TABLE OF CONTENTS
Containers for Indoor and Outdoor Usage
If you do not have a solid preference for which form of containers to use for your own cacti and succulents, you need to understand the difference between them, and that will enable you to find the exact form of pots you’re looking for.
You want to opt for the appropriate container for your plants, not only for decorative reasons, but also to ensure their longevity and proper usage.
Some containers can work better for particular reasons, whereas other planters may not match the type of plants you have.
The following are some of the planters and containers, all made for you to help you decide which one is ideal for your needs.
Ceramic Pots for Succulents
Ceramic containers are made from clay then constantly hardened by heat. Unglazed ceramic pots for succulents are poured, which means they allow water and air to move through the sides of the pot.
The clay also pulls moisture from the soil. That being said, ceramic containers are a good choice if the plants require dry soils, or even if you feel too lazy to water them.
Glazed ceramic pots for succulents take time to dry, not porous, which traps air movement from the sides of the pot.
Ceramic pots are normally thick and heavy, but they can be pricey. The heaviness of ceramic pots is used for plants that are very heavy. Even if they’re heavy, ceramic pots can break when left out in the cold or freezing weather.
But, still, they do protect plants from rapid changes in temperatures because of their thickness. They hold their weights effectively and will not easily crack.
Pros: Provides some protection against temperature changes; thick and may hold heavy plants; comes in a number of different colors and styles to choose from.
Cons: a little heavy, can be pricey, can break down if left out in cold temperatures.
Terracotta For Succulents
Terracotta containers are made from clay and are generally unglazed. They are frequently sold in a reddish brown, earthy color and are available everywhere in different forms and sizes and their price is affordable.
Unglazed terracotta planters are porous which allows water and air to pass through the sides of the pots.
They’re used for plants that require dry soils, but also need extra watering to prevent them from drying out completely.
They are thick but may crack when exposed to freezing temperatures. When choosing terracotta pots, look for thick walls for more durability.
Pros: Good for Plants that have to be dry, porous, help prevent root rot, available in various shapes and sizes, affordable and classic
Cons: Breakable, can crack when exposed to cold or freezing weather, may need extra watering because plants can dry quickly, can get very hot under the heat of the sun and burn plants’ roots.
Make your first homemade self-decorated pot and prevent your terracotta from cracking.
Fiberglass and Resin Pots For Succulents
Fiberglass planters are made from woven glass fibers and resin materials. These containers are of different shapes and sizes. They’re often made to resemble stone pots, clay pots, and wooden planters.
All these materials are often molded into unusual and exceptional novelty planters.
Fiberglass containers for succulents are not permeable to water and do not allow water to easily pass the sides of the containers.
These planters are lightweight and long-lasting and can withstand more extreme weather conditions.
Fiberglass and resin containers may sometimes come without a drainage hole, which can sometimes be problematic for succulents and cacti that require dry soils. However, you can still dig up drainage holes in the containers.
Pros: not heavy, which makes it easy to move, comes in a variety of interesting and unique designs, molds styles and shades, resistant to winter.
Cons: Chips, flakes easily, loses its color over time, not long lasting.
Plastic Pots For Succulents & Cacti
Plastic containers tend to be light weight and more affordable in comparison with their counterparts that are pricier. Like fiberglass planters, plastic containers look like stone or terracotta pots.
Some people consider plastic to be poor quality or tacky, but thanks to the new technology and design, plastic containers have become much more durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Plastic pots for succulents might have thicker walls and captivating designs and features that make them very popular and available for both indoor and outdoor usage.
Plastic containers do not allow water to pass through it. Therefore, watering is required when using plastic pots.
These containers can withstand more severe weather conditions if put outdoors, but they’re also light weighted and can blow off in strong winds.
Pros: Lightweight material makes it easy to transfer, weather-resistant, could be left outside in freezing temperatures, cheap, long-lasting than and not as breakable as clay.
Disadvantages: Lightweight doesn’t hold up to strong winds and certainly will be blown over; non-porous, cannot hold moisture for a long time, requires less watering, gradually degrades from sunlight
Wood Pots for Succulents
You will find a variety of wooden Planters to select from. If you’re a fan of wood, then you can use wood containers for your plant’s pots. Wood will not crack and will resist cold weather.
Wood planters however, are more prone to rot. You can use a plastic lining when working with wood planters so that they won’t be affected by rot.
Poke some holes in the plastic to permit water to pass through. Wood can hold moisture in and takes time to dry. Avoid overwatering your cacti and succulents.
Pros: withstands outdoors freezing temperatures and gives a more rustic natural look.
Cons: prone to rust, absorbs water and needs to be overwatered if left outside
Metallic Pots for Succulents & Cacti
Metallic pots are perfect if you want to have a cute plant pots spot. They are available in different sizes and styles, durable and resistant in winter. Metals such as iron are more likely to rust.
Metal containers are occasionally coated to help block rusting. To lessen rust, a yearly application of a weather-resistant sealant might help.
Metal pots for succulents absorb heat easily, which may affect the plants if left under the sun. Few metal containers, like solid iron, can be so heavy and difficult to move.
Most metal containers usually do not come with a drainage hole which can be problematic to your succulent and cacti plants due to the fact that they do not like to be put in water.
Pros: Durable; accessible in different styles and variations; resistant to cold and freezing temperatures
Cons: Prone into Rust; absorbs heat quickly, metal containers seldom have drainage holes which can be problematic for cacti and succulents.
Concrete and Cast-stone
Concrete and cast-stone planters are made to stand forever. All these planters are usually used outdoors in gardens or business settings.
All these containers are durable and will protect your plants from all possible weather conditions.
They are heavy and can withstand strong winds but are so heavy to be moved. When using these containers, plan to keep them on the same spot for a long time.
Concrete and also cast-stone containers are all porous, which allows water and air to pass through the sides of the containers.
Concrete is high in lime, that may change the pH of your soil. Water the concrete container several times and allow water to drain away.
Pros: Durable, great Insulator, cold resistant, thick, can withstand strong storms, porous, permits water and air to pass through the walls.
Cons: Quite heavy and difficult to move, can be expensive, often comes in large sizes.
Stone
Many stone containers are made from natural stones, some are made of a combination of fiberglass and limestone.
It is frequently difficult to tell if the container is made of natural stones or other materials.
Natural stones are generally a whole lot more heavy and expensive. Stone containers come in different shapes and sizes.
Pros: strong and durable, weather and cold resistant; good insulator; captivating designs.
Cons: Could be pricey, tick and heavy, will break if dropped.
Hanging Baskets or Wall-mounted Baskets
These containers are eye catching and usually used for decoration. They are very attractive when used with plants that hang or trail, but they can also be used for different plants and flowers.
Hanging baskets come in different types of materials, such as plastic, resin, coconut fibers, wrought iron, coated wire and metal.
They are also available in different price tags, from cheap ones into more high-end designs.
They are fit for smaller arrangements that are not heavy. Some come with a self-watering reservoir, which may not be ideal for cacti and succulents as these plants prefer drier soil.
Pros: Adaptive material, attractive, inexpensive, suitable for smaller arrangements and succulents that track and hang.
Cons: Container and Plants might be susceptible to be damaged when wrapped in windy places, will heat up or dry if left outdoor, some are prone to rust
Self-watering Pots for Succulents
Self-watering pots are containers that come with an outer pot or bottom reservoir that holds extra water.
Water is pulled from the reservoir into the plants’ root ball whenever needed. They’re often made from plastic. The majority of them can hold water for several days or even more.
These pots can be ideal for plants that need to stay moist and useful for plants that need frequent watering.
They are also available for people that forget to water their plants. They are typically not ideal for cacti and succulents or other plants that do not need much water.
Pros: the right one for crops Which Ought to get watered regularly and crops that prefer damp land; suitable for people handy for people that tend to forget to water their plants; can reduce the frequency of watering.
Negatives: Not suitable for most cacti and succulents or plants that need to stay dry or require dry soil, more care is necessary in order to avoid over watering when using these sorts of containers for succulents.