I think half of the fun of growing plants is choosing fun containers if you are not putting them directly into the ground. I am very partial to clay pots for growing of most of my stock plants. Clay pots seem to breathe well, and the plants usually thrive in them. Also, there are many different ways to paint and decorate clay pots to dress up their normal appearance. I learned something over this past winter. Sadly, it seems no matter how hard I try, inevitably, I will lose some succculents and plants once they are brought inside for the winter. I believe part of this is because watering becomes more difficult. I also believe some plants suffer from the lack of light. Most plants really enjoy true sunshine so perhaps, like some humans, winter can make them sad and dreary-feeling. I have not tried grow lights yet except for the flourescent lights under my kitchen cabinets. I am thinking this coming winter, that may be on my To Do List. The biggest part of my plant collection consists of echinopsis cacti. This year, I lost three of my larger plants, and I want to share with you why I feel this may have happened. The blooming season of echinopsis is quite frankly, a rush. Depending on how large your collection is, flowers continuously pop up and the colors are so wonderful! Many times I will wait for quite a while for one hybrid to bloom. Once it does, it feel like that plant now deserves a new "home." I've experienced the unique colors so I set out to find the perfect planter that will compliment the gorgeous, unique flowers. The plants I have lost seem to turn to mush, a symptom of overwatering or poor drainage. As I sadly fight to save their lives by cutting off the part that is now rotting, I inspect the soil. Running my fingers through it, I see it has everything it needs for good drainage...pea gravel and also perlite added to Miracle Grow potting soil. I stare at my beautiful planters I've chosen and realize they were a bad choice. The bottom of the pot may have one small hole and it is attached to a saucer. Moral of the story: shop for pots that have multiple drainage holes or at least large ones. If you ever purchase a plant holder without holes, drill them or have them drilled but never leave them in that pot unless it is a severe water loving plant. It is crucial to select the right pot both visually and structurally for the survival of your cacti and other plants that appreciate well-drained soil.