If you're just starting out with plants, you might think big plants need big pots and small plants need small pots, as long as they fit, you're good. And once in, you never switch pots. But, that's not quite how it works. The size of the pot really matters for how your plant grows, so picking the right pot size is key.
Why Small Plants in Big Pots Can Struggle
Putting a little plant in a big pot isn't great because it can't get the nutrients it needs. The big pot has lots of soil, but the nutrients are all over the place. Small plants have tiny root systems that only take up the top part of the soil. When you water or add food, the good stuff sinks to the bottom, out of reach, and goes to waste.
Also, too much soil means not enough air for the roots, leading to rot because they can't breathe.
Why Big Plants in Small Pots Isn't Good Either
Big plants in tiny pots don't do well because there's not enough soil or food, so they grow slow. Plus, their roots can't spread out right and end up circling the pot, which can hurt them, especially when it's hot, messing with the plant's health.
Big Plants Don't Always Need Big Pots
Not every big plant needs a big pot. Plants with shallow roots, like azaleas, actually like smaller, shallower pots. Azaleas have lots of roots near the soil's surface and don't have a main root. In a big pot, the soil at the top can dry out while the bottom stays wet. These shallow roots can't get water from the bottom, so the plant can get too much or too little water, which isn't good.
For these kinds of plants, pick a pot that's the right size for them when they're young, and later, one that's about half the size of how wide they spread. If it looks a bit top-heavy, you can always put it in a bigger, decorative pot outside for balance.
Just like people can feel weird in a too-small space or a too-big room, plants need their space to be just right. The perfect-sized pot is like a cozy home where plants can thrive and look their best.
