Peperomia is a hardy semi-succulent plant that originates from the tropical parts of the world. Due to its minimal maintenance, it has become popular as an indoor houseplant. However, for a plant to grow well, it must be potted well. So, choosing the right pot is integral for the well-being of your peperomia. So, what kind of pot is best suited for your peperomia?
What kind of pot is good for your peperomia?
The right kind of pot is very important for the proper growth of your peperomia. Peperomia potted in the wrong pot could lead to several problems such as root rot, stunted growth, and pest infestation. While there is a misconception that the bigger the pot, the better it is, it is not so in the case of peperomia. Several factors are to be kept in mind while choosing the right kind of pot.
Some of the important factors which may help you choose the right pot are –
- Size of the pot
- Material of the pot
- Drainage
Size of the Pot
The size of the pot plays an important role in the growth of peperomia. If the size of the pot is improper, your peperomia can face issues of weak and stunted growth. While the root system of peperomia is shallow and takes time to become root bound, it doesn’t mean that it requires a small pot.
Similarly, choosing too big a pot may also lead to issues of nutrient overdose. Hence, selecting a small pot may lead to severe problems for your peperomia. Thus, the right size of the pot is integral for your peperomia. It is best to choose a pot where the peperomia fits well with an inch of space for the peperomia to grow. Transplant to a bigger pot once the peperomia overgrows the current one to keep the plant healthy.
Material of the Pot
Usually, pots can either be porous or non-porous. A porous pot has pores that allow air and water to pass through it, while a non-porous pot lacks such holes. Peperomia prefers soil that is aerated and well-drained. So, if your peperomia is planted in a non-porous pot, its roots are more prone to suffocation and overwatering. Thus, the best option is to plant your peperomia in a porous pot that adequately drains out the water and keeps the soil aerated.
Drainage
Excessive watering may lead to waterlogging in your peperomia. Waterlogging may lead to severe problems such as root rot which can be fatal to your peperomia. One of the ways to reduce the chances of waterlogging is by using a pot that has proper drainage holes. Proper drainage holes drain the excess water from the pot and prevent the roots from drowning. Thus, a pot with proper drainage holes is very important for the well-being of your peperomia.
Thus, we can see that peperomia requires a pot that is porous, aptly sized, and has proper holes for drainage to ensure that it remains strong and healthy.
