Question
I have a beautiful painted metal pot I would live to plant a philodendron in. Do I need to trat the pot in any special way ( eg coating the painted metal?) before I put the plant in it? And if so, whatdo I need to do, and how? Thank you-- I await your answer,
Carole Thomas, Olds, Alberta, Canada

Answer
Hi Carole,

I am not sure if you are more concerned with protecting the plant from the pot or the pot from the moisture.

Either way, I suggest that you cachepot or double pot the Philodendron. Keep the plant in a small plastic pot with drainage holes and place it inside the metal pot. That way the moist soil is never in contact with the metal. Each time you water, wait a minute or so, then dump out any excess water that may have run through into the bottom of the metal pot.

Philodendrons do best when kept potbound in small pots.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.