We all love flowers. What better way to brighten up a room than with a beautiful potted flower? Now, you can add a bit of nature to your abode in an eco-friendly way with biodegradable flower pots. These simple innovations ensure that your flower potting is 100% plastic-free, allowing for true guilt-free beautification.
What are biodegradable flower pots?
Biodegradable flower pots are a plastic-free alternative to conventional plastic or ceramic flower pots made out of a biodegradable material. These pots are designed to facilitate healthy plant growth without the worry of polluting the environment with plastic waste.
What are biodegradable flower pots made of?
Biodegradable flower pots can be made out of anything that is naturally biodegradable. These can include coconut husks, bamboo fibres, recycled paper, dried cow manure, peat, and even biodegradable plastics.
Paper flower pots
Most commercial paper flower pots are made out of recycled paper pulp, ensuring that any paper waste is put to good use instead of ending up in a landfill. You can even make DIY paper flower pots at home using old newspaper or toilet paper rolls.
Biodegradable bamboo flower pots
Biodegradable bamboo flower pots are created from a mixture of bamboo fibres, rice starch, and naturally occurring organic resin compounds.
Read more about biodegradable bamboo products.
Benefits of biodegradable glower pots
Here are just some of the pros of using biodegradable flower pots:
- Biodegradable: Unlike plastic and ceramic, biodegradable flower pots will be broken down over time through natural decomposition, ensuring that they do not leave behind any residues or matter that burden the Earth’s environment.
- Longevity: Biodegradable flower pots are much longer-lasting than you expect. A biodegradable bamboo flower pot, for example, will last up to 5 years.
- Compostable: In addition to being biodegradable, these flower pots can also be composted. You can even plant them into containers or the ground, letting their decomposition fertilise your plants.
- Sustainable: Biodegradable flower pots are made from natural, plant-based materials from renewable sources. As they decompose, they provide nutrients to the soil, adding to the cycle of life and enhancing the growth of plants.
- Renewable: The materials used in biodegradable flower pots are harvested from renewable sources without harming the environment. For example, bamboo is a fast-growing plant that, with sufficient water and nutrients, can regrow from stalks when cut down.
- Toxin-free: Unlike plastic, biodegradable flower pots are free from BPA and other harmful chemicals, posing no risk to human health or the environment.
- No need for washing: Plastic and ceramic flower pots need to be washed or sterilised before being used again. Biodegradable flower pots can just be planted in the garden, where they’ll decompose, saving you time and water.
- More cost-effective: Biodegradable flower pots can be cheaper in the long run, especially if you make DIY pots out of old newspapers or toilet paper rolls. Additionally, plastic pots for seed starters tend to get destroyed after one to two uses.
FAQ
Are biodegradable pots good for plants?
Yes. When biodegradable flower pots break down, they add nutrients to the soil, promoting healthy plant growth.
How long do biodegradable plant pots last?
Depending on the material used, a biodegradable plant pot can take about 12-24 months when used as an indoor plant pot and will be degraded in less than 6 months when composted.
Can you plant biodegradable pots in the ground?
Yes. Biodegradable flower pots can be safely planted in the ground. As they decompose, they will fertilise the soil and promote healthier plant growth.
Do biodegradable pots need drainage holes?
No. Many biodegradable flower pots are made from porous materials, ensuring that air and water can permeate into the pot’s soil, promoting healthy plant growth. Additionally, plant roots can penetrate through the pot’s walls, allowing even more natural branching in the root structure.
Why are my biodegradable pots moulding?
If you notice whitish or brown mould growing on your biodegradable flower pot, it may be a sign of excessive water levels. While the mould by itself may not be a threat to your plant, overwatering may lead to damping off and other more serious problems.
Are biodegradable flower pots costlier than plastic pots?
Biodegradable flower pots are generally more expensive than plastic pots. However, their benefits make them a far more cost-effective investment.
Conclusion
To summarise, biodegradable flower pots are a far more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional plastic or ceramic pots. These pots are made from renewable, plant-based materials sourced from the agricultural sector. Thanks to their biodegradability, these flower pots will not burden the Earth with harmful residues and will even add beneficial nutrients to the soil, promoting healthier plant growth.
