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Pot plants on shelves.
Pots are a great way to add colour to your space, inside or out. Keep your potted plants healthy all year round by following our simple tips.

Which size pot will best suit my plant?

When planting, it's important to choose the right pot for the job. Size is important, as your pot needs to provide a comfortable environment with enough room for the plant to grow. It's best to check the label of what you're planting to see how big it'll grow. As a guide, you want to be choosing a pot that is double the size of the plastic pot the plant comes in. Keep in mind you can always re-pot a plant.

Do I use potting mix or soil?

When it comes to potted plants, a quality potting mix provides the perfect environment. Potting mix retains moisture and drains well, and it allows the plant to breathe. Good quality potting mix will display an Australian Standards Mark certification label, meaning the products have been tested and display the relevant consumer and health warnings. 

Soil is another alternative to potting mix, however, potting mix is usually better for maintaining your plants. Soil is best used for garden beds or lawns, due to its heavy, dense and compacting nature. If used in a pot, the soil provides no oxygen to the plant and doesn't allow the roots to grow as freely.

The importance of re-potting a plant

As your plants grow, they'll require more space. Giving them more room to grow stops their roots from becoming too tightly bound, which can prevent their growth. Some signs that you need to re-pot a plant is if you notice a stunt in its growth or you can see its roots growing through the drainage hole.

Keep your plants full of nutrients

Potted plants require more fertilising as they don't receive nutrients from the ground. The frequency of feeding depends on the size of the plant and when it's actively growing. Check out the range of fertilisers in store to see what best suits.

How watering and climate can impact your potted plant

How much you water your plants depends on the time of the year. In summer, plants will need to be watered every few days to keep the soil damp and cool. In winter, be sure not to leave the bottom of the pot in a pool of water as this will cause root rot and death. Be sure to water the soil, not the foliage or flowers. This can lead to issues with the plant such as disease or scorched spots on leaves.

Find your ideal pot

View the full range of indoor and outdoor pots and plants available at your local Bunnings

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.