Everyone wants to garden, but often they are put off by the expense or grow plants in plastic pots. However, mistakes often result in the plant dying. This gardener has shared the correct method for growing plants in plastic pots.
Nowadays, the hobby of gardening is increasing rapidly, and cheap plastic pots have become an easy option. But, if the plant is not planted properly in cheap pots, it gets spoiled soon or the plant rots due to water stagnation in them. However, if the plant is grown in the right way, it remains green for a long time.
In such a situation, the gardener has told the sure way of planting the plant in these pots, due to which your plant will remain green and the pot will last for a long time. By keeping some things in mind, the plant will not die but will remain green for a long time. So, remember these 5 things to grow a plant in plastic pots.
Correct preparation of the drainage hole
The most common cause of a plant drying out or rotting in a plastic pot is waterlogging. Therefore, creating drainage holes is the most important and first step. However, a small hole in the pot isn’t enough. You should use scissors to create a large, circular hole so that water can drain easily. If the plastic is thick, you can carefully poke holes by heating an iron object.
When the pot has sufficient and large holes, excess water drains out quickly. This keeps the roots from becoming waterlogged, provides oxygen, and reduces the risk of mold in the soil.
Fill the hole with gravel and do not add cocopeat.
After creating a drainage hole, it’s important to prevent it from becoming blocked. People often mistakenly place small stones or soil over the drainage hole, clogging it. To keep the drainage hole open, place one or two small pebbles directly above the hole. This will prevent soil from flowing directly into the hole, but will allow water to drain out.
Gardeners strongly advise against adding cocopeat to plastic pots. Cocopeat retains moisture for a long time, while the soil in plastic pots tends to dry out.
Prepare the Perfect Potting Mix
The right soil mix is crucial for good plant . Use a mixture of compost and leaf compost to enrich the soil. This mix lightens the soil and provides essential nutrients. For plastic pots, the soil should not be too heavy or too clayey to prevent water retention.
Correct watering rules
Water the pot only when the soil has dried out. Plastic pots retain soil moisture longer than clay pots, so always check the top of the soil by touching it or inserting your finger before watering. If the soil is still wet, don’t water. It’s important to avoid overwatering the plant, especially in plastic pots.
Choose the right kind of plants
Plastic pots often heat up quickly in the summer, so not every type of plant thrives in them. Therefore, gardeners recommend planting plants in plastic pots that are best kept in shaded areas, such as indoor plants, ornamental foliage plants, or plants that don’t require direct sunlight. If a plastic pot is placed in strong sunlight, the pot will overheat and damage the roots.
Disclaimer: The claims made in this article are based on information found on YouTube videos and the internet. Brands Awareness does not take responsibility for their accuracy or veracity.
