Fabric pots are an alternative to traditional ceramic and plastic pots typically used for plants grown at home. Fabric pots are particularly popular for the potential benefits they have when growing plants, but they do need to be treated differently than a traditional pot in order for them to effectively harbor growing plants. The way that you water plants in a fabric pot is particularly important. The following guide will help you learn the differences between fabric and traditional pots, along with how to water plants in a fabric pot.
Fabric Pots vs Traditional Pots
First, what are the primary differences between fabric pots and traditional pots? You might be surprised to learn that the difference isn’t just in the material. Fabric pots are made from cloth, and they come with numerous potential benefits for growing plants.
Fabric pot benefits
Improved soil aeration
Fabric allows for more air to get into the soil, which allows for improved aeration without constant manual aeration required in traditional hard pots made from ceramics, plastics and similar materials.
Better drainage
Fabric pots have better drainage due to the breathable nature of cloth fabric. This decreases the chance for moisture-based issues, such as root rot.
Beneficial bacteria growth
For plants that require beneficial bacteria growth, the airy nature of a fabric pot allows for these beneficial bacteria to grow rather than be stifled by the hard material in traditional pots.
Easy to clean
Fabric pots are almost always machine washable, which means you can toss them into the water and dryer when you need to clean them. They are light and can sometimes even be folded up and tucked away when not in use, making them great for storage-conscious plant owners.
How to Water Plants in a Fabric Pot
Watering plants kept in a fabric pot requires a bit of patience and skill. It is important that you don’t simply water your plants “as normal” after you’ve switched to a fabric pot.
Top watering is considered the best option for watering plants in a fabric pot. Top watering involves pouring water on the top of the plant, rather than pouring from the bottom near the dirt. Top watering can be done with a watering can or it can be done with a hose that has a sprinkler attachment on it.
You must be careful when using top watering, however, as top watering can flood the soil if you don’t watch how much water you’re using. Top watering can also lead to excess moisture on the leaves, so be sure to keep an eye out on any plants in fabric pots when using this method.
Top watering is considered the best option for plants in fabric pots because of the design of fabric pots, which allows for water to pass through the soil and then through the fabric on the bottom and sides.
Note: Plants that are kept in fabric pots will likely need to be watered more frequently due to the airy nature of the pot and the aeration of the soil.
Conclusion
Fabric pots can be a fantastic addition to any space – just make sure they are properly cared for!