Which is better, terracotta or clay?
One of the key differences between terracotta and clay pots is their porosity. Terracotta pots are highly porous, which means they allow air and moisture to pass through the walls of the pot. This can be beneficial for plants that prefer well-draining soil, as it helps to prevent waterlogging and root rot. One of terracotta’s most unique traits is its ability to draw moisture out of the soil, something plastic and glazed ceramic planters simply can’t do. Because terra cotta is an unglazed ceramic material, its surface is porous.Terracotta pots are an excellent choice for many houseplants especially if you are new to houseplants. Not only is there a beautiful aesthetic, but it also corrects the common mistake of over-watering because of its wicking qualities that are inert to natural clays.Sealing terracotta garden pots If you are using these pots for plants that have high water requirements or don’t respond well to the wetting and drying cycle, sealing your terracotta pots is worthwhile. You can either seal the inside or the outside of the pot.Avoid terracotta pots for moisture-loving plants like ferns, Venus flytraps, and peace lilies since the porous clay dries out the soil quickly. Outdoor evergreens need frost-resistant pots—standard terracotta may crack in winter unless it’s a high-quality variety like Italian Impruneta.
What are the disadvantages of terracotta pots?
Clay does have the disadvantage of drying quickly. This can be a problem for moisture loving plants such as ferns or when attempting to germinate seeds. Clay also has the tendency to form a white crusty layer on the outside of the pot. However, moisture is a major concern. Due to its porous nature, terracotta absorbs water, which can cause cracking as the water expands and contracts in fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, terracotta planters are prone to breaking if dropped or hit with a heavy object.Terracotta Helps Prevent Overwatering This natural breathability helps prevent root rot, one of the most common causes of houseplant decline. This makes terracotta especially great for plants that prefer drier soil, like succulents, cacti, and herbs.Soak your terracotta pot If the colour of your terracotta pot changes when wet, it means it can breathe. It also means that your pot will be able to allow moisture and air into the roots of your plant, resulting in the best growing conditions possible.Water Absorption Prevention: Unsoaked terracotta pots will absorb water from the soil, drying it out more quickly. This can lead to under-watering and harm to the plants. Even Water Retention: A pre-soaked pot helps distribute water evenly within the soil, ensuring that the roots receive consistent moisture.
Are terracotta pots better than ceramic pots?
Ceramic pots are made from fired clay and come in a wide range of colors and designs. They are less porous than terracotta, which means they retain moisture better and require less frequent watering. Ceramic pots are also more durable and less prone to cracking in freezing temperatures. While terracotta is more porous compared to other ceramics, making it somewhat susceptible to water absorption, it is still suitable for certain applications. Terracotta is commonly used for pottery, plant pots, and architectural features like roof tiles and decorative facades.Ceramic pots generally offer better insulation for plant roots, maintaining a consistent soil temperature. They also allow more breathability, helping prevent root rot. Plastic pots, on the other hand, retain more moisture and heat, which can be advantageous or detrimental depending on the plant species and climate.Unglazed terra cotta pots dry out more quickly than glazed ceramic pots. Plastic containers retain water more effectively than ceramic pots, but dark colored or thin-walled plastic pots can really heat up the soil and stress your plants’ roots.Glazed terracotta is less porous and more frost-proof. For balcony gardeners, plastic and fiberglass pots are a great shout – they’re lightweight so you can move them around more often and they put up well against water loss and frost. A solid all-rounder.
What is the best potting mix for terracotta pots?
Coir peat adds to the durability of this mix, making Debco Terracotta & Tub Premium Potting Mix perfect for growing all plant types in tough conditions like porous terracotta pots, wooden tubs or hanging baskets. Avoid terracotta pots for moisture-loving plants like ferns, Venus flytraps, and peace lilies since the porous clay dries out the soil quickly. Outdoor evergreens need frost-resistant pots—standard terracotta may crack in winter unless it’s a high-quality variety like Italian Impruneta.Due to its porous nature, terracotta absorbs water, which can cause cracking as the water expands and contracts in fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, terracotta planters are prone to breaking if dropped or hit with a heavy object.Pre-soak before planting: Because terracotta absorbs moisture, soaking a new pot in water for an hour before planting helps prevent it from pulling moisture from the soil too quickly.When the pot is filled with wet soil and temperatures plummet, the soil can freeze along with the water stored in the terracotta. This causes the moisture to expand, which can crack the pot. Practice good winter container care by looking after both your plants and your pots.Terracotta containers are great for Cacti, Succulents, and other plants that prefer drier soil. Terracotta is great for colder climates. The walls of the pots draw the water out of the soil to help the soil dry quicker. They’re inexpensive!
Can I plant directly in terracotta pots?
Soak your terracotta pot Soak the inside and outside of your pot before planting. Your terracotta pot’s colour should gradually change from light to dark. If the colour of your terracotta pot changes when wet, it means it can breathe. Teracotta pots can become cracked and damaged in cold weather, making them unsightly and expensive to replace. Lucy Hall, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, explains why this happens and how to avoid the problem, in our Quick Tips video.When the pot is filled with wet soil and temperatures plummet, the soil can freeze along with the water stored in the terracotta. This causes the moisture to expand, which can crack the pot.
What type of pots are best for houseplants?
Our advice is to go porous. Porous ceramics like terracotta will dry more evenly than plastic pots, and any wood planter will dry even faster than terracotta. Ceramic planters also are great choices. And if you’re worried about weight, fiberglass planters are ideal for plants 8 or larger in diameter. However, it’s important to keep in mind that terracotta planters, especially larger ones, can be difficult to move because of their heavier weight. You also need to handle them with more care because they are prone to breaking if dropped or struck by an object.