There are different types of pots available today, some of them specifically designed for cannabis cultivation. These are specifically designed to achieve explosive root development, resulting in healthier, stronger specimens that are prepared for any stage of the plant’s growth. Here we explain everything about the best pots for root growth.
Which type of pot should I use?
When preparing for cultivation, one must consider several factors, including the pots. Among them, there are different types of pots, some of which can be useful for improving the root development of plants. The development of the roots can vary depending on the type of pot used, so several factors must be considered before making a choice.
Root development inside the pot
When a root begins to grow inside a pot, it combines depth development with lateral expansion of the secondary roots. Therefore, these will start to encounter the sides of the pot, while the primary root will hit the base of the pot and redirect its growth towards one of the sides of the pot.
Besides, if the root hits the side or bottom of the pot, it will naturally continue to grow in search of water and nutrients, and this is where the first problems of root strangulation can arise. This means that the root can suffocate itself due to bouncing off the pot walls and subsequently growing towards the area where the other roots develop.
Root strangulation
Root strangulation involves the loss of a percentage of the root system due to suffocation, which means the plant can no longer feed itself properly, losing the ability to absorb nutrients and, therefore, development. This happens in all root systems grown in pots, and although plant deaths are not commonly found due to this problem, it is true that production is lost in crops where this phenomenon occurs.
One recommendation is to perform several transplants, thus avoiding excessive root development in the same pot by preventing the roots from staying too long without space to grow. Ideally, a transplant should be done after germination, another during the growth stage, and the last one before flowering begins. This way, we can ensure to a high percentage that they will not suffer from root strangulation.
Another solution is to use fabric pots or root-pruning pots, as these types of pots are designed for proper root system development, avoiding spiral growth and possible strangulation.
Pots for root growth
Among others, there are three most common types of pots, which affect the roots and their development. These are:
Plastic pots
Plastic pots are a common and economical option for many gardeners. These pots are usually made of polyethylene or polypropylene, materials that make them lightweight and water-resistant. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, making it easy to adapt them to different types of plants and decorations.

Negative impact on root development
Despite their popularity, plastic pots can have adverse effects on root development. One of the main disadvantages is the lack of adequate aeration. Roots need oxygen to grow healthily, and the solid walls of plastic pots limit this airflow. This can lead to anoxic conditions, where roots suffer from a lack of oxygen.
Design disadvantages and limitations
- Insufficient drainage: Many of these pots have few drainage holes, which can cause water accumulation and, consequently, root rot.
- Excessive heat: Plastic can get very hot under direct sunlight, raising the temperature of the substrate and damaging sensitive roots. However, one can opt for white pots that heat up less.
- Limited growth: The confined space and rigidity of the material can restrict the lateral growth of the roots.
Fabric or geotextile pots
Fabric pots stand out for their innovative design and functionality. They are made of permeable materials that allow excellent aeration and drainage, which is essential for healthy root development.
Benefits for root development
These pots promote rapid root development and greater nutrient uptake. The permeability of the material allows the roots to receive a constant flow of oxygen, preventing problems such as waterlogging and root suffocation. This results in healthier and more vigorous plants.
The main advantages of these pots for root development include:
- Optimal aeration: It provides the substrate with a very good oxygen-water ratio, promoting faster root development and better nutrient uptake, increasing the size of the plant and its fruits.
- Efficient drainage: It prevents water accumulation, reducing the risk of rot and fungal diseases.
- Prevention of root strangulation: The roots do not spiral or strangle, facilitating more uniform growth. When encountering the sides, instead of bouncing back, the root penetrates through the fabric and exits. Direct contact with unprotected air oxidizes and cuts the root. This effect creates positive stress on the root system, creating more roots in the area where oxidation occurred. This type of reaction by the plant prevents spiral root development, significantly reducing deaths from strangulation and increasing root mass.
Root pruning pots
Root pruning pots are innovative and specifically designed to improve root development through a process known as root pruning. These pots typically consist of two interlocking pieces:
- One is a mesh pot, allowing great aeration at the base of the pot.
- The other part is the wall, which attaches to the base, finally forming the shape of a pot.
- The wall design is one of the most interesting parameters, featuring holes that help with root system aeration. This system creates the same stress as fabric pots, promoting greater development.
Positive stress occurs when the root tips dry out upon contact with air, triggering a natural response from the plant: the creation of new secondary and tertiary roots. This phenomenon promotes a denserand more vigorous root system growth, increasing its ability to absorb nutrients and water. Instead of growing in a spiral and getting trapped, the roots branch out and expand within the substrate.
Key benefits of root pruning pots:
- Prevents root strangulation: By avoiding spiral growth, these pots reduce the risk of strangulation.
- Increases nutrient absorption: A denser root system can capture more nutrients from the substrate.
- Improves overall plant health: Plants grow stronger and healthier thanks to better root system distribution.
- Increases production and the amount of vegetative mass, forming larger plants with more branches.
The choice of one type of pot over another for root development depends on various factors and each crop and plant, so it is important to know their needs.