DP Tool Club 17/CD_ASCQ_17_101194.iso/vrac/grow1.zip/GROW.PT

Text File | 1994-06-04 | 1KB | 30 lines

The Pot

Pot selection is important for any pot-grown plant.  Size
is very important:  do not use a pot that is too big,
hoping the plant will eventually grow into it.  This will
happen, but much slower than anticipated.  Large volumes
of growth medium stay cold and wet longer, slowing growth.
Root growth will predominate, and actual plant growth is
inhibited.  Flowering may not take place.

When repotting, move up slowly in pot size, ideally in the
spring, as days start to lengthen.

I prefer clay pots for my plants.  These are porous and
evaporate moisture easily, making it harder to over-water.
This makes them ideal for cacti and succulents, though
they'll work well with any plant.  However, this
evaporation does drop the soil temperature, and can affect
growth in a room with lower ambient temperatures.

If re-using any pot, sterilize it by scrubbing with a
solution consisting of equal parts of bleach and water.
Cover the center hole with a smooth, flat stone to prevent
clogging.  Soak a clay pot before use, so it doesn't dry
out your growing medium when first planting or repotting.

Plastic is easier to clean and sterilize, and tends to
keep soil warmer.  It is probably the better pot material
for starting seeds and cuttings.  Margarine containers,
perforated repeatedly through their bases, work well.