We have known of plastic pots for all our lives, but that was not the case when pots made of plastic were a new item. Here is what they said of this NEW product over 60 years ago.
A flower pot molded from plastic material is now an item of reality. These plastic pots, with lines that add grace to the potted plant, are available in an assortment of soft and attractive colors.
When used in the window of a home, the coloration is enhanced by a green background in summer or by a snow background in winter, and it does much to soften the drabness of any season.
From the outside, the passerby has a pleasant view of house plants to which much has been added by such colorful containers.
Subjected To Various Tests
These plastic pots have been subjected to various tests and found satisfactory in every respect. Even in summer’s heat and intense sunlight in a greenhouse, the colors proved to be fast and not subject to fading on the side exposed to the sun.
The plastic pots are light in weight, easily nested for storage, and difficult to break. There has been no evidence of any toxicity from any of the pigments used for coloring the plastic.
Soil acids or root excretions have not attacked the pot or dulled the inner wall’s glass-like surface.
White feeding roots have grown against the wall without any indication of injury from chemical materials in the pot or injury from excessive heat generated by exposure to the sun.
These plastic pots have been tested not only in the greenhouse, which offers the best control of light and moisture but also in homes and offices where various degrees of inattention are commonplace.
It is well recognized that nonporous plant containers protect plants from dryness over a longer period than is possible with the porous clay flowerpot.
The plastic pot is no exception. Tests were made with such common house plants as begonia, mother-of-millions ( Cymba la ria muralis), coleus, ivy, African violet, fern, and the seasonal plants of kalanchoe and Christmas pepper.
Delight in Container Appearance
The reports and direct observation have concurred in expressions of delight in container appearance and ease of growing satisfactory vigorous plants.
To guard against overwatering, the soil level in the plastic pot should be at least ¼” an inch higher than the level at which plants are usually kept in the porous clay flowerpot.
Moderate applications of plant nutrients at intervals have maintained an established vigor, and judicious pruning has kept the plants balanced, in harmony with the size of the container.
Plastic flower pots should prove a boon to those who take pleasure in having the so-called hard-to-grow plants.
44659 by L Jones