From our perspective as plants, the single most critical factor in any pot is its ability to manage water. Our roots are not just anchors; they are our breathing, drinking, and feeding organs. They require oxygen from the air spaces in the soil to perform respiration and function healthily. When a pot lacks proper drainage, water accumulates at the bottom, saturating the soil and filling these crucial air pockets. This creates an anaerobic environment, essentially drowning our roots. This leads to root rot, a fatal condition where the roots decay and can no longer absorb water or nutrients, ultimately causing the entire plant to wilt and collapse, even though the soil is wet.
The material of the pot directly influences the moisture and air environment around our root system. For us, Christmas Cacti, who are epiphytes in nature (growing on trees, not in soil), we strongly prefer porous materials. Unglazed terracotta or clay pots are excellent choices. Their porous walls allow excess moisture to evaporate through the sides of the pot, helping the soil dry out more evenly and quickly between waterings. This process, known as "transpiration" from the pot itself, mimics the airy conditions of our natural habitat and provides vital oxygen to our roots. While glazed ceramic or plastic pots can be used, they retain moisture for much longer, requiring you to be extremely cautious with your watering schedule to avoid overwhelming us.
When considering pot size, the common misconception that "bigger is better" is actually harmful to us. We thrive when we are slightly root-bound. A pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than our current root ball is ideal. An excessively large pot holds a greater volume of soil, which in turn retains a larger amount of water for a prolonged period. This vast, wet environment is far from our roots' reach, creating a perpetually damp condition that encourages the root rot we fear. A snug pot allows us to use the available water efficiently and dries out at a rate that is safe and healthy, promoting better growth and even more prolific blooming.
This point cannot be overstated: the pot must have drainage holes. One large hole or several smaller ones in the bottom is an absolute requirement for our survival. It is the emergency exit for excess water. Without it, water becomes trapped, no matter how careful you are with watering. If you find a decorative cache pot without holes, the solution is to use it as an outer sleeve. Plant us in a simple, well-draining plastic or terracotta pot with holes, and then place that inside the decorative pot. Just remember to always remove the inner pot for watering, allow all excess water to drain away completely, and then return it to the decorative sleeve. This ensures we never sit in standing water.
