Effects of 3 plant container types and 3 spacing treatments on plant growth and container temperatures were determined in St. Croix, U.S. V.I. These effects were compared with plant physiological response to supraoptimal root-zone temperatures in controlled environment studies. White rigid plastic plant containers or polyethylene containers placed inside large rigid plastic containers reduced the temperature in containers as compared to single black rigid plastic containers. Dracaena marginata 'Tricolor' root and shoot dry weights were greatest in white containers. Ixora chinensis 'Haui' height was greatest in white containers but dry weights were not affected by container type. A close pot spacing, also reduced the heat load, but the effect on maximum temperatures was minima1 from September to March. Such treatments did not affect 'Carrizo' citrange and 'Barbados Dwarf' papaya growth in containers. 'Grand Naine' banana root weight was significantly greater for plants in close spaced pots, compared to other spacing treatments.