Perhaps, it is unlikely that a more popular plant will be found today than a ficus. These flowers are often planted both at home on the windowsill and in office spaces. Different types of ficuses are found everywhere: Benjamin's ficus and even rubber-bearing ficus. They look pretty nice, besides, they are very unpretentious in their care. But in order for them to please you, you need to follow some rules. One of them is a suitable ficus pot. In this article we will tell you which pot is needed for ficus, and how to choose the right one.
If you plan to plant a small plant, then a standard pot is selected for it. More carefully, you need to select a pot for a ficus that has already been growing with you for some time (or if you purchased an adult copy in a flower shop).
In fact, pots of standard sizes, in which the diameter is equal to the height, are perfect for planting ficuses there. For example, for ficus Benjamin (one of the most popular varieties of this home plant), such a pot is ideal - you can safely place it in such a container. For Ficus Rubbery, also select a standard-shaped pot.
If you are planning to plant and grow a tree according to the technique, it is worth changing the approach a little. In this case, when picking up pots, make sure that they are flatter. For example, from the Benjamins, a beautiful bonsai tree will be quite simple, and such ficuses will perfectly decorate your home. For them, it is recommended to pick up beautiful pots in the form of a bowl or a small container that will fit perfectly into any interior. Plants planted without using this technique do well in standard shaped pots.
In addition, you can choose not only a pot, but also independently build a high planter for ficus. Fortunately, today the Internet contains enough information on how this can be done.
How to choose the size for the plant
What should be the size of ficus pots? We choose the size, paying attention to the degree of development of the root system of your pets. Again, if a small, standard-sized pot is suitable for newly planted babies, then with older specimens, you must consider how long their roots are.
Also remember that these plants need timely. For example, rubber-bearing ficuses are transplanted once a year, because their root system grows very quickly (like their "relatives"). When the roots completely fill the entire space and braid the earthen ball, choose a pot, the size of which will be several times larger than the previous one. If appropriate measures are not taken at the right time, the flower may gradually wither.
In general, any ficus - Benjamin or Rubber - will need more and more space as it grows. Therefore, when choosing a small container for them before planting, think that in a couple of years they will grow well and they will need large “houses”. But don't overdo it! The situation will not change for the better if you pick up too free capacity. You should pick up a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, so that after some time the roots completely fill the free space.
But if at the moment you are just starting to plant this plant, you can limit yourself to the standard size of the pot. We calmly put the baby in a small pot - the planted ficus will feel great in a new place.
Material suitable for the pot
In principle, this plant cannot be called too picky about the materials from which its “house” will be made. However, in order to know exactly which pot to plant this lovely flower in, several aspects must be taken into account.
The first of these is the toxicity of materials. It is no secret that among the current manufacturers there are enough of those who want to save on materials. Therefore, they can make flower pots from materials that are not very beneficial for the health of the flowers. So pay attention to the quality of the materials that were used in the manufacture of the container.
Further, it should be said that for such flowers, pots made of clay and plastic, as well as ceramic, can be selected. Even planting flowers in tubs made of wood is allowed - among other things, they have an excellent appearance and will decorate any room.
Naturally, preference should be given to containers made from natural materials. If you plan to master the bonsai technique, then in this case you should approach the task more responsibly by choosing bowls or containers made of clay. In addition, it is better to choose containers without a characteristic glossy sheen.
Be sure to ensure that there are drainage holes, otherwise the root system can easily rot, which in turn will lead to the death of your pet.
In general, as you can see, this flower is very unpretentious in choosing its “house”. The requirements for choosing a container are minimal, and it will not be difficult to comply with them in practice. Since manufacturers can always please us with a huge variety of flower containers, you can easily choose the right pot for your pets. In addition, you should not have any problems with the fact that the flower does not fit into the interior. And this is undoubtedly another plus in favor of this pretty green plant.
Video "Ficus Care and Transplantation"
From this video you will learn how to care for and transplant ficus.
Indoor plants are elements of wildlife that are easily "embedded" in the interior of any room and style. Flowers, mini-trees, bushes fill the house with warmth, draw attention to themselves, create a special, comfortable atmosphere. Ficuses are one of the most popular houseplants. Almost all of them are unpretentious in care and at the same time are exquisitely decorative. A significant role in maintaining their health and beauty is played by the correct choice of the container in which they grow. Knowing how to choose the right ficus pot will help provide your green pet with the best conditions for him.
What pot is needed for ficus
It is believed that unglazed earthenware pots for indoor flowers are the best option, as the clay is porous and allows air to circulate. This positively affects both the regulation of soil moisture and the supply of oxygen to the roots. However, ficuses are not picky about the material from which the container is made - it can be ceramics, clay or plastic. The only thing that is fundamentally necessary for all types of culture is drainage holes and a “spout” on the tray to drain excess liquid. You can even plant a young ficus, transplant an adult plant into a cheap plastic pot - and if you follow the simple rules of care, the owner of the flower will receive a healthy and well-developed flower, bush or tree.
pot shape
For most "natural" looking ficuses (that is, excluding bonsai-style trees), standard-shaped pot models with approximately equal height and diameter, as well as holes at the bottom (to allow plantings to drain), are suitable.
When choosing a vessel for a ficus, it should be remembered that this culture is rarely transplanted due to its slow growth, and in addition, the flower itself perceives this procedure as stress, reacting by dropping foliage. Therefore, the issues of the shape and design of the pot are decided in advance and a flower is planted in it, given that in the next year or three it will not be injured by changing the “house”.
In particular, experts do not advise using round-shaped pots, in the form of a ball. It is difficult to get plants out of them during transplantation, and ficuses get sick when their roots are severely injured.
Deciding on the size
The disproportion in the size of the plant (together with the root system) and the capacity for it sometimes leads to problems: in a pot that is too large, the soil dries slowly, increasing the susceptibility of the flower to root rot. If the pot is too small, the bush or tree may tip over under the weight of the branches.
The size of the ficus pot is determined by the size of the root system: when placed in a pot, two centimeters should remain to its walls (it is difficult to use a ruler in such cases. Practicing flower growers simply put two fingers on the root coma). A more “free” capacity, instead of being useful, can destroy the plant - too much moisture harmful to it will be retained in excess soil.
In cramped containers, the ground part of a bush or tree develops more strongly, and in free ones, the root system increases, and the growth of the ground mass is inhibited. Therefore, when transplanting, they either change the soil, leaving the old pot, or pick up a container 2-4 cm larger in diameter than the previous one.
Features of choosing a container for bonsai
The following rules, taking into account the aesthetics of the appearance of the plant, will help to correctly determine the size of the pot for ficus bonsai:
- the depth of the tank should be equal to the diameter of the trunk just above the ground level;
- for trees with a particularly wide crown, a wider pot is selected;
- the length of trees with a very thick trunk (compared to their height) - they choose deeper vessels.
In addition, bonsai experts believe that the shape of the vessel should be in harmony with the tree. In appearance, bonsai plants are conditionally divided into male and female (it depends only on the opinion of the owner):
- male trees have a strong trunk, strong, mature bark, often sharp angular branching. They look good in containers with pronounced corners - square, rectangular;
- ficus bonsai are considered to be female, more refined, with smooth bark, as well as smoothed lines of bends of branches. Oval or round containers are suitable for them.
A properly selected flat bonsai enhances the aesthetic pleasure of contemplating a tree as a work of art. If only gardening considerations are taken into account, almost any flat bonsai pot with a wall height of no more than 10 cm will do.
The “charm” of ficuses, in addition to their many other advantages, also lies in the fact that they are not picky in terms of the shape and material of the pots. Therefore, taking into account the size of the root system and the way the plant is grown, you can select a variety of vessels for them, harmoniously fitting them into the style of the interior in the room.
There are many varieties of flower pots on the market and it's time to figure out which one is better. This article lists the pros and cons of different types of modern pots and talks about which pots are best suited for certain types of plants. Indoor flowers are a wonderful addition to the interior. They delight the eye with a variety of colors and enrich the air in the room with oxygen. And in what pot should a plant be planted so that it feels like in natural conditions? Let's figure it out.
Houseplants in pots. © Flozo Content:
What is the difference between pots and pots?
Flower pots, unlike planters that are used to decorate nondescript pots, have drainage holes in the bottom. Drainage holes are designed to drain water so that water does not stagnate, and this does not lead to rotting of the roots and the formation of unpleasant odors. Holes for water drainage are sometimes used for lower watering, when the plant absorbs moisture with its roots from the pallet or from the planter in which it is installed.
Nowadays, due to economy and the race against time, planters have lost their purpose and are being used more and more as pots. That is, they retained the aesthetic purpose, but a functional one was added to it, a vessel in which the plant grows and develops.
In the article, I will dwell on the most popular and versatile materials for flower pots, the use of which is possible not only in functional terms, but also aesthetically at the same time.
plastic pots
Now technologies make it possible to use plastic not only as a material directly for a pot, but also to create flower pots from them.
Thanks to technical advances and the work of designers, plastic pots have turned from ordinary, nondescript vessels into real works of art. Due to the plasticity of the material, such flowerpots have a rich variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Plastic flower pot © 55Laney69 Benefits of plastic pots
The advantage of a plastic pot or planter is its lightness. When growing large plants such as Ficus, Dracaena, Strelitzia, located on the floor, many will opt for a plastic pot that is easy to move if necessary. And with vertical gardening, you can’t do without lightweight planters, which can be given any size or decorated for any material.
Another advantage of plastic is that it can be given any shape, from tall flowerpots to a flat saucer.
Now popular pots with automatic watering system. At its core, this is a pot and planter in a set. A pot with an indicator of fullness of water is inserted into the pot, which has a special hole for watering. Such pots provide an opportunity to do floriculture even for the most forgetful, as they can reduce watering to just a few times a year.
There are also medicinal pots. The specificity of such a pot is that in the bottom of the pot, concave inward, in addition to holes for water drainage, holes are made for air circulation. The roots of the plant breathe and such a pot does not require an additional drainage layer.
Plastic pots are convenient, they do not allow water to flow when watering. The richness of shapes, sizes and colors allow you to choose a pot for any interior, and the cheapness of the material makes them accessible to a larger number of buyers.
Modern technology makes it possible to use plastic pots as additional lighting or make them glow brightly in the dark. Want to plant your flower in a marble vase, but avoid the hassle and expense of moving? Pay attention to plastic pots.
Disadvantages of plastic pots
Of the few disadvantages, it is worth noting that plastic is an artificial material, and it does not breathe, which sometimes negatively affects the development of plants, and when overflowing, rotting of the roots is possible. When growing very tall plants, such pots can become unstable.
Ceramic or clay pots
Clay or ceramic pots have been used by mankind to grow plants for more than one century.
Advantages of ceramic pots
The indisputable advantage of this type of dish, if it is not glazed, is its naturalness. Due to the porosity of the material, excessive moisture evaporates through the walls of the vessel, and the roots of the plant are also saturated with oxygen.
Unfortunately, gypsum fakes that do not have a set of useful properties began to appear on the market. You can tell them apart by sound. When struck lightly, a gypsum pot makes a duller sound than its clay counterpart.
Ceramics, be it simple terracotta or glazed, will always add solidity and richness to the interior. Thanks to centuries of craftsmanship, it is possible to achieve that the pot looks like an ancient flowerpot of the dynasty of some Chinese emperor and a simple cheerful vase with colorful colors.
The clay from which such pots are made is a natural material found in nature. The hydrated water contained in such pots serves as an excellent temperature regulator. In winter, the plant in this pot is warm, and cool in summer.
Plants grown in such pots feel better. Due to its mass, such dishes are more stable and more suitable for growing large plants, including trees.
Ceramic flower pot © g 3 Disadvantages of ceramic pots
Of course, there are also disadvantages to growing plants in ceramic pots. Clay ware is quite fragile and can break if not handled carefully.
Due to the same porosity of the material, the walls of the vessel can become very cold during evaporation, which will lead to serious injury or death of the plant.
When transplanting a plant from such a pot, the roots that stick to the inner walls are damaged.
Salt deposits appear on the surface of clay pots, which are very difficult to get rid of, and the glaze does not let air through.
Forged flower pot in York. © Harry Mitchell Pots made of other materials
Less common materials for planters are metal, natural stone, glass.
Glass pots
Glass material is very fragile and traumatic, it is very easy to break it. Glass is used, as a rule, for growing orchids. You can also grow mini gardens in large glass pots or aquariums, or plant plants that require special climatic conditions.
Glass is a very decorative material, but not suitable for growing most plants.
Natural stone pots
Natural stone is a rare material for a flower pot or planter. A tall tree growing in such a flowerpot will look great in a spacious room with panoramic windows or an open patio. Unfortunately, the high cost of such material does not allow its use in everyday life. Yes, and caring for a plant in such a pot will be difficult. Natural stone heats up quickly and cools down just as quickly, so not all plants are suitable for growing in it.
Flower pot made of natural stone with a fountain © Dezidor Metal pots
Metal, no less brutal material for creating planters. Thanks to artistic forging, it can be shaped into various animals or pedestals. Unfortunately, the metal heats up and cools down just as quickly, and eventually corrodes.
With the right selection of a pot or flowerpot, the flower will delight you with its growth and aroma for a long time.
I ask you to supplement this article with your comments, share your experience and send your recommendations.
A lot depends on the choice of pots: often plants develop poorly and even get sick from sitting in unsuitable pots. The most suitable pots for plants are those in which the width at the top is equal to the height, and the bottom is not too narrow. The walls should be even, not thick, without depressions that could prevent the lump from being knocked out of the pot. An essential requirement is the porosity of the material so that the walls and bottom of the pot are breathable. Most of all, pots made of well-fired clay satisfy this purpose.
A porous pot, when wet with water, immediately absorbs it, which can be used as a guide to distinguish porous pots from non-porous similar in appearance. The bottom should be flat or sloping towards the middle, so that the drain hole falls on its lowest part. If it is on a hillock or with edges wrapped inside the pot, then you should either make another hole or expand the existing one. In general, looking at the pot, the drain hole should not be less than 1.3-2.5 cm in diameter. In very large pots, several drainage holes should be made, and the middle one is best covered not with a shard (which should be porous and turned upside down), but with a tiny pot turned upside down.
Non-porous pots, made of metal, porcelain, pressed paper, dense clay, as well as glazed (polished, etched), are suitable for the successful cultivation of plants in them only if their width significantly exceeds their height, such as, for example, hanging pots or amply, used for creeping, hanging from the edges of plants. If, however, they want to have porcelain pots to decorate rooms, then plants are not planted in them, but simple porous pots are placed in them. Finally, it is very important that the pots are always kept clean, free of dirt and mold, otherwise their pores become clogged and the walls of the pot become airtight.
It is also important that the bottom of the pot does not come into direct contact with the saucer, otherwise the bottom layer of the earth sours and deteriorates from the water flowing onto the saucer after watering. To avoid this, put 2-3 high flat stones on the saucer, on the edges of which the pot is placed; at the same time, such a device allows free flow of air to the lower layer of the earth, which has a very beneficial effect on the plant itself. 
Which flower pots are better: plastic or ceramic
A popular question: which pots for indoor flowers are better - clay or plastic (plastic)? It is safe to say that both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The service life of pots made of plastic (plastic) is practically unlimited, they rarely break and have all sorts of colors that allow them to fit into various interiors. But plastic tends to overheat at high temperatures, and the root system can suffer from overheating of the substrate.
Fired clay pots break when they fall, do not always match in color, and the moisture from them evaporates quickly. But ceramics, unlike plastic pots and flowerpots, with sufficient thickness does not overheat in the hot sun, air exchange with the environment occurs through clay. Clay pots covered with glaze are an exception. 
clay pots
Ceramic ware is rightfully the most popular, as it is an excellent container for almost all types of plants. The proportions of the pots are as follows: the height is equal to the top diameter, and the base diameter is 2/3 of the top diameter. This shape ideally allows gas exchange through the expanded top and water runoff during irrigation. The undoubted advantages of this type of dishes are porosity and breathability. Through the ceramic walls, air enters the soil, which is necessary for the breathing of the roots, so you should not wrap the pots with foil or paper, and even more so paint them with oil paint.
The disadvantage of clay pots is the possibility of hypothermia of the soil, which can occur due to the intensive evaporation of water through the pores of ceramics. In plants that are demanding on soil temperature, this can adversely affect the root system.
New clay pots are recommended to be lowered into water for 1-2 hours before planting. As a result, gases and harmful salts, which are formed during firing, are removed from the pores. If the pot has already been in use, it must be washed with soap and water using a stiff brush, and then, after boiling with soda, rinse with water.
Glazed ceramic pots
Such containers are airtight due to the glaze, so plants cannot be planted in them. They can only be used as decorative outdoor pots where the main flower containers are placed.
Plants are planted in ceramic vats and vessels for which ceramic pots are not suitable. It is necessary that they have a sufficient drainage layer at the bottom, which can absorb excess water. Drainage is prepared from expanded clay, broken bricks or ceramic shards. It is recommended to isolate the soil from the inner wall of the ceramic vessel with a film, as the glaze releases substances harmful to plant growth.
Clay bowls, bowls
These shallow containers (their diameter is greater than the height) have all the advantages of simple clay pots. They can be recommended for growing ferns, bromeliads, as well as for rooting cuttings and sowing seeds.
Plant compositions look good in them. Due to the shallow depth and large surface area of the bowl, evaporation is more intense here than in a pot, so the likelihood of root rot with excessive watering is reduced. Groups of succulents look spectacular in clay bowls.
Styrofoam pots
Polyfoam has high thermal insulation properties, which is undoubtedly an advantage. However, such pots are rarely used, as they are unstable and easily turned over, especially when the plant reaches a large size.
plastic pots
Plastic pots are often used by indoor plant lovers. They are lightweight, durable and have a variety of designs, which allows them to be used in any interior.
Unlike ceramic pots, they are not porous, so there is no danger of the roots getting cold as a result of moisture evaporation. The ability to retain water in plastic dishes is very high. This should be taken into account when watering.
Plants with very sensitive roots should not be planted in plastic pots.
Sometimes the plastic bowl seems to contain substances that inhibit root growth.
New plastic pots should be thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water before planting.
Saucers
These are bowls or saucers that are substituted under pots with indoor plants to drain excess water. On sale there are many decorative saucers made of ceramics or plastic.
Containers
Can be made from plastic. It is important that they have a hole for water flow and drainage. In such containers, plants can be planted directly into the soil of a greenhouse or winter garden. Sometimes the container is filled with peat or expanded clay, and pots with plants are immersed in them.
Cooper's utensils
Wooden barrels can be used without restrictions. The risk of harm to plants is minimal here. A drainage layer must be placed at the bottom of the vessel. To protect wooden walls from decay, they can be insulated with foil or burned with a blowtorch.
Lattice baskets made of wood
Such containers are especially good for growing ferns, bromeliads and other epiphytes. The bottom slats of the basket are covered with a thin layer of foam. The spaces between the side planks are filled with swamp moss to prevent the earth from falling out. In such baskets, the soil dries out faster than in other vessels, so the plants in them should be watered more often and more abundantly.
Many plants thrive in aquariums specially prepared for their cultivation. The microclimate formed in them is favorable for pets with increased requirements for air humidity. This is especially important in rooms with central heating.
Delicate tropical plants and various succulents thrive in glass containers. You can place such mini-greenhouses with plants not only at the window. Having placed flowers in the back of the room, you should take care of additional lighting with fluorescent lamps. Such aquariums with green compositions will decorate any corner in an apartment or office.
planter
Wall or hanging vases - planters - are light decorative elements. They consist of a container for a small flower pot (or a plastic bag with a clod of earth) and a protective surface adjacent to the wall, which protects the wall from damage during watering. Such flowerpots are hung on cords of various lengths and are used to decorate arches, window and door openings, niches, etc. The shape of the cache-pot, as well as the material for their manufacture, can be very diverse, which gives great opportunities for the creative imagination of the designer.
For ferns and ampelous plants, you can use hanging containers made of ceramics or plastic, but it is interesting to make a planter with your own hands in the form of a hanging basket. The ends of round sticks 20-25 cm long (according to the size of the pot) are drilled at the ends. Next, the sticks are stacked in the form of a "log". A soft wire or a thick fishing line is passed through the holes. From below, the ends of the connecting material are fixed with beads or cord tassels. The bottom of the planter is made of rot-resistant materials: plastic or birch bark. A dense plastic bag with holes for air penetration is inserted into this basket. A tray with pieces of charcoal is placed at the bottom of the bag, which actively absorbs moisture during irrigation, and then gives it to the substrate. Next, the bag is filled with nutrient soil, the composition of which meets the requirements of the planted plant.
When choosing a pot, it is important to remember
- The walls of the pot should be even, without depressions and recesses, this will interfere with planting and transplanting.
- Be sure to have a drainage hole or the ability to make it yourself without damaging the pot. Large pots should have several drainage holes.
- There must be a pallet. Sometimes it has to be purchased separately. Pallets in the form of a disk or with low sides are very inconvenient.
- The shape and volume of the pot is selected individually for each specific plant (depending on the size and shape of the root system).
