Shopping online is the norm, especially after the circumstances that forced us to stay at home for so long. Shopping online is convenient, practical and above all very simple. Obviously I've used these services to acquire everything I need to take care of my plants, which is also wonderful because I've saved myself the traffic all over the city juggling plants and other heavy things.
Since I had to transplant my Calatheas, I ordered some beautiful planters and some substrate. When they get home I find that my planter has no holes for drainage and I can't get my plant in there. At this point I noticed that technically a planter is not the same as a planter.
Believe it or not, there are differences between pots and planters. There are words that we are used to using interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Beyond becoming purist defenders of language, knowing precisely what each term expresses allows us to communicate more effectively. In the world of gardening we can fall a little into these ambiguities, a little out of ignorance, a little because it doesn't seem to matter; until we find that we have bought something and we get something that is not exactly what we need.
Pots
Vs Pots
The difference is very simple, and if you research the RAE itself, it clears up the doubt. Pots are containers with drainage holes at the bottom, designed to hold substrate and plants. They are made of different materials: biodegradable, recycled, cement, wood and more, although plastic and clay or terracotta are the most popular. This variety of materials is not merely a matter of aesthetics, as each plant must have a pot that adapts to its needs and allows it to grow at ease.
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Planters, on the other hand, are supports to contain pots with plants. They can refer to those decorative planters that hide the pot, but they also group those that have legs and offer height. They stand out because they lack drainage holes, as they are designed to be a cover that allows you to easily change the style and color of the pot without having to subject the poor plant to the trauma of transplanting unnecessarily. Planters can also act as insulators to protect the soil or surface where you put the plant from water and substrate, but they also help to conserve the temperature and humidity of the plant. This is particularly useful in summer, when we want to conserve moisture in the substrate of plants such as ferns, calatheas and phytonias, for example.
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Not
all pots are the same, and it's essential to know the differences. As they are the containers that will support the roots of your plant and the substrate, it is advisable to look for the material, shape and structure that allows the plant to develop freely so that it can become an exuberant and happy specimen. From this perspective, there are several aspects that you should take into account before making the choice.
- Depending on your location:
Outdoor pots
All pots that will be located outside should have a good drainage system. This is because at certain times of the year there is no way to control watering, they receive rain and it is essential that excess water quickly leaves the substrate to prevent root rot. Clay or terracotta pots are recommended because they allow the pot to breathe and evaporate water a little more easily, plus they are more eco-friendly.
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Outdoor pots should be made of a material that is able to withstand extreme temperature changes. There is no point in having a nice plastic pot, if with UV rays they will weaken and break. The same goes for frost. Avoid pots made of metal and glass materials, as they do not usually resist environmental attacks very well; Terracotta, fibre and quality plastic are ideal.
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Another aspect to consider for outdoor pots is their weight and ease of transport. If in winter it becomes necessary to move them indoors to protect them from low temperatures, then you can look for a stand with wheels so that you can transport them easily. The simplest possible way is to adapt wheels to the planters that will contain these heavy pots.
Indoor Pots
With indoor plants it is much easier to choose a pot, as the temperatures inside the house are usually quite stable, so you can use the material you like the most without fear that they will deteriorate so easily. If you have pets, it's a good idea to choose a slightly heavier material just in case your furry friend comes up with the great idea of playing with the plant, so the pot stays in place and doesn't tip over. As always, keep an eye on the size and drainage of the pot. Remember that an excessively large pot can retain too much moisture and cause root rot, so choose one that is proportional to the size of the plant, always leaving room to grow.
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Always place pebbles at the bottom to make drainage easier. You can also use pieces of polystyrene (the kind that are always left over from the packaging) at the bottom. They are very efficient for drainage, do not degrade over time, and do not add extra weight to the pot.
- Depending on your material:
Plastic pots
Plastic and fibre pots are the most popular and economical, as they are lightweight and very durable. Depending on the type of plastic used to make them, they may or may not resist the onslaught of UV rays; Although the most common ones (which you get with plants anywhere) tend to discolor and weaken in the sun, they are also not very aesthetically pleasing. Another thing to keep in mind with plastic pots is that they tend to retain moisture and temperature for a little longer, which can be beneficial for certain types of plants.
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Clay and terracotta pots
Clay pots have a very interesting finish, especially if you like the rustic style. It is a natural, biodegradable material with a certain weight; So they are ideal for plants of a certain size, as they will not tip over easily due to the weight of the plant or the wind. Mud and terracotta are porous materials, so they facilitate the evaporation of water and keep the substrate cool.
These types of pots are ideal for plants susceptible to rot, such as succulents, and for places with high temperatures as they cool the roots, while easily removing excess moisture. The only disadvantage is that in winter you must protect them, as they can crack with low temperatures.
Stone and/or concrete pots
Stone and concrete planters are perfect for outdoors, as they resist the onslaught and inclement weather very well. They integrate very well into natural, rustic and even modern environments depending on the texture and finishes of the pots. The only drawback of this type of pots is that they are usually very heavy, so there can be problems if they need to be moved, although wheels can be added.
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Polyethylene pots
Polyethylene is a higher quality type of plastic, which offers the advantage of being able to create pots with different colors and finishes that look more aesthetically pleasing. It is even possible to find polyethylene pots that imitate terracotta and wood. They are light, economical and much more resistant to temperature changes.
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- Depending on the type of plant
Succulent & Cactus Pots
Succulents are shallow-rooted plants, so you can use pots that are wider than they are deep. This can be used to make decorative compositions with different plants. Remember not to use pots that are too large, to prevent them from retaining moisture. It is very important that they have a structure that facilitates drainage, as they are very susceptible to root rot. For this reason, it is also recommended to use clay or terracotta pots, which facilitate the evaporation of water.
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Bonsai pot
Bonsai trees have a modified root system to keep the tree in a small size. For this reason, they are poorly developed and do not require much depth, so they can be planted in very shallow pots. Remember that bonsai is considered to be a set comprised of the plant and the pot, so it is important to get advice about the material and finish of the pots.
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Orchid pots
Orchids are very particular plants that require a special substrate that allows the oxygenation of the roots. Some people prefer to sow them directly in transparent pots, as this way the roots would also receive light. This depends on the species, as this may be necessary to stimulate flowering, although it depends on the species.
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Types of planters
:Planters are fantastic decorative pieces, but they can also work as plant protectors. By containing the pots, they provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays, help maintain the temperature of the root system and prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the substrate. To choose the ideal planter, you have to take into account the location so that you can choose the one that best suits your plant.
Outdoor planters
Outdoor planters are usually made of materials such as stone, concrete or wood, as they are resistant to temperature changes, do not break or crack with UV rays or frost. They are ideal for creating plant combinations that can be changed very easily depending on the season, especially since you don't need to transplant or move heavy pots, but you can take the pots out at your convenience. It is recommended to avoid metal planters, as they can be excessively heated and negatively affect the roots, which should always be fresh in the substrate.
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- Indoor planters
tend to serve rather ornamental functions, taking into account that the environment inside the home is usually more stable and controlled, especially in terms of temperature and humidity. From this perspective, the planters will be responsible for offering a support that is aesthetically pleasing, but also functionally within the space. The materials and texture can respond more to the decorative style that predominates in the room, without worrying too much about the permeability of the material, because that is what the pot takes care of.
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However, you
can use planters to help conserve temperature and humidity, but you have more freedom in terms of materials. For example, you can use metal planters without major worries, because inside your home you will not receive the solar resources as constantly to heat them.
- Decorative planters
are like dresses, as they will play with the shape and colors of your plants to highlight their attributes. You can use contrasting colored planters to bring out the beauty and lines of your plants. If you want to create a sense of cohesion in your indoor garden, you can buy planters in the same color or material. Take advantage of the planters to offer adequate space for the plant's growth. For example, you can use hanging planters for plants that grow downwards. A decorative planter with long legs will give height to low plants that might go unnoticed or not get enough light. It can also make it safe from attacks by restless pets.
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The best part is that you can give your décor a twist just by changing the planters. If you want something more rustic, you can opt for decorative jute planters. Do you prefer something more industrial minimalist? Look for a cement planter. The combination of ceramic and wood also comes in handy for modern and eclectic rooms. If you are one of those who give everything during Christmas, you can also get festive planters for these dates.