Which pot is best for your plant?

There's one question that troubles every plant lover, and at Pariworld, it's the one we get asked the most. "How do we select the right pot?" 

Choosing the right pot might seem like a simple task, but it can make a huge difference in how healthy and happy your plant grows.  

Just think once, how do you buy a pot? You either already have a plant at home and you buy a pot for it, or you buy a pot first and then get a plant.  

The harsh reality is that both approaches are wrong. Just like we humans need a comfortable home, plants also need a pot that suits their size, lifestyle, and even personality. In this blog, we will share 5 key factors that you should keep in mind while selecting a pot.  

Purpose 

Before purchasing anything, the most important thing is knowing the purpose. So, ask yourself, 

 Why are you buying the pot? 

Having these things clear in your mind helps you select the right pot. You can easily explain it to the seller, too, which makes the selection process much easier. 

Now you must be thinking, why is purpose important in the case of buying pots? 

That's because when we plant something, the pot plays a major role. Different goals need different pots.  

Understand this with a simple example: 

Suppose you're growing a cactus. It needs a pot with proper drainage and dry soil. But if you use the same pot for a money plant, which loves water and moisture, the plant won't grow well.  

Another simple example is: 

Suppose you are going to place the pot at a place where you'll need to shift it often. In that case, a heavy pot will make shifting very difficult.  

So, purpose is really important to choose the right pot for your plant. 

Location 

The second, and one of the most important factors in choosing a plant pot, is location.  

Before going to buy the pot, make sure to know where you are going to place it. 

Location is really important because it directly impacts both the quality of the pot and the decor aesthetics. 

If you're placing it outdoors, then you need to: 

If you're placing it indoors, then: 

So always make sure to consider where you're going to place your pot. When you inform the location to the seller, they can provide you with the pots that align with it. 

Size 

The size of the pot plays an important role in how well your plant grows. And the worst thing is that most people make mistakes here. People think that they should buy a big pot once and for all, so that they don't have to repot the plant again later. And by doing this, they can save time and money.  

But this is completely wrong. In fact, it leads to plants dying because when you use a pot that's too big, the roots get disturbed. They take much longer to develop, and the plant's growth slows down or becomes stunted. 

You may even have seen it in real life: a plant struggles to grow even with proper sunlight, temperature, watering, and humidity.  

The reason may be the pot. It can either be too big or too small for the right growth.  

Understand this with a simple example: 

Let's say a plant in a nursery is in an 8-inch pot. You should only move it into a 9 or 10-inch pot, but not any larger. Never choose one that's too big or too small. Do not go for a 12, 15, or 18-inch pot as the roots will take a much longer time to develop. 

So, the golden rule is: 

Always go just 1-2 inches bigger than the current container for proper and steady growth. 

You can choose: 

Aeration and Drainage 

The fourth point you must consider while selecting a pot is its aeration and drainage capability. This means how well the pot allows air to reach the roots and how efficiently excess water can drain out. Without proper airflow, the soil stays soggy, and roots suffocate. 

The good news is that nowadays the market has a lot of self-watering pots. These pots are so special because they usually have:  

All this prevents waterlogging and encourages healthy root growth. That's why using self-watering pots is a great idea unless you're okay with being extra careful with watering. 

But here’s one problem: if you're using larger pots, self-watering ones are a bit difficult to find. In that case, make sure to make drainage holes in the bottom.  

Also, use raised plate or planter feet to keep the base elevated. This lifts the pot slightly and allows air to flow from below. Good aeration means better plant health. 

Budget 

Now you might be thinking, all these things are fine, but what about the budget? Pots can be surprisingly expensive, but you can easily pick the right one as per your budget.  

If your budget is low, you have two choices: 

Grow bags are affordable and lightweight, but they are not suitable for indoor decor.  

But if you even have a medium budget, you should invest in good quality pots like ceramic, concrete, fiberglass & stone. They'll last for more years, offering long-term value. 

For example, the pots provided by Pariworld are: 

So, you can easily choose based on your budget and goal - short-term affordability or long-term value. 

Common Myth: "Should we use plastic pots or not?" 

People often say, 'Don't use plastic pots, they're bad for plants.' But honestly, that's just a myth. 

The truth is: 

There is nothing wrong with plastic pots. The problem is with single-use plastic pots, which you should definitely avoid. They are not durable and contribute to unnecessary plastic waste. 

But plastic pots themselves don't affect plant growth at all. In fact, they can be a great choice if used correctly. They're lightweight, budget-friendly, and retain moisture well, which is helpful for plants that need consistent watering. 

In fact, all self-watering pots available today are made of plastic. So don't stress too much. Plastic pots are perfectly fine for growing plants. 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right pot for your plants depends on 5 key factors, including size, location, purpose, aeration, and budget. Consider your purpose in choosing the right plant that truly supports your plant's growth and lifestyle. Make sure to choose a size just 1 inch bigger than the container in which it is kept in the nursery. The pot should have proper aeration and drainage, and for that, self-watering pots are the best choice. Decide where you want to keep the pot - indoor, outdoor, balcony, etc. Lastly, as per your budget, you can choose affordable ones or the ones that offer long-term value.