From my perspective as an English Ivy plant, the single most critical aspect of my pot is its ability to manage water. My roots are susceptible to rot if they are forced to sit in saturated soil for prolonged periods. While I appreciate consistent moisture, I interpret "wet feet" as a life-threatening situation. Therefore, the pot you choose must have adequate drainage holes at the bottom. This is non-negotiable. These holes allow excess water to escape freely after watering, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged and ensuring my roots have access to the oxygen they need to breathe and function. A pot without drainage is, quite simply, a death sentence for me, no matter how beautiful it may be.
When considering pot size, think of the story of Goldilocks – you need to find one that is "just right." A pot that is too large presents a significant problem. The vast volume of soil will hold too much water relative to the size of my root system. My small roots cannot absorb moisture from the entire pot quickly enough, leaving the outer soil wet for too long and creating a cold, soggy environment that encourages root rot. Conversely, a pot that is too small will constrict my roots, leading to rapid drying out, nutrient deficiency, and stunted growth as I become pot-bound. The ideal strategy is to select a pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than my current root ball. This provides enough room for new growth without overwhelming my root system with excess soil. As I grow, you can gradually pot me up to the next size.
The material of the pot influences my root environment through its interaction with moisture and air. Each common material has distinct advantages and disadvantages from my point of view.
Terracotta or Clay Pots: These are excellent choices for me. The porous nature of terracotta allows water to evaporate through the walls of the pot, which helps the soil dry out more evenly and reduces the risk of overwatering. This provides a buffer for caregivers who might be a little too enthusiastic with the watering can. The trade-off is that I will need watering more frequently, especially in warm or dry conditions.
Plastic or Glazed Ceramic Pots: These materials are non-porous, meaning they retain moisture for a much longer time. This can be beneficial in dry homes or if you tend to underwater your plants. However, it requires much more discipline from you to avoid overwatering. You must check the soil moisture diligently before giving me more water. The key benefit of plastic pots is their lightweight nature, which is helpful if I am a hanging basket.
Fabric Pots (Grow Bags): A modern option, fabric pots provide exceptional aeration. They air-prune my roots, preventing them from becoming pot-bound and encouraging a dense, healthy root system. They also offer superb drainage. The main drawback is that they dry out very quickly and may not be the most aesthetically pleasing for indoor decor.
While English Ivy is not exceptionally deep-rooted, I still appreciate a pot that offers a reasonable depth for root development. A standard pot shape, which is roughly as deep as it is wide, is perfectly adequate. Very shallow pots, like those used for some succulents, do not provide enough medium for my roots to anchor and absorb nutrients effectively. A pot with a stable base is also important, particularly for trailing varieties like myself, to prevent tipping as my vines grow longer and heavier.
