The Importance of Plates Under Pots for Plant Growth Apart from Aesthetics
Many think that the plate under the pot is just a reservoir for water left over from watering, it turns out...
Placing potted plants in the room is often only a matter of lighting and aesthetics. For example, placed near the window, then the bottom of the pot is given a plate as a placemat. Besides being able to beautify the pot, maybe many people think this is just so that the soil doesn't scatter on the table or on the floor of the room.
However, it turns out that the existence of a plate under the pot is quite important and useful for plant growth, lo. So it is important for plants, not only sunlight, especially for plants that must be watered frequently. Curious, how important is the plate under the pot?
Plate under the pot as part of the drainage where the plant media
Functionally, the plate under the pot aims to accommodate the water that comes out of the pot's drainage hole when the plant is watered. The role of this plate is quite important as part of good drainage. The water that comes out of the pot hole will be temporarily accommodated until the water stops dripping. Then, don't let the water sit for too long and clean it up immediately.
Without a plate under the pot, the water will stagnate and be difficult to clean. As a result, the water that comes out will be reabsorbed by the roots and make drainage not work properly. Therefore, the role of the plate under the pot like this is quite important.
Prevents water from returning to the soil which can interfere with plant root growth
The important benefit of the plate under the next pot is to prevent water from pooling and re-absorbing the soil. If the bottom of the pot is not given a plate, then the bottom of the pot will become a puddle of water that has been mixed with soil substances. If this is allowed to cause unpleasant odors.
Water that stagnates long enough after the soil is watered allows the water to evaporate and be reabsorbed by the soil. If this happens, it can cause saturation of the roots, so that the plant growth process can be disrupted. More severe consequences can make the roots moldy.
Keeps roots moist, so they don't rot easily
The water that collects in the saucer under the pot is easier to clean, which can prevent the soil from getting too moist. Soil conditions that are too moist for a long time make it easy for mold and animals to appear that damage the roots. If this is allowed, the roots will rot easily and the plant may die.
Especially for the types of plants that can only be exposed to the sun for a while, this condition makes the soil more humid. Therefore, potted plants that are placed indoors really need a plate as a placemat below to accommodate the rest of the watering and keep the plants moist.
So that plant care is more practical and the room is cleaner
Besides being useful for plant growth, plates under pots are also very important so that water does not contaminate furniture or floors. Just imagine if the pot that is placed in the corner of the room is watered without a plate under it, then you can be sure the room will be muddy because there is no water to accommodate it.
In addition, watering plants is also easier, because you don't need to take the pot outside if you don't want the water to wet the furniture or floor. Therefore, the role of the plate under the pot is quite important in terms of function and benefits for plants, as well as making it easier to maintain.
From now on, don't neglect the plate under the pot, especially if the plant is placed indoors. In addition to adding aesthetic value, plates are also useful for plant growth, and make it easier to maintain. Don't forget, when the water is full, throw it away immediately, so it doesn't smell and becomes a nest of disease!
Image source from unplash.com
