A Pot for Your Pot: The Best Cannabis Growing Containers

The best cannabis container gives roots room to spread, drains well and lets air reach the root zone. For most home growers, that means a fabric pot or an air pot of about 3 to 7 gallons for mature plants, though a plastic pot with extra drainage holes works too. Kind Seed Co explains how size, material and drainage affect your plants and how the most popular containers compare.

Does your container really matter?

It does. A container does more than hold your plant upright. It affects how well the plant takes up water and nutrients, how far the roots can spread and how steady the plant stands.

The container also shapes temperature and moisture around the roots. Different sizes and materials change all of this, so choosing a pot is about much more than looks.

What to look for in a cannabis container

Size

Pot size affects root growth, and root growth affects plant size. Small pots can cramp the roots and stunt growth. Oversized pots hold extra water and make overwatering easy. As with other kinds of gardening, start seedlings in small pots and move them up to larger ones as they grow. For mature plants, containers of 3 to 7 gallons usually work well.

Material

• Plastic. Lightweight and easy on the budget, but may not drain as well.
• Fabric. Excellent airflow and drainage, but dries out faster.
• Clay. Stable and breathable, but heavier and more expensive.

Try more than one to see what works for your plants, your space and your budget.

Drainage and airflow

Good drainage helps prevent root rot, one of the most common problems in cannabis growing. Pick containers with several drainage holes so extra water can escape. Breathable fabric or perforated sides help keep roots healthy by letting air circulate. If you are already fighting soggy roots, our guide to dealing with pythium root rot can help.

The best containers for cannabis

No single container is perfect for every plant or every grower. These three are the most popular choices.

Fabric pots

Fabric pots boost airflow and air prune the roots, which encourages a healthy root structure and strong growth. Because they breathe so well, they need watering more often.

Air pots

Air pots are made from recycled plastic with a design that improves airflow and stops roots from circling the pot. The result is a dense, fibrous root system that takes up nutrients well, which makes air pots a good choice for chasing yield.

Plastic pots

Standard plastic pots are cheap and easy to find. They do not breathe as well as fabric or air pots, but a soil mix that drains well helps. Drilling or punching extra drainage holes also improves them. Our guide to the best soil for growing cannabis indoors can help you choose a mix.

Tips for container growing

• Check moisture often. Adjust your watering to match how fast each pot dries out. Our overwatering guide covers the warning signs.
• Watch the roots. Keep an eye on root health as plants grow.
• Pot up in time. Move plants into bigger containers before they get root bound.

Get the size, material and drainage right and your plants get a great home for a strong harvest. Once your containers are ready, browse our feminized cannabis seeds to fill them.