That makes sense. I am just getting started with houseplants and I love them! I have bought several small ones that are close to being root bound already. I was just hoping I could buy fewer pots by jumping straight to larger ones. I will not do that however because I don't want them to die! Thanks for your answer!

molly

When I said they don't need pot much larger than root ball, I meant somewhat larger but not exactly same size as root ball. Some plants grow much faster than others and they should be repotted too. Not necessarily every season. Bigger pot is used when repotting and if the plant needs it.

There are lots of 'myths' about growing plants; like using layer of pebbles on the bottom to increase drainage....plant likes to be potbound...using terrariums for plants that should be kept dryer (succulents)...and similar.

If you are new to keeping plants, you may find -this post - please click here - very interesting.

That is very helpful. I will read and re-read it! Thanks

Hi, Molly - good question. To expand on what Rina was saying - one of the ways you can tell whether or not the author of a comment has a good grasp of the topic (s)he's freely discussing is how that person's remarks are qualified. If someone makes a sweeping statement such as, "When repotting or potting up, you should increase the pot size in small increments to avoid over-potting" or "You should avoid fertilizing houseplants in winter" or "Never water on a schedule - always water on an 'as needed' basis", you should be on guard against comments that stand so naked in front of the world because you can be fairly sure the author is very likely doing nothing more than repeating what (s)he read somewhere ...... most likely over and over again ..... and with nothing more in the way of qualifications than (s)he left you with when parroting the advice, which was nothing.

I often double, triple, or more than quadruple the size of the pot when repotting or potting up. I fertilize my indoor plants every time I water during the winter, and I water on a schedule. All that and my plants are always extremely healthy ........ and I'm not expecting you to just take my word on that. You can find hundreds of pictures of some of the plants I tend or have tended that are enough in themselves to illustrate the validity of the claim.

Almost all advice given in sweeping statements needs some form of qualification (explanation) in order for it to ring true. Some qualifying statements about the topic I mentioned might include a short discussion that delineates between water-retentive soils and soils that truly do drain freely. What good is advice if the giver makes assumptions about your growing methods and gives advice based on a narrow set of assumptions? E.g., if I'm growing in this medium:

in a 55 gallon drum filled with the soil in the image I posted above and not be burdened by the worry I might have over-potted.

I said all that so I could say, "Be cautious about putting too much faith in advice that takes a set of circumstances (yours) for granted, and/or seems overly broad, and/or isn't qualified in a way that takes your specifics into account.

Al

You make some very good points. I am new to forums and will keep in mind what you said. Thanks for caring enough to give me the advice. You gave me food for thought. I have a lot of learning to do. Educating myself about this is part of the fun! I have your post "Good Growing Practices-An Overview for Beginners" bookmarked for future reference.

Thanks again!

I enjoy seeing my house plants in appropriately sized pots. A sprig of a plant in an oversized pot is not aesthetically pleasing.

Socks - I wasn't advocating for tiny plants in gargantuan pots, only making the point that to the greatest degree, your choice of soil determines what size pot is appropriate; and this, from the perspective of the plant's wellbeing rather than aesthetics. You might be interested in knowing that there are a long list of strong guidelines that lead those of us who practice bonsai to the type, color, size, and shape of the pot we should chose to enhance the composition w/o over-powering the tree, or in some instances - the accent plant.

..... pleased to make your acquaintance, Molly. I hope all your forays into the forums prove fruitful and collectively work to help you get all you can from the growing experience. You'll find that most of us take great pleasure in doing what we can to speed you along on your journey to green thumb status. I know it's one of my most favored things to do in what spare time I have.

If you liked/bookmarked the 'Overview' thread, I'm thinking This One might also be one you'll find value in, even though much of the info is common to both threads.

Al

Thanks Al! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well. I have bookmarked the thread you mentioned as I need it now as well as in the future! I want to learn all I can so that I can get off on the right foot. I have a enough plants in my house that when I come home and open door I notice that my house smells like dirt! You know what? I'm okay with that!!