of the pot, which can cause bacteria, fungus and root rot.

Why do you start seeds in small pots?

The frequent cycling of wet and dry periods created by watering seedlings in small pots creates an ideal environment for the young roots. Why not transplant seedlings directly into the garden from a small container? The size of the root system will be restricted by the size of the container.

Do potted plants need saucers?

Whilst they aren't necessary, plant pots use saucers to collect the water that drains from your pot. Without this, it can easily spill onto your carpets, floors and furniture. So after each watering, your saucer will capture the excess water, preventing any spillage in your home.

Why do some plant pots not have holes?

Some pots have drainage; others do not. Drainage holes allow excess water to seep out of pots after watering, ensuring that water does not pool at the base of a pot, helping to protect sensitive roots from rot, fungus and bacteria. ...

When should you not repot plants?

However, if you've had your plant for less than a year, more than likely, you do not need to repot it yet. Some plants can go 18 months and others even longer before they need a new pot. Repotting too often can stress out the plant, leading to browning at the leaf tips, wilting, and shed leaves.

Why is my plant dying after repotting?

If you find your plant wilting after repotting, it may be due to a lack of water. This can be due to a lack of water in the soil, or that the roots are temporarily unable to absorb water to meet the requirement sof the plant. I normally advise waterng your plants thoroughly a few days before repotting.

Should I water after repotting?

Water heavily, drench them, right after you repot. The water on the surface will evaporate relatively quickly, but moisture will still be trapped in the deeper soil… so that's where the roots will do. You'll be encouraging deep, healthy roots that anchor the plant AND provide it more access to water and nutrients.

What is difference between potting soil and potting mix?

ANSWER: Potting soils and potting mixes are the same thing. Most potting materials do not actually have soil (sand/silt/clay) in them. Instead, they are blends of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, sand, finely ground bark, etc. They are sometimes called potting mixes or potting media for that reason.

Why are terracotta pots bad?

The biggest concern regarding terracotta pots is their susceptibility to frost damage. Terracotta pots are vulnerable to changes in temperature and freezing snow. If you are using terracotta for outdoor gardening in cold temperatures, the pot may break or crack due to weather.

What can I use for plant pots?

6 household items you can repurpose as plant pots

Colanders. Colanders are not only useful for draining: they are great used as alternative hanging flower pots. ...
Tin cans. Instead of placing empty cans in the recycling bin, give them a new purpose with a simple upgrade. ...
Tea pots. ...
Muffin tins. ...
An old sink. ...
Plastic bottles.

What plants can grow in pots without drainage holes?

13 Amazing Plants That Do Not Need Drainage Holes

Snake Plant. One of the best indoor plants for beginners, the Snake plant is one of our top choices when it comes to plants that do not require drainage holes. ...
Oleander Plant. ...
Chinese Evergreen. ...
Kupukupu Fern. ...
Crotons. ...
Dumbcane. ...
Schefflera. ...
Pothos.

What can I put in the bottom of my indoor planter for drainage?

Put a layer of gravel in your plant's drainage tray, or down inside a decorative planter, then sit your plant pot on top. The gravel will hold water and increase humidity, while keeping your plant's roots up out of the puddle.

What can I do with pots without holes?

How to Use Pots with No Drainage Holes. Some experts suggest using a layer of pebbles as a sort of drainage layer in those pots without drainage holes. This technique allows excess water to flow into the space with the pebbles, away from the the soil and therefore the roots of your plant.

Can you put seeds straight into soil?

Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it's an easy process that yields great results. ... Even so, many vegetables, annuals, herbs and perennials sprout easily from seed sown directly into garden soil.

How many seeds do I need to start indoors?

While you learn how seed starting works, indoor sow no more than a couple dozen plants in three or four varieties. It's not complicated or difficult once you understand the process, but it's best to start small so you don't get overwhelmed at first.

What seeds can you start indoors?

The following seeds typically transplant well, and can, therefore, be started indoors, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension:

Broccoli.
Brussels sprouts.
Cabbage.
Cauliflower.
Eggplant.
Kale.
Lettuce.
Onion.