Choosing the right pot size for your houseplant
Have you just bought a beautiful new houseplant, or is your green friend outgrowing its pot? Then it is probably time to repot. And that makes choosing the right size of decorative pot important! A well-fitting pot is essential for the health and growth of your houseplant. But how do you know exactly which size you need? And what should you look out for? We are happy to explain.
Why is the right pot size important?
Choosing the right pot size matters more than you might think. A pot that is too small squeezes the roots, so the plant cannot take up enough nutrients and water. That holds back growth and can even lead to wilting. A pot that is too large, on the other hand, leaves too much soil around the roots. That soil holds on to water, which can cause root rot. The plant may also have so much space that it cannot settle, leaving you with an unstable plant that cannot grow as it should.
What should you look out for when choosing a pot size?
The diameter of the decorative pot
The decorative pot should always be slightly larger in diameter than the nursery pot the plant was originally grown in. That gives the roots enough room to develop further. A good guideline is:
- For smaller plants: choose a decorative pot that is 2-5 cm larger in diameter than the nursery pot.
- For larger plants: choose a decorative pot that is 5-10 cm larger than the nursery pot.
Example: do you have a nursery pot with a diameter of 15 cm? Then choose a decorative pot of roughly 17-20 cm in diameter.
Mind the inner diameter of the new decorative pot
At Green Bubble we always state the inner diameter in the product description of our decorative pots. That matters, because the inner diameter is the opening the root ball has to fit into when it comes out of the nursery pot. This inner diameter is often smaller than the overall diameter of the decorative pot, because of the thickness of the material.
Tip: always measure the diameter at the top of your nursery pot and compare it with the inner diameter of the decorative pot. That way you know for certain your plant will fit!
The height of the pot
Besides the diameter, the height of the pot matters too. The decorative pot needs to be tall enough to cover the roots, but it should not be too deep, or water will sit in the bottom.
When is it time for a bigger plant pot?
Your houseplant should not be repotted too often, but sometimes it really is necessary. So how do you know when it is time for a bigger pot?
Signs that your plant needs a bigger pot:
- The roots are growing out of the drainage holes or poking up above the pot.
- The plant dries out faster than usual, because the roots have filled all the soil.
- Growth stalls, or the plant produces fewer leaves and flowers.
- The nursery pot becomes top-heavy and wobbles or tips over.
If you recognise these signs, it is time to choose a bigger pot and repot your plant!
Repotting your houseplant
Once you have chosen the right pot size, it is time to repot. For the full explanation and our best tips, read our blog 'How to repot your plant'.
Choose the perfect decorative pot at Green Bubble
At Green Bubble you will find a wide range of stylish decorative pots that suit both your houseplant and your home. Whether you are after a modern, sleek pot for the office or a colourful one for the living room, we have it. Thanks to our clear product descriptions and the inner diameter we list with them, you always pick the right size.
Tip: not sure about the right pot size, or which pot suits your plant best? Make use of our Personal Plantshopper! This service gives you personal advice so you can make the right choice.
Order your perfect decorative pot today!
Ready to give your houseplant a new home? Then order the perfect decorative pot at Green Bubble today! With our handy tips and extensive range, you are guaranteed to find a pot that suits your plant and your home.
Give your houseplant room to grow and enjoy a green, stylish space to live in. Shop your new decorative pot at Green Bubble now!
