Finding the best containers for your indoor plants

When you spend so much time nourishing your plant babies, perhaps more hours admiring them, any new growth calls for a celebration. Choosing the best container for them is just as vital for their growth. You may be wondering, which is the best container for my plant? The first thing you should consider is your plant’s watering needs. 

Why is porosity important?

The ability for plant containers to absorb, maintain, and wick out moisture is important. First, for some tropical plants such as Calatheas, you don’t want the soil to dry up too fast. At the same time, you don’t want the container to hold too much excess water as it can lead to root rot. Different materials have varying porosity which can affect water retention. Let’s explore the most common types along with their strengths and weaknesses.

Terracotta/Ceramic

Traditional terracotta pots are the most common and practical. They are porous unglazed clay pots which can wick out excess moisture quickly if you overwater.  They are inexpensive and can be found just about anywhere. The disadvantage is that they are quite thin and more prone to breakage. At times, they may be too drying for plants that love moist soil, especially during hot sunny days. Ceramic pots are heavier and more durable. They vary in prices and quality, but a popular choice for indoor plant pots. 

Fiberglass

Made with man-made mineral fibers, fiberglass planters are both durable and lightweight. You may find these planters are ideal for large, mature plants. As they are less prone to breakage, they can be used indoor or outdoor. Since fiberglass is not porous, it retains moisture and the soil stays cooler.

Plastic

You can find plastic pots just about anywhere. They are also very light and inexpensive. Plastic pots retain water perhaps too well. They dry very slowly, making your houseplant more susceptible to root rot if you overwater. Last but not least, we know how much impact plastics have on the ecosystem. It is about time we eliminate our dependence on plastics and it starts with a better alternative.   

Kanso product features

As plant parents, we care just as much about the materials that make up the home of our plant babies and the environmental impact they bring. At Kanso Designs, we aim to create a sustainable product for not only plant lovers, but for the good of the earth. 

What is upcycling?

Upcycling – or creative reuse – is the process of transforming waste products into new products and materials. You don't break the product down, but instead, use it to build something else. We sought thoughtfully-sourced material as an effort to reduce waste. By utilizing recycled plastics, we can make use of discarded items and create high-quality pots, giving them a new life. Plastic waste compounds are processed and combined with stone and wood powder as they turn into a more biodegradable composite material. As a quality assurance, our products have been tested to make sure they are safe from toxins like our resin that is free of phenol and formaldehyde. With our patented technology, Kanso pots are porous and do not retain excess moisture. Whether you are a beginner or expert with houseplants, the versatility of Kanso pots makes watering a less stressful process. Unlike traditional containers, our material is extremely lightweight but durable. With these combined advantages, Kanso pots make an ideal new home for your plants with the good of the Earth in mind.