Ever had a plant that looked healthy when you bought it… but after re-potting, it just wilted and died?
It’s not always the soil, the water, or the sun — sometimes, the problem is the pot.
Choosing the right pot isn’t just about aesthetic vibes (though that’s fun too). The wrong pot size or material can lead to root rot, stunted growth, pests, or even death.
In this HARVEST guide, we break down how to pick the perfect pot based on the plant type, Malaysian weather, and your space — whether you’re planting in a terrace home, balcony, or kampung kebun.
Let’s save some roots! 🪴🇲🇾
🌱 1. Pot Size: It’s Not “One Size Fits All”
Small Pots (3–6 inches)
✅ Best for: Mint, basil, coriander, small flowers
⛔ Not suitable for: Deep-rooted vegetables
- Great for herbs or starting seedlings
- Use if you’re rotating crops or harvesting leaves often
- Needs frequent watering due to less soil volume
Medium Pots (8–12 inches)
✅ Best for: Chillies, pandan, turmeric, lemongrass, tomatoes
- Ideal for most edible plants
- Allows for enough root expansion without waterlogging
- Use terracotta or clay for better breathability
Large Pots (14+ inches or 10–20 litre capacity)
✅ Best for: Curry leaf tree, moringa (drumstick), ginger, banana (dwarf variety), brinjal
- Needed for woody stems or root crops
- Use plastic or concrete if you need durability
- Make sure drainage holes are solid!
⚠️ Malaysian Tip: Avoid Overpotting
Don’t put a small herb in a huge pot — the excess soil retains too much water, leading to root rot (especially with Malaysia’s unpredictable rain).
Stick to a pot just 1–2 inches larger than the plant’s root ball. Upsize gradually!
🪵 2. Pot Material — Does It Matter?
Yes, especially in our humid + hot + rainy weather!
Plastic Pots
✅ Lightweight, affordable, water-retaining
⛔ Can overheat in sun; not breathable
Best for: Basil, leafy greens, indoor plants
Clay / Terracotta Pots
✅ Breathable, great for root health, aesthetic
⛔ Breakable, dries out faster
Best for: Lemongrass, mint, chillies, aloe vera
Fabric Grow Bags
✅ Air-pruning roots, easy to move, cheap
⛔ Needs more frequent watering
Best for: Tomatoes, turmeric, potatoes, ginger
Concrete Pots / Cement Planters
✅ Durable, heavy, holds moisture well
⛔ Heavy to move, expensive
Best for: Curry leaf trees, banana, pandan
Upcycled Containers
✅ Free, eco-friendly
⛔ Must DIY drainage holes
Ideas: Milo tins, plastic bins, old buckets, Styrofoam boxes
Just make sure water doesn’t pool inside.
🕳️ 3. Drainage: The Golden Rule
🚨 If your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole — you’re asking for trouble.
Even drought-tolerant plants HATE soggy roots. Always check:
- Hole at the bottom (or drill one)
- Optional: add small stones before soil for drainage
💧 Tip: Raise pots slightly off the ground using bricks or stands — helps avoid fungal rot.
🧑🏽🌾 4. Pot Height & Shape
Shallow but Wide Pots
Best for: Bayam, pegaga, kangkung — shallow-rooted greens
Tall Deep Pots
Best for: Lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, curry leaf trees
🍯 Planting turmeric in a shallow pot? You’ll barely get 3 rhizomes.
💡 Pro Tip: Label Your Pots
Use painted wooden spoons, chopsticks with masking tape, or ice cream sticks.
Write plant name + date planted. Makes tracking growth easier, and it looks cute too 😍
📸 Show Us Your Plant + Pot Combos!
Are you team terracotta or team recycled?
Do you swear by fabric grow bags or Daiso planters?
Snap your setups and tag us at @projectharvest.my on Instagram — let’s celebrate clever containers!
Hashtags:#ProjectHarvestMY #PotPerfectMY #MalaysiaHomeGarden #GrowAtHomeMY
🌱 Final Thoughts: Right Plant, Right Pot = Happy Harvest
You’ve got the seeds. You’ve got the soil.
Now give your plant a home it can thrive in.
With the right pot, your harvest will be stronger, faster, and healthier — whether it’s balcony basil or backyard banana trees.
Let’s grow smart, Malaysia! 🌞🪴