Choosing the right pot for your rosemary cuttings is crucial for their growth and development. With the right pot, you can ensure that your cuttings have the best environment to establish strong roots while avoiding problems such as root rot, overheating, and restricted root growth.
In this article, I will help you understand the key factors to consider when picking a pot for your rosemary cuttings. However, if you just want to know which type of pot is best and don’t need more information, here is the answer.
The best pot for growing rosemary cuttings is a terra cotta pot. The material ensures excellent drainage and air circulation, preventing root rot and overheating. Choose a pot with at least one drainage hole. Start with a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) pot and move to a 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) pot as the plant grows.
Keep reading if you want to learn more about why this specific type of pot is the best for your rosemary cuttings and why using the wrong type of pot increases the risk of various problems.
Best Pot for Growing Rosemary From Cuttings (Propagation)
The best pot for growing rosemary is a terra cotta pot. This is true whether you are growing from cuttings, seed, or you already have an established plant. Terra cotta provides the best conditions when it comes to drainage, airflow, and temperature. Make sure the pot has at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
Start with a small pot, about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide and deep for the first 2-3 months, and transplant to a larger pot when the plant has had time to grow and establish a strong root system. At that point, go for a terra cotta pot that is about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) wide and deep or larger.
According to this article from Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Extension, rosemary can be transplanted after 8 weeks. In my experience, waiting another month or so can make it easier, though.
Make sure you don’t transplant your rosemary to a larger pot too early or too late. If done prematurely, the soil can be too loose and fall apart when being transferred to the new pot. This is not always an issue but it can lead to unnecessary stress on the plant. Transplanting too late can result in the plant becoming root bound, negatively affecting its ability to obtain water and nutrients.
A good general rule of thumb is to transplant your rosemary into a larger pot when it is about 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) tall and appears healthy and robust. For reference, that’s approximately the size mine in this photo has reached. I have another article about when to transplant rosemary into a larger pot if you want to learn more.
If you’re not fond of transplanting or simply prefer to avoid the hassle, starting with a larger pot is a perfectly viable option. This approach can save you from having to transplant later on, or at least extend the time before it’s necessary. I’ve done this several times, and it works quite well. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
The soil in small pots dries out more evenly than in larger pots, which reduces the risk of root rot, especially with small plants. A large pot can also retain more moisture than a small pot, which can suffocate your cuttings and their young roots.
That being said, if you only have a large pot available, it is perfectly fine to use it for your rosemary cuttings. Just keep what I wrote above in mind.
What To Consider When Choosing a Pot for Rosemary Cuttings
Choosing the right pot for your rosemary cuttings is crucial for their growth and development. Sure, finding a good pot isn’t exactly rocket science, but there are a few very important factors to consider.
These are the three important factors to consider when choosing a pot for your cuttings.
Material
The material of the pot is crucial because it affects moisture regulation, air circulation, and temperature around the roots.
Terra cotta pots provide the best environment for rosemary plants, whether grown from cuttings, seed, or a younger plant. It provides better air circulation, drainage, and temperature regulation than other materials such as plastic or metal.
Some people like to use pots made from glazed ceramic. They might look nice, but they do not provide the same benefits as unglazed terra cotta since moisture can’t escape through the sides, which unglazed terra cotta does allow.
Size (width and depth)
Size is important when choosing a pot to grow your cuttings in because it directly affects root development and plant health.
A pot that is too small can restrict root growth and negatively affect the plant’s ability to obtain water and nutrients. A pot that is too large can retain too much moisture, increasing the risk of root rot.
As I have already covered in this article, I recommend starting your rosemary cuttings in a pot that is 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide and deep and repot them into one that is 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) or more after a couple of months.
Drainage
Make sure the pot you choose for your cuttings has at least one drainage hole at the bottom. It allows water to seep through the bottom of the pot rather than accumulate at the bottom.
Without a drainage hole, you will almost certainly run into problems such as overwatering and root rot.
Proper drainage helps keep the soil at the right moisture level, promoting healthy root growth and overall plant health.
Why Choosing the Right Pot for Your Cuttings Is So Important
Choosing the right pot for your cuttings is crucial because it directly impacts root health, thereby affecting overall plant health.
Picking the wrong pot significantly increases the risk of overwatering, rot, restricted root growth, and temperature issues.
The depth and width of the pot determine how much the roots can grow and spread.
The material of the pot affects moisture control in the soil, which is crucial for keeping the roots healthy and avoiding rot, lack of oxygen, and other problems.
Drainage holes significantly reduce the risk of overwatering while also improving air circulation.
All of this means healthier roots, allowing the plant to obtain water and nutrients more efficiently, thereby improving its overall health and growth.