Larry Mason, host of HGTV's Winter Gardening, offers tips on selecting pots. Most containers are made of clay (figure A) or plastic (figure B). Clay, or terra-cotta, pots are heavy, which helps even substantial plants resist tipping over. Clay is porous, so oxygen remains available to roots, but moisture evaporates rapidly, so plants must be watered more frequently. As clay pots age, algae appears on the outer surface, as well as mineral salts from fertilizer and water. Some people like the appearance of an old clay pot; others find it unsightly. Plastic containers retain moisture better than clay, which is an advantage in hot or dry climates but a disadvantage if you tend to overwater plants. Plastic pots are less expensive and readily available in many designs. They're lighter than clay pots and may topple if plants are top-heavy. The standard pot is as wide as it is tall (figure C), so one with a 6" diameter is generally about 6" tall. A standard-shaped pot is a good choice for most plants. Another option is the so-called azalea pot, which is wider than it is tall (figure D). Azaleas have shallow root systems and thus don't need deep containers. Azalea pots are inherently stable because of their low center of gravity and thus less likely to tip over. And because less pot is visible, the plant makes more of a visual impression. A rose pot is one-third taller than it is wide. It's used for plants such as roses and tomatoes, which have deep root systems. Dark-colored pots absorb more heat than lighter ones; roots stay cooler in lighter pots. If you live in a cool climate and want to grow cacti, choose a dark pot; if you live in a warm climate and want to grow tender annuals, select a light-colored container.
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