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There are several points to consider when selecting a container for an indoor plant, including container size and shape.
A plant will not thrive in a pot that is too large or too small.
As a rule, the diameter of the pot should be about 1/3 the height of the plant from the top of the foliage.
Plants with shallow roots (like cacti) grow best in shallow containers. Deep-rooted plants need more room and require a taller container.
Indoor plant containers are made of many materials, but clay and plastic are most widely used. Untreated clay pots allow moisture to evaporate from the soil through the sides of the container. This promotes soil aeration and root growth.
On the other hand, the soil dries faster and plants need watering more often in porous clay pots than in most other types of containers. Plastic pots retain moisture longer. It's important, therefore, to ensure good drainage and to avoid over-watering. Plastic pots are also easier to clean, lighter in weight, and generally less expensive that clay containers.
Perhaps the most important characteristic of an indoor plant container is that it have one or more drainage holes.
This permits rapid escape or drainage water, leaching of excess salts, and re-entry of air into larger pore spaces in the soil. Plants grown in containers that have no drainage holes are easily injured or killed by over-watering.
The leaves of indoor plants can become coated with a heavy layer of dust in a surprisingly short time. This dust and grime interferes with normal leaf functions and makes the plant less attractive.
Use a soft cloth moistened with warm water to clean both the upper and lower surfaces every two or there months.
Plants that are small enough to move into the shower or outdoors onto the patio for a mild soapy wash and rinse in warm weather will become more attractive and less prone to insect problems.
However, if you move your plant outdoors don't leave it in the bright sun or you may burn the leaves.
Plant leaf-shine materials should be avoided. They attract dust, clog leaf pores and can slow plant growth.
Plants should be turned regularly if possible to expose all sides to light coming from one direction. This encourages a more uniform shape.
Remove yellow or discolored foliage as it develops. Dried brown leaf tips and margins may be trimmed back to green tissue with a scissors. Follow the shape of the leaf when making these cuts to maintain a natural appearance.
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