When it comes to outdoor plants, saucers are often an overlooked accessory, yet they can be an important part of the plant care process. Saucers are essential for catching excess water that drains from the pot during watering or rain, which helps to prevent the soil from becoming overly saturated and waterlogged. This is especially important for plants in containers, as they have limited drainage capabilities compared to those planted directly in the ground.
Saucers can also help reduce soil mess and water damage on surfaces below pots. If you’re growing plants on a deck or patio, a saucer can catch any draining water before it has a chance to stain or damage the surface. Additionally, if you’re growing plants indoors near furniture or walls, a large enough saucer can help keep those areas dry and free of dirt and debris.
Types of Saucers
When choosing a saucer for your outdoor plant, there are several types available:
- Plastic Saucers: Plastic saucers are lightweight and easy to move around. They come in a variety of sizes and colors to match any pot.
However, these saucers are not very durable and may crack if exposed to cold temperatures.
- Terracotta Saucers: Terracotta saucers provide an attractive rustic look that blends well with natural surroundings. They have excellent drainage capabilities but are heavier than plastic saucers making them more difficult to move around.
- Ceramic Saucers: Ceramic saucers provide great drainage and durability but are much heavier than other types of saucers.
Choosing the Right Size Saucer
When selecting a saucer for your outdoor plant it’s important to choose one that is slightly larger than the base of the pot so that it can adequately catch any draining water. If you choose one that is too small, there will not be enough surface area for the excess water to collect in which could cause problems with over-watering.
Conclusion
Do You Need Saucers for Outdoor Plants?
Yes!
Saucers are an important part of outdoor plant care as they help catch excess water and protect surfaces below pots from staining or damage. When choosing a saucer for your outdoor plant make sure you select one slightly larger than the base of your pot so that it can adequately catch any draining water.
