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Should
earthen pots or plastic pots be used for plants?
Both
the earthen pots and the plastic pots have their own advantages
and disadvantages.
Advantages
of earthen pots
- Protects
the plants from water logging because excess water is
lost by evaporation from the sides
- Cheaper
in cost.
- The
weight counter balances the weight of the large plants.
Disadvantage
of earthen pots
- Difficult
to handle on account of weight and its fragile nature
when moist.
- Formation
of algae on the outer side of the pot making it look unattractive.
- More
frequent watering to be done resulting in the soil turning
sour very soon.
Advantages
of plastic pots
- Aesthetically
better in appearance
- Does
not break fast
- Better
water retention and provides uniform water saturation.
- As
water does not evaporate from the sides, the frequency
of watering is less - thus saving on watering time and
soil nutrients.
Disadvantages
of plastic pots
- Costlier
than earthen pots
- Since
water does not evaporate from the sides, over watering
could result in the rotting of the roots and the plant
to die.
- Not
heavy enough to counter balance the weight of the plant
What
size of pots should I use for re-potting?
Repotting
should always be done in a pot of the next large size. For
the convenience of not having to re-pot often, people generally
use a very large pot. This however is harmful, as there
is lot of excess soil in the pot. This could result in water
collecting in the excess soil making the potting mixture
sour and deprive the plant of nutrients - thus defeating
the very purpose of repotting. |
