subject: The Choice Of The Containers Available For Indoor Plants [print this page] One of the most unique ways of bringing outdoor green into the small apartments of urban life is to opt for container gardening. It is an art and one needs to know the tricks and not just purchase a surfeit of plants and place them anyhow and somehow into containers expecting them to flourish.
Although nearly any kind of vessel will suffice for indoor gardening it would be of help if the right types of containers are picked as it will serve the double purpose of adding to the life and health of the plant as well as contribute to the decor of the apartment.
The most attractive are wooden containers but these are relatively more costly. On the plus side these are long lasting and are worth the one time investment made for growing plants round the year. Bigger plants as well as herbs flourish in containers made of wood. Placed in prominent places in the house they add to house decoration. One should avoid pre-treated wood as the insides are treated with chemicals that may cause leaching of the soil that will ultimately tell on the plants.
Plastic containers are easy on the pockets and are easy to obtain. But they do not last long and continuous exposure to the weather leads to them getting cracked and warped. They are not as attractive as wooden, terracotta or ceramic containers. However plastic pots are best for plants that overflow and trail so that the hanging leaves can cover up the container's exteriors.
Terracotta containers are also kind to the purse. Undoubtedly these are classier than their plastic counterparts. But the snag is that these are very fragile and can easily break. Thus if there is the need to move around the plants frequently the plastic ones may be a better choice. There is a large variety of terracotta pots to choose from ranging from the very basic ones to the ornate and elaborate flaunting swirls and curls.
There is another option the ceramic containers for the indoor gardening. These are available in a wide range of colors and patterns to enhance the beauty of the urban space.
One need not be tied down by only these kinds of pots as anything can be of use old bottles, soda tins, milk jugs and even pails. All these would do well for indoor gardening. The point is to see that there are holes of these improvised containers to allow for sufficient drainage.
The choice of the correct kind of containers will assist in maximizing the longevity of the life of the plant. With the use of the right amount of water the plants will thrive inside bringing in the green from the outside.
