Is it true that it is not advisable to re-use a pot in which a plant has died, and, if so, why not?
Answers:
All the obove answers are good being earth week I would suggest cleaning your pots with 10%bleach solution 1part bleach to 10 water plastic pots arent expensive but our kids cant clean up after us Put the right foot forward and recycle
Other answers:
Some diseases which caused harm to the plant which eventually died may still be present in that container. But a simple ritual of thorough cleaning followed by a wipe with common household bleach then a thorough rinse & you're as good as new.
I found more info, this comes from Penn States Dept of Plant Pathology. While they are referring only to damping off imagine other diseases & the consequences. Scroll down to Prevent Recontamination, link below:
Prevent Recontamination
Tools and equipment used to handle the potting mix and all surfaces that the mix will touch, including potting benches and dibble boards, must be clean so that the soil is not contaminated with disease-causing organisms. Cleaning is the first step, followed by disinfestation by heat or by chemicals.
STEAM OR DRY HEAT: Disinfects nonplastic items. Heat the materials to 180°F and hold for 30 minutes.
ALCOHOL (70% wood, grain, or rubbing): Swab on tools or use as a dip. Alcohol will not corrode metallic objects, but is highly flammable and should not be used near electric equipment, gas-fired equipment, or in any place where a spark may ignite the fumes. Alcohol burns without visible flame.
AMMONIA DISINFESTANT (Green Shield*,Triathlon*): Disinfests clean soil-free tools and benches if they are kept wet for 10 minutes.
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE (Clorox*): Disinfests clean soil-free tools and benches if they are kept wet for 10 minutes. Metal tools should then be rinsed with clean water to prevent corrosion.
HYDROGEN DIOXIDE (ZeroTolerance*): Disinfests clean soil-free tools and benches if they are kept wet for 10 minutes.
Some diseases which caused harm to the plant which eventually died may still be present in that container. But a simple ritual of thorough cleaning followed by a wipe with common household bleach then a thorough rinse & you're as good as new.
I found more info, this comes from Penn States Dept of Plant Pathology. While they are referring only to damping off imagine other diseases & the consequences. Scroll down to Prevent Recontamination, link below:
Prevent Recontamination
Tools and equipment used to handle the potting mix and all surfaces that the mix will touch, including potting benches and dibble boards, must be clean so that the soil is not contaminated with disease-causing organisms. Cleaning is the first step, followed by disinfestation by heat or by chemicals.
STEAM OR DRY HEAT: Disinfects nonplastic items. Heat the materials to 180°F and hold for 30 minutes.
ALCOHOL (70% wood, grain, or rubbing): Swab on tools or use as a dip. Alcohol will not corrode metallic objects, but is highly flammable and should not be used near electric equipment, gas-fired equipment, or in any place where a spark may ignite the fumes. Alcohol burns without visible flame.
AMMONIA DISINFESTANT (Green Shield*,Triathlon*): Disinfests clean soil-free tools and benches if they are kept wet for 10 minutes.
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE (Clorox*): Disinfests clean soil-free tools and benches if they are kept wet for 10 minutes. Metal tools should then be rinsed with clean water to prevent corrosion.
HYDROGEN DIOXIDE (ZeroTolerance*): Disinfests clean soil-free tools and benches if they are kept wet for 10 minutes.
Yes because of bacteria and disease that has been absorbed into the pot itself.
just caused the plant died is no cause for ritual just wash the pot
That is true because of diseases that might be lurking in the pot. You can, however, disinfect the pot with bleach, dry completely, then reuse the pot.