Best Pots For Aloe Plants
Choosing the right pot size and material is the most crucial
We even refer to aloe as the Plant of Magic. Sadly, many home growers do not know how to tend to these beauties. It may appear trivial to you, but for the plant to grow to its best health, in addition to the right growing conditions, you must find the correct pot for it.
The best pots for aloe plants would be made of ceramic or terracotta, typically two inches wider than the plant’s size. But are these the only choices you have? What should you consider when picking the pot size?
Ideally, the container chosen for all aloe vera plants should be proportionate to the aloe vera’s size to allow the soil to dry out between the two watering frequencies and stimulate growth without causing root rotting.
Let’s find out more on this and the options we have to buy!
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What Kind Of Pot Do Aloe Plants Like?
It is vital to understand what kinds of pots these plants prefer to know the suitable container for the aloes. The roots in Aloe Vera grow horizontally and remain shallow. Hence, these do not require a deep container but a wider one. So, shallow containers are the best pots for large aloe vera plants. They allow the roots to spread and reach the bottom.
Moreover, unlike the other plants, indoor aloe vera plants relish smaller containers with broader width. Their roots like to be rootbound. So, if you instead opt for a larger container and continue to grow your aloe plant in it for an extended duration, it may kill the plant.
Also, the pot should have a good drainage system. It is because the plant is susceptible to root rots and fungal infection. Thus drainage holes are imperative to ensure that the plant does not sit in the wet medium.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Pot For Aloe
There are multiple factors you need to put into consideration. Below we will address them:
1. Size and depth
Aloe Vera is a slow to moderate growing succulent. Many think of buying a big-sized container to plant their aloe vera, thinking they do not have to repot them. But it is far from the truth. As stated above, you do not need a giant pot to plant your aloe vera.
Medium-sized pots are the best pots for aloe vera plants. Aloe vera plants are succulents that suck all the water from the soil and store it within them. Aloe do not prefer soggy soil. A bigger pot will accommodate more water than necessary. So, if you opt for a bigger pot, aloe will absorb all the available water, resulting in root rotting.
Hence, you should ensure that you pick a pot that is only five to ten percent bigger than the plant’s size.
Also, when it comes to the depth, shallower pots are better than the deeper pots because the latter prevents the development of baby aloes.
2. Material
The potting material chosen by you has a massive effect on your plant’s health, whether you place it indoors or outdoors. But fortunately, aloe vera plants are not very picky. So, you have multiple choices when looking for the best pots for aloe plants.
You can go with materials like ceramic, resin, wood, plastic, metal, and terracotta. But, as we stated in our introduction, ceramic and terracotta are the most unparalleled choices.
But, we do not recommend metal and plastic pots because the former may absorb excessive heat, resulting in heat stress, and the latter may retain excessive moisture.
3. Drainage
Picking planters with a good range of drainage holes is mandatory to shield the plant against root rots and fungal infection. Thus, the best pots for indoor aloe vera plants are ones with drainage holes. It can allow the plant to let out all the excess water and not force it to sit within more moisture than it seeks.
4. Looks
Aloe Vera pot is a stunning value addition indoors, but you can also plant it in a garden-style or modern décor. The plant will also be a beautiful addition to other pots in the backyard garden, porch, or patio.
5. Water tray
A water tray is a necessity for your aloes. It serves a dual purpose. One, it looks visually appealing. Two, it collects all the excess water the plant lets out. It can help you assess your plant’s water needs, and you can plan the watering schedule accordingly.
Ideally, curtail your watering as soon as the water starts accumulating on the tray. However, ensure that you empty the water tray after every watering schedule. If you do not do that, the aloe will absorb this water, resulting in root rot.
Types of Pots for the Aloe Vera Plants
Here is a laydown of some of the material options and why they may be good or bad for your plant:
1. Terracotta
These are the best pots for aloe vera plants. Terracotta ensures a brilliant flow of air and water between the roots and the surroundings. However, the exterior of these pots is susceptible to algae development, which can hamper its appeal.
You Can Consider This One Right Here:
D’vine Dev Terracotta Pots for Plants, Succulent Planter Pot with Drainage and Saucer – It is a classic pot with a beautiful, smooth, and matte finish. Its round cylindrical design and porous terracotta material make it suitable for succulent plants.
2. Metal
Metal pots are not suited for aloe vera plants. They tend to absorb the heat from the sun and cause heat stress in the plant. It can suck all the excess water, resulting in dehydration in the plant.
3. Plastic
Plastic pots look tidy and curtail algae growth on the plant’s exterior part. But, plastic pots cause excessive water absorption by the soil, increasing the risk of root rotting.
4. Ceramic
These are also a great pots for aloe plants. They have a high absorption level and tend to suck all the excess water from the roots. However, these weak pots are typically susceptible to fine cracks and breakage.
Two options you can consider:
Mini Ceramic Planters – It is a small pot with a 4-inch diameter and 3-6-inch height, ideal for aloe plants. It is a sturdy pot composed of kaolin that does not break down easily. Every planter has drainage holes at the bottom and an attached saucer to prevent excessive water run-off.
Vivimee Planter Set – It is a large clay pot composed of high-temperature fired red clay. It has drainage holes that make it suitable for aloes and other succulents. Its sleek, clean look makes it ideal for all environments.
5. Wooden
Wooden pots also retain excess moisture in the plant, increasing the risk of fungi growth or root rotting. Hence, we do not recommend them for your aloe plants.
To avoid aloe problems like browning of leaves and a drooping plant, make sure to do the right pot selection from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. How big do aloe plants get?
Ans. Typically, the aloe vera plants grow up to three feet high, but on average, their height is between one to two feet before they complete their lifespan.
Ques 2. How much bigger the pot should be than the aloe plant at the time of planting?
Ans. The best pot size for aloe vera plants is an inch or two bigger than the original pot that it came in.
Ques 3. When to repot aloe vera?
Ans. You can repot the aloe vera once it becomes too heavy or has several baby aloes growing. Alternatively, if the potting mix breaks down or has degraded, then, too, repotting is necessary.
Final Word
We hope you now have ample knowledge on selecting suitable pots for aloe vera plant care. If you have long been using an unfitting container for your aloes, it is time you change it and let your plant thrive!
