I've been hearing a lot of chatter lately about how certain plants supposedly "don't like" being in pots that are too big for them. I recently watched a YouTube video where someone was planting a blueberry plant and mentioned that it prefers to be in a smaller pot because it likes to feel cozy. This got me curious—since plants grow just fine in the ground without size restrictions, is there any real evidence supporting the idea that a bigger pot can harm a plant's growth?
3 Answers
You're spot on! When you put a small-rooted plant in a large pot, the soil around it can become waterlogged because the roots can't absorb moisture fast enough. In nature, plants have more room to spread out their roots and avoid standing water. That's why a smaller pot can sometimes be better to help keep them healthy.
It really depends on the plant. Some do best in snug environments while others need more space. Certain plants, like African violets, seem to bloom better in smaller pots, while others may be overwhelmed in larger ones. Just keep an eye on drainage and moisture levels, and adjust your pot size accordingly!
So true! I've seen my peace lilies take off in tall, narrow pots but struggle in wider ones. It’s all about knowing your plant's preferences!
The size of the pot absolutely affects drainage. Outside, soil dries out between rainfalls, so plants usually don't experience constant wet conditions. However, in a big pot, excess soil can hold too much moisture, leading to root rot. It's essential to find the right balance in pot size!
That makes sense! I've had problems with that too. The ground also has natural drainage from worms and other critters, which we miss in pots.
Exactly! Each plant has its own preferences—some thrive when potbound, while others need room to stretch their roots. It's all about their natural habitat and how they've adapted.