5 Best Pots For Cactus (Buyer’s Guide)
Cacti plants are so low-maintenance and resilient that they can grow almost anywhere! Though cacti do not require frequent irrigation or fertilizers and may even thrive in direct sunlight, they still require a suitable environment to grow and flourish.
Choosing the best pots for cactus plants is more difficult than you may believe; you must consider pot type, pot dimensions, warmth, and humidity conditions in your home. It’s not just about looks.
Fortunately, there are many lovely cactus pots that can complement any home style.
Factors For Choosing The Best Pots For Cactus
There are several aspects to consider when choosing a cactus pot. Of course, selecting a pot that matches the style of your home is essential. But appearances aren’t everything.
The plant pot should also have particular qualities to ensure that your cactus is healthy and content in its new home. Below, we’ve outlined the things you should look for when selecting a pot for your preferred cactus.
1. Drainage
Cactus enthusiasts know that almost all cactuses are drought-tolerant and capable of going without water for days. Nevertheless, selecting an indoor planter with draining openings is still critical.
How so? Many cactuses like deep, occasional watering, which implies the water must run out just the bottom of the pitcher when watered.
Having drainage holes keeps your cacti’s soils from becoming soggy and protects the base from root rot. If you get pots without drainage holes, keep in mind to drill them in before actually planting your cacti.
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2. Material
Terra Cotta
Since they drain well, clay pots are common for cactus pots. Although this container can absorb water, the porous structure of these pots produces a good habitat for the cactus.
As a result, the gardener can estimate the moisture content of the soil since the clay darkens when it absorbs water.
These pots are less expensive than other alternatives, and you can readily locate them in a consistent hue that adds continuity to your interior decoration.
However, terra cotta pots are also extremely fragile and can break instantly if tipped over or dropped on the floor so be sure to keep it in a place far from the reach of children or pets.
The strong watershed of these pots is fantastic in the wintertime, but the water might be soaked more quickly than anticipated in the summer. As a result, keep a close watch on your cactus throughout the warmer months to ensure that it doesn’t dry out.
Ceramic
Are you looking for a touch of class in your home decor? Ceramic cacti pots are an excellent choice. These containers are ideal for home planters since they vary in color, style, and dimensions.
However, consider that ceramic containers are frequently heavier than other pot materials so they may be difficult to move around.
They are available in two finishes: coated and matte. Unglazed pots are best for planting cactuses due their organic nature enables them to drain easily. While glazed pots are attractive and bright, they typically lack an effective drainage system.
Plastic
Plastic cactus pots are the easiest choice because they are inexpensive and can easily be reused. Plastic pots, which come in various forms, sizes, and colors, have surpassed clay pots due to their diversity.
Furthermore, although clay pots may change color owing to salt build-up, plastic pots retain their new-like appearance for a long period of time.
On the other hand, though, these pots have inadequate drainage systems and may lead your cactus to get overwatered or water-logged. Plastic containers are also unsuitable for outdoor usage since they can rapidly become brittle or lose shape when exposed to sunshine.
Metal
Metal pots are incredibly robust and reusable, making them an excellent addition to any interior area. These stylish pots come in various sizes, color combinations, and forms and are frequently made of zinc or copper.
On the other hand, metal pots are prone to rust, requiring you to spray a rust-resistant preservative every year. Such containers are also heavier than other materials, making them unsuitable for plants that need to be moved frequently.
Many metal pots don’t come with holes in the bottom, so you will need to drill your own. Finally, metal pots are heat conductors. This means that they can get quite hot during the summer, causing your cactus to burn.
Glass
Even while glass containers are ideal for cacti, they will not assist your cactus in thriving when kept in them for an extended time. Glass pots are stunning, and their low weight makes the entire redesigning process much easier. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for cacti.
First and foremost, there are no drainage holes at the bottom, and drilling them will merely break the glass. Secondly, they quickly fog up, which means they get very humid.
Furthermore, the glass may quickly heat up and injure the plant’s base, so avoid placing your cactus in direct sunlight if you opt to put it in a glass container.
Wood
For those who intend to keep their potted cactus outside, a wood pot is an excellent choice since it can withstand freezing temperatures and retains water longer than a terracotta pot.
Furthermore, many people find wood a warm, welcoming element in their home décor. Purchasing a handmade wood container pot can enhance the attractiveness of your cactus.
On the other hand, wood planters deteriorate quickly, compromising the health of the plants housed in them. You may prevent this by enclosing the container with a Ziploc bag, although this may impair the pot’s drainage function. Drilling a few holes in your wooden pot will allow the water to drain readily and maintain the life of the wood.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pots are available in various sizes, styles, and patterns. Manufacturers frequently shape and paint these pots to resemble wood or clay planters. Because they are so light, these planters are ideal for growing cacti or plants that you want to move about from time to time.
Furthermore, the material is extremely robust, making it ideal for extreme temperature fluctuations. However, these planters frequently lack drainage systems. As a result, if you wish to avoid root rot, you must drill its holes. But because of their aesthetic value, we recommend only utilizing these planters for display reasons.
Concrete
Concrete pots are common for outdoor areas since they can resist seasonal changes, benefiting the cacti’s growth. These pots are also available in various forms, making them a fashionable touch to any outdoor area or backyard.
Concrete is porous, enabling water and air to pass through it effortlessly. As a result, these containers are great for cacti and will keep your plant’s roots from rotting.
Concrete pots, however, have a lime-producing nature that might reduce the water’s pH, potentially affecting your cactus’s wellness. We suggest watering the container itself to allow excess lime to escape.
Stone
Stone pots are a common interior planter material. They are available in a wide range of attractive forms and sizes. Stone pots come in two varieties: limestone blended with glass fibers and natural stone cut into the form of a planter.
Moving the pot and noticing the difference in weight is a straightforward technique to differentiate between the types if you are a newbie to planting. Raw stone containers are heavier than limestone-fiberglass pots.
Stone pots are quite sturdy; however, they are prone to breaking if dropped. Although the lime and fiberglass pot is much more resilient than the sandstone pot, it frequently lacks a good drainage system.
3. Size (Width & Depth)
Among the most important variables to consider when choosing a container for the Cactus plant is container size. Cacti plants come in a wide range of forms and sizes, including dwarf types that are only a few inches tall and bigger varieties that can be several feet tall.
Even if you’re buying a small or big cactus, the main part of the cactus must be 1/4 inch away from the pot’s edge for the best development and growth.
Cacti are essentially succulents, and numerous attractive succulent pots are available in various dimensions. Though uncommon, some cactus plants possess horizontal growing roots that necessitate a small container.
If you cultivate these cacti in a larger pot, you will see that the little roots begin to show on the jar’s side. In this situation, replant the plant into a larger pot to allow root growth which ultimately leads to the growth of your cactus.
Please keep in mind while purchasing a pot that bigger cactus plants produce strong roots, and that’s why you need to choose a deeper container. Shallow containers are ideal for smaller cactus plants that have shallow roots.
4. Type
How big is your plant, and where do you intend to plant it? Considering queries like these before actually going shopping will help you limit your hunt for the correct type and avoid purchasing a planter that you won’t be able to utilize.
Normal
A standard pot for your cacti will look like any other plant container. They are cup-like, with a larger top and a shorter bottom.
Normal pots with the same diameter are also available, and both are suitable for a cactus pot. Most of these pots include drainage holes at the bottom.
Hanging
Although most cactus and succulent pots have a smooth bottom for a level surface, others are designed to hang. If your cacti or succulent is a draped type, such as the rat-tail cacti, hanging planters are ideal. A hanging pot could be a fun option if you want an interesting presentation!
Self-watering
Self-watering planters are containers with an exterior pot or bottom storage holding extra water. Water is taken from the tank into the plant’s root system.
These may not be the best for cacti that do not require a lot of water to grow and thrive. We recommend staying away from this option for plants that don’t need frequent watering.
5. Color
Whereas the color of the cactus pot is purely decorative, it remains an excellent idea to think about how the pot will seem in connection to the other parts of your home interior.
It will be perfect if you choose a pot that complements the accent colors in your room, such as the drapes or rugs. Analyzing how well the pot style relates to your style is essential.
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Terracotta pots are constructed of high-quality clay and fired at high temperatures, giving them remarkable durability and fracture resistance.
This ceramic pot may be used for several things. Best presented for succulent plant lovers with a small garden, or use it in your own house for a clean, modern design in your living area.
These succulent pots use high-temperature ceramics to ensure the most sturdy, robust, and long-lasting quality. This material has a strong density to prevent water infiltration into the pots, successfully protecting the interior and exterior of the pot, and is simple to maintain and reusable.
The four ceramic pots with a stylish planter stand come in a durable gift box as a relationship bridge for family members or friends.
This Macramé pot hanger with container included set does not include the fringes seen on numerous other macramé plant hangers, conserving space and preventing pets from harming your plants.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect cactus plant planter is a difficult task! You must consider the pot type, size, and location where you intend to maintain your new cactus. It would help if you didn’t buy a pot only because it looks good. However, there are many pots with distinctive designs available in materials suitable for cacti, so everybody can find one that fits their style!
Check that it is appropriate for your cactus plant, and remember to take proper care of it. If you have a habit of overwatering your plants, try purchasing a porous container. If you want to grow a cactus outside, try using a concrete container because they are sturdy and will not be blown away by the winds.