From our perspective as Crassula plants, the pot you choose is not just a decorative container; it is our entire world. It is the foundation of our root system, the reservoir for our water and nutrients, and a critical factor in our long-term health and stability. Getting the pot size and type right is one of the most important things you can do for us. Here is what we need from our perspective.
Pot size is a delicate balance. A pot that is too large creates a significant problem for us. After watering, the vast volume of soil holds too much moisture for our relatively small root system to absorb. Our roots, which are adapted to dry conditions, are then surrounded by wet soil for an extended period. This leads to root rot, a condition where the roots suffocate and decay, ultimately threatening our entire existence. Conversely, a pot that is too small severely restricts our root growth. When we become root-bound, with our roots circling tightly around the inside of the pot, we cannot effectively take up the water and nutrients we need to support new growth. Our growth will stunt, and we may become top-heavy and unstable, risking us tipping over.
The ideal pot size provides a comfortable but snug home. A good rule is to choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger in diameter than our current root ball. This gives our roots just enough space to expand and explore without being overwhelmed by excess, moisture-retaining soil. When repotting, which should only be done every 2-3 years or when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes, please only move us up to the next pot size accordingly.
This is the single most important feature of any pot you choose for us. We absolutely despise having "wet feet." Our roots need access to water, but they also need oxygen and must dry out efficiently between waterings. A pot without a drainage hole is a death trap. It creates a pool of water at the bottom of the pot that our roots cannot escape, guaranteeing root rot. Please, never be tempted by a pot without a hole, no matter how aesthetically pleasing it may be. If you must use a cachepot (a decorative outer pot without a hole), always plant us in a simple plastic nursery pot with drainage and then place that inside the decorative pot. Remember to empty any excess water that collects in the outer pot after watering.
The material of the pot influences how quickly the soil dries out, which directly affects our root health.
Terracotta or Unglazed Clay Pots: These are often our favorite. The porous clay walls allow air to penetrate the soil and water to evaporate from the sides of the pot. This "breathability" helps the soil dry out more evenly and quickly, reducing the risk of overwatering. The weight of terracotta also provides good stability for top-heavy specimens like the Crassula ovata (Jade Plant).
Glazed Ceramic or Plastic Pots: These materials are non-porous, meaning water evaporates only from the soil surface. This causes the soil to stay moist for a longer period. If you choose these types of pots, you must be especially careful with your watering schedule. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering us again. Plastic pots are lightweight, which can be a disadvantage if we become top-heavy.
Most Crassula species, including the common Jade Plant, have a relatively shallow, fibrous root system that spreads out horizontally rather than digging deep. Therefore, a pot that is somewhat shallow and wide is often more suitable than a very deep, narrow one. A deep pot again holds a larger column of soil below our root zone, which stays wet and can create the same problems as an oversized pot. A shallower, broader pot provides the horizontal space our roots prefer while minimizing the risk of waterlogged soil at the bottom. A pot shape that is wider at the top than the bottom also makes repotting much easier when the time comes.
