A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Pot size Vs. Plant size

I'm wondering if the size of a pot is too large or too small affect the plant growth/health?

I would 'think' that if the pot is too large, it would make the plant work harder to grow 'up' to its expectations. On the other hand, if the pot was too small, it would stunt its growth. It makes sense to me, but is it a true factor?

Is there a rule of thumb as far as fitting your plant to the right pot?

I have a feeling I've been potting my plants in 'too large' of a pot, because I figured why not, i'll have to do it soon anyway. Furthermore, I was told by the 'walmart employee' in the plant dept. to go ahead and use the larger pots, the plants would eventually grow into them. So, I've done that ever since...now I'm wondering if it was a mistake?

H.P.K.,
Depends on the plants really!!!
Like Jades like to be root bound, so
keeping them in smaller pots are really
much better for them, and if you do repot,
only a tiny bit bigger....

Which plants are you doing???

Weezie

Weezie gave you good info. There is a general rule of thumb. The pot should be one third the height of the plant if it's not one that likes to be rootbound. When repotting, use a pot that is 2" larger than the one the plant just came out of unless it's smaller than 8". Then you could go 1" larger. You can look up your plants here.

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/houseplants.html

Newt