How to choose plants for your pots and planters

The first step in choosing plants for your pots and planters is understanding your environment. Consider the following:

Light Conditions: Observe how much sunlight your space receives daily. Some plants thrive in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight), while others, such as ferns and hostas, prefer shade or partial shade. Match your plant choices to the light conditions of your patio, balcony, or indoor area.

Space Constraints: The size of your planters will dictate plant choices. Small pots are ideal for compact plants like herbs or dwarf varieties, while larger planters can accommodate shrubs, small trees, or trailing vines.

Choose Plants for Aesthetic Appeal

Pots and planters are an opportunity to showcase your style. Create a cohesive look by combining plants with complementary colours, textures, and heights:

Thriller, Filler, Spiller: This classic design rule works wonders. Choose a “thriller” (a tall, eye-catching plant like a dwarf palm or cordyline), a “filler” (bushy plants like coleus or begonias to fill space), and a “spiller” (trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vine) to cascade over the edges.

Color Coordination: Match plant colors to your outdoor or indoor decor. For a modern look, stick to green foliage with pops of white or purple flowers. For vibrant energy, mix bold hues like red geraniums and yellow calibrachoa.

Texture Contrast: Combine plants with varied textures, such as the feathery leaves of ferns with the bold, waxy leaves of succulents, to create visual interest.

Understanding Pot and Planter Requirements

The type and size of your container impact plant health. Ensure your pots meet these criteria:

Drainage: Most plants need pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. If using decorative planters without holes, add a layer of pebbles or use a plastic liner with drainage.

Size: Select a pot that allows for sufficient root growth. Small pots are suitable for herbs or annuals, while larger containers are better suited for perennials or shrubs. A general rule is to select a pot at least 2 inches wider than the plant’s root ball.

Material: Terracotta pots are porous and dry out faster, ideal for succulents. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture, making them suitable for moisture-loving plants like ferns.

Prioritise Soil and Watering Needs

Plants in pots rely on you for nutrients and water. Use high-quality potting mix specifically designed for containers, as garden soil tends to compact and hinder drainage. Consider these tips:

Match Soil to Plant: Cacti and succulents need well-draining, sandy mixes, while tropical plants prefer rich, moisture-retaining soil.

Watering Needs: Group plants with similar watering requirements in the same planter to simplify care. For example, pair lavender and rosemary, both drought-tolerant, in one pot.

Fertilizing: Potted plants deplete nutrients faster than those in the ground. Use a slow-release fertilizer or liquid feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

How to Choose the Correct Planter

Size: Assess available space for planters and select sizes suitable for the area. Ensure planters can support the growth of your chosen plants.

Material: Pick a material that matches your project’s aesthetic, factoring: durability, weather resistance, & weight.

Style: Choose planters that align with your building project’s overall design.

Drainage: Ensure planters have drainage holes or add a drainage system to maintain plant health.

Maintenance: Select planters based on their upkeep needs, matching your maintenance capacity.

Budget: Set a budget for planters, accounting for soil, plants, and additional materials, and choose options within your price range.

For more information about choosing plants for your garden planters, we recommend visiting Impressive Plants.