Plants and flowers are a great way to bring life to a landscape. However, it is essential to choose the right shapes for your pots.
Pots are a great way to provide your plants with a happy and safe environment, whether you want to improve your interior design or grow your vegetable gardens on your patio.
Although choosing the right container might seem to be a cosmetic decision, the shape and size of the containers can make a big difference in the success of your plants.
This article explains the science behind moisture absorption in container plants. We also discuss how different sizes and shapes can affect those conditions. It is important to take these factors into consideration when planning the next report for your garden.
What Does the Shape of a Plant Pot Mean?
Yes, pot shape does affect your plants. The shape of the container won’t affect the performance of your plants unless you have a prize garden with award-winning houseplants or flower pots.
Your ability to arrange plants aesthetically and effectively will depend on the shape of your containers. It is not a good idea to have your citrus trees blown over by a summer storm. Make sure you choose the right container for your plant’s size and weight.
What is the perched water table?
Perched water tables are a phenomenon in which soil pulls water up to nourish plants and gravity pulls down water through drainage holes. This causes the soil at the bottom of each pot to be always drenched in water. This phenomenon is found in all container plants and is also known by the water saturation level.
Water saturation levels are affected by the container’s shape and the type of potting soil used. Clay soils retain more water, so the perched water level is higher. However, pots with less absorbent soils have a lower water saturation.
Here is where the shape and size of the pots are important: the perched water level for any container that has potting soil will remain the same regardless of its size. The result is that smaller, wider pots will retain more water than larger, narrower pots.
What is the best shape for a plant pot?
According to the perched water table theory tall pots are the best choice because the air–to–water ratio is the highest and allows for better gas exchange. For a wide range of plants, a tall, wide pot is better than a narrow, tall pot. It will be able to accommodate all watering methods.
Some plants, such as spinach, require a lot of moisture so they work best in a small, narrow pot. Cacti and succulents thrive in small containers because they have one taproot that runs deep into the pot, and many smaller roots that remain close to the surface.
A variety of pot shapes are key to creating an aesthetic, functional garden. Here are our top picks for the most popular pot shapes that you can use when designing your garden.
Square Planters
Because of their uniformity, rectangular containers can be used to frame entryways or line pathways. Our Lima Square Planter is ideal for creating spaces and adding accents to any room.
The square layout of your container garden will always work well together, making it easier to water.
Stability is essential for maintaining a landscape, especially when you have tall trees or plants. Although containers with tapered bases can add visual appeal to your space, these containers are susceptible to being tipped over. Many landscapers prefer square containers for taller plants as they are more stable.
Rectangular Planters
Rectangle containers such as our Darwin Tall Rectangular Potter are more suited to creating privacy and cultivating an intimate atmosphere.
They are versatile and can be used in any type of landscape due to their practicality. A rectangular pot can be used to decorate and add functionality to any space, whether you want to enclose your pool or your patio or grow corn in your backyard vegetable gardens.
Round Planters
An assortment of round containers can be used to house small indoor plants. You can grow anything from herbs and succulents in smaller pots. Be careful not to give your plants too small shapes as they can become root bound.
Round planters are not only for the home. A round, standalone pot such as our Valencia Round-Taped Planter could be used in a commercial setting to make a great first impression.
How the plant size can determine the shape of the planter
The shape of the container you choose for your garden will depend on what type of plant it is and its tolerance to certain water conditions.
It is important to understand your plants’ water requirements before choosing the right shape pot. Perched water, also known as water saturation, is a measure of a plant’s ability to retain water. This means that plants such as succulents and cacti that thrive in dry environments might be able to grow well in different containers than houseplants that need constant moisture.
These are some more tips to help you choose the right size planter.
Pots with largely shaped handles
If your pot is too big for your plant, your roots will struggle to stay hydrated if they are too far from the water level. This is not something that heat-loving plants will mind, but large pots can dry faster due to natural gravitational phenomena.
The pot may be to blame if your plants are experiencing stunted growth, brownish-yellow leaves, or even worse, they’re not getting enough water. You might need to look for a different size, larger, or different shape pot.
Planters Etcetera Fiberglass Planters Create the Perfect Landscape
For your new plant’s journey from nursery to garden, a plain plastic pot will do just fine. However, your plants will grow and their containers must grow along with them.
Fiberglass is the best planter material. Fiberglass is a unique combination of resin and fiberglass that provides a product that can withstand heat, snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
Fiberglass can be made in almost any shape, which allows for more design options and flexibility for landscaping projects. Our shop offers everything you need to create beautiful container gardens in any setting, from tall pots with tapered bases to square planters that are short and square.
We have a wide selection of sizes and shapes to choose from, including traditional pot styles as well as modern planters. Contact us if you have any custom designs you would like to make for your residential or commercial landscape project.