Choosing the Right Size of Pot for your Plant
 

Choosing the Right Size of Pot for your Plant

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Choosing the right sized pot for your cannabis plant is important for providing it a healthy space to develop. It shouldn't be a chore to figure out what size pot you need, or even how to go about the transplant method, but it does merit some thought and care. While going about choosing a new pot, you will want to consider which pot will best suit your plant, how much space you have in your garden, how much time are you willing to put into maintenance. Taking these considerations into account is helpful because it lets you determine how you will prioritize the critical factors in your plant's root development. At the end of the day, all your plant wants is a healthy space for their roots to develop. Does the pot allow enough space for proper water retention? Will it regulate proper airflow within the soil? How will your plant be able to access the nutrients? With this article we will be discussing how to safely transplant your crop, and what size and type of pot will best suit your crop growing needs.

Once your seeds are germinated, it is time to transfer them into their homes. This should be done carefully - below you can find a guide to assist you with the process.

Don't break the seeds!

They will be soft from soaking up moisture, we use tweezers and a soft touch to transfer.

Planting Cannabis Seedling

Don't wait too long!

Repotting should happen as soon as you notice a sprout.

If you are using a plant starter cube make a careful vertical cut down one side of the medium and carefully remove the seedling. When planting a seed ensure the sprouting root faces downwards.

To Solo or Not to Solo

A lot of growers like to transfer their freshly germinated seeds into plastic solo cups and begin root growth in them. This stops the young plant's roots from spreading themselves too thin in a larger environment.

Repotting plants can be a shocking process for them. So, if you're planning on finishing your grow in a 2-3 gallon pot, the solo cup step may be considered redundant and dangerous,

Pick a Pot Size

Follow these rough guidelines for your desired plant length:

30cm plant (12") - 2-3 gallon pot
60cm plant (24") - 3-5 gallon pot
90cm plant (36") - 5-7 gallon pot
120cm plant (48") - 6-10 gallon pot
150cm plant (60") - 8-10+ gallon pot

Planting a seedling in a pot size correlating to your desired height is not guaranteeing your plant will reach that height. A few things to keep in mind:

Too large of a pot, too soon, and your roots will over expand. Root density is important to ensure your plant is absorbing 100% of what it should be. Too small of a pot and your plant's growth will slow. You should also consider what kind of pot is best suited for your needs. As such, different kinds of pots allow for different pros and cons.

Regular Plastic Pots

They are light weight, inexpensive, and you can optimize the drainage by drilling more holes if needed. They come in all sizes and perforation varies by style. However, they are subject to structural damage over time and do not regulate the soil temperature well on hot or cold days.

Terra-cotta

Terra-cotta refers to the traditional clay plots you've probably seen around. They are the preferred choice for growing in hotter climates. They are good for absorbing moisture and maintaining cool soil temperature on hotter day. Due to their weight, they are also good for anchoring down larger plants. However, for the same reason, the larger pots are more difficult to move, especially when they are filled with soil. As well, you are at the mercy of their drainage. You can drill your own holes, but it requires special tool and is harder work.

Fabric containers

It is a relatively new innovation but it offers many benefits for root development. Roots will tend to grow outwards and bypass the fabric containers. When they peer out the fabric you will be able to trim them back. This is called air-pruning, it allows for denser roots to develop. Fabric containers also allow for better airflow and they are an ideal candidate for drainage. However, their flimsy structure does not offer a lot of plant support and they tend to dry out more quickly which means they will require more care and attention.

Air Pots

Air pots are plastic containers perforated all over. They are specially designed to take advantage of the air-pruning technique, much like the fabric container, but they are sturdier. They also maximize drainage and airflow. However, they are more expensive due to their design and require more watering than any other traditional pot. Moreover, you will probably be hard-pressed to find this pot in any variety of sizes.

The Repot

When you have decided on a new home for your plant, it is time to begin the transplanting process. Loosely layer in your new soil, ensuring it is not to tight and your plants root's will be able to wiggle throughout, remember if you are transporting from another pot that you must make room for the existing soil that comes along with the roots. Water the plant in its current home, this helps ensure the roots are not brittle and breakable when moved.

Place your hand on top of the plant carefully, and slowly begin turning it upside down, carefully wiggling the pot left to right. It should begin to loosen, if not use a butter knife to separate the soil from the side of the pot. With the plant in your hands you can help direct any inward roots to point outward.

Place in it's new home, pat down and even the soil, and water lightly to help bring the new and old soil together. The plant should only be planted as deep as it was before. You will be able to tell by seeing the soil line on the stem.