7 Critical Steps to Grow Small Plants (Skip Them at Your Own Risk)

2. Master the Perfect Potting Setup

Oh boy, do I have some potting horror stories for you. My first year of plant parenting was basically a masterclass in how NOT to pot plants.

I thought any cute container would work. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

Selecting Containers That Actually Work (And Look Good Too)

Here’s the thing about decorative pots – most of them are designed by people who’ve never grown a plant in their lives. Pretty? Yes. Functional? Not so much.

I used to buy pots based purely on aesthetics. That gorgeous ceramic pot with no drainage holes? Perfect recipe for plant murder.

Now I follow the two-pot system. Plant goes in a basic plastic pot with drainage, then that sits inside the pretty decorative pot. Game changer!

Terracotta pots are still my go-to for beginners. They’re porous, so they help prevent overwatering by letting excess moisture evaporate.

Glazed ceramic pots hold moisture longer – great for thirsty plants, terrible for succulents.

Drainage Essentials (This Will Save Your Plants’ Lives)

Let me be crystal clear: drainage holes are non-negotiable. I don’t care how pretty that pot is without holes – it’s a plant death trap.

Root rot killed more of my plants than anything else in those early days. And it’s 100% preventable with proper drainage.

If you absolutely must use a pot without holes, drill some yourself. I bought a $15 ceramic drill bit and it’s paid for itself dozens of times over.

Drainage layers at the bottom are controversial, but I still use them. A thin layer of pebbles or broken pottery shards helps water flow away from roots.

Soil Selection That Actually Makes Sense

This is where I got really confused at first. The garden center has like 47 different soil types, and I had no clue which one to pick.

All-purpose potting mix works for most houseplants. Don’t overthink it when you’re starting out.

Succulents and cacti need fast-draining soil. Regular potting mix will kill them faster than you can say “overwatering.” I learned this after drowning three beautiful echeveria plants.

African violet mix is perfect for plants that like slightly acidic soil. Works great for begonias and ferns too.

Orchid bark mix seems weird but it’s exactly what epiphytic plants need. Regular soil suffocates their roots.

Proper Pot Sizing (Bigger Isn’t Always Better)

Here’s a mistake that cost me dearly: thinking bigger pots meant happier plants. Wrong!

Oversized pots hold too much moisture around small root systems. It’s like putting a toddler in adult clothes – nothing fits right.

The general rule? Go up only 1-2 inches in diameter when repotting. Your plant’s roots need to fill most of the current pot before moving up.

I killed a beautiful monstera deliciosa by jumping from a 4-inch pot straight to a 10-inch one. The poor thing got root rot within a month.

Shallow pots work great for plants with shallow root systems like succulents and snake plants.

DIY Decorative Pot Ideas for Creative Souls

This is where the fun really starts! I’ve turned everything into planters – old boots, vintage teacups, even a broken colander.

Macrame plant hangers are having a moment and they’re surprisingly easy to make. YouTube taught me everything I needed to know in about 20 minutes.

Painted terracotta pots let you match your decor perfectly. Chalk paint works amazingly well and gives that trendy matte finish.

Rope-wrapped pots add texture and warmth to any space. Just hot glue rope around a basic pot – takes maybe 15 minutes.

I once turned old rain boots into quirky planters for my herb garden. Drainage holes were essential, but they looked adorable on my fire escape.

Where to Source Quality Supplies Without Breaking the Bank

Home Depot and Lowe’s have decent basic supplies, but their plant selection can be hit or miss. Great for soil, pots, and tools though.

Local nurseries cost more but the quality is usually worth it. Plus, the staff actually knows what they’re talking about.

Dollar stores are goldmines for basic plastic pots and saucers. I buy them in bulk for propagation projects.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have amazing deals on larger pots and plant stands. I scored a $200 plant stand for $40 last month.

Thrift stores are treasure troves for unique containers. Just remember to drill drainage holes if needed.

Online retailers like Amazon have everything, but shipping costs can add up fast with heavy items like soil and large pots.

Ready to give your perfectly potted plants the water they need? The next section covers the #1 plant killer – watering mistakes. I’ll share the simple system that finally stopped me from drowning my green babies. Click “next” to learn the watering secrets that changed everything!