It can be just as enjoyable to choose a pot for your newly acquired houseplant as it is to decide which plant to add next. We take pride in offering a variety of potting solutions at Art Terrarium to meet your needs and those of your plants. There are several selections in the store, ranging from pottery manufactured by regional potters to more affordable terra cotta planters.
However, there are other aspects to take into account before you make your choice besides whether a pot complements your preferences or the decor of your house.
The pot you choose can actually have a long-term impact on the health and happiness of your houseplant. There are several factors to take into account while selecting the ideal pot for your houseplant, from the size of the pot to the material it is constructed of.
The type of material the pot is constructed of important when selecting a container for your houseplant. The material of your pot, though, can have an impact on how well the soil drains or how much moisture is absorbed, so it’s not just about aesthetics.
When it comes to plants like succulents and cacti that prefer dry soil, terra cotta pots are a fantastic indoor option. These clay pots’ porous surfaces absorb water, facilitating the soil’s quicker release of extra moisture.
For tropical plants, which normally prefer their soil to remain moist, plastic and glazed ceramic pots are ideal choices. These containers retain moisture, allowing you to delay waterings.
Can you grow succulents in glazed pots and tropical plants in terra cotta? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that tropical plants in terra cotta pots will require more water than succulents in glazed pots.
The size of your pot, though it may appear insignificant, has a significant long-term impact on the health of your houseplant. Have you noticed that the sizes of each of our plants are labeled? The diameter of the pot, not the size of the plant inside, is indicated by these sizes. To allow the roots of your plant to spread out and keep it looking its best as it grows, you may need to sometimes repot it.
But take care—moving your houseplant from a little pot to a much larger one can shock it and prevent it from developing normally. When repotting, a reasonable rule of thumb is to only increase the pot size by one to two inches for smaller plants and two to four inches for larger ones.
Your houseplant needs proper drainage to stay happy and healthy. Lack of drainage can result in root rot and other problems for pot-bound plants, particularly if you have a plant that like to keep its roots dry.
You have two choices if you fall in love with a pot that doesn’t have drainage holes. You might start by making your own drainage holes in the pot’s base. Thought should be given to the pot’s composition. This will be effective for plastic pots but may not be safe for glazed ceramics because they are more prone to cracking.
You can also add a layer of lava rock to the bottom of your container before adding any soil if drilling holes is not an option. This will help prevent too much moisture from collecting in the bottom of your pot and will assist replicate the drainage process that would occur if the pot had holes in the bottom.
Is terracotta good for plants?
Yes, plants that require good drainage and are vulnerable to root rot benefit greatly from the porosity of terracotta. Terracotta may be used both inside and outside, making it an excellent choice for plants that need to be taken inside during the winter.
What plants do well in terracotta?
Plants that struggle in extremely moist soil, such as succulents, cactus, snake plants, monstera, ficus, philodendron, and more, thrive best in terracotta. Look at the care directions before choosing a plant; if it enjoys dry soil, terracotta is generally a good option.
Are terracotta pots waterproof?
Water cannot penetrate terracotta. You may pour water into the soil, and it will absorb it because it is porous and absorbent. This is another reason why I advise using a plastic saucer rather than a clay one. Water will continue to drip slowly onto the surface underneath the terracotta saucer.
Do terracotta pots dry out too fast?
The type of plant and the size of your pot will determine this. It’s possible that smaller terracotta plants will dry up too quickly for your young plant. When using terracotta for the first time or when your plants are young, you must be more watchful about watering (or at the very least, inspecting the soil).
Check out my favorite plant stands or the top 7 plants for cleaning the air in your home to add more plants to your space. Alternately, if you’re feeling crafty, create a macrame plant hanger for your pot!
Can plants be grown in clay pots?
Terracotta pots are everywhere throughout our house. Red clay has a very organic appearance, and I adore the patina it develops. Mineral deposits that are drawn through the pot walls are what give the patina its appearance. It is safe to leave on or to remove with soap and water.
- Because terracotta is permeable, air and water can pass through the walls without causing soil disease or root rot.
- Plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors in terracotta pots.
- Cacti, succulents, and other plants that demand dry soil do well in terracotta containers.
- Colder climates benefit greatly from terracotta. To help the soil dry more quickly, the walls of the pots suck water out of the soil.
- They are affordable!
- They create a lovely patina that only gets prettier with time.
Which vegetation thrives in terracotta pots?
This naturally baked clay material is best suited for plants that prefer their soil to dry up before watering.
Which Plants Grow Well in Terracotta Containers?
- Succulents.
- Orchids.
- Peperomias.
- Sansevierias.
- Philodendrons.
- Hoyas.
- Pileas.
- Bromeliads.
Is plastic preferable to terracotta for plants?
Unglazed clay pots, or terracotta, and unglazed clay pots, are the two main categories of clay pots. Since the advantages and disadvantages of each type varies slightly, it is best to discuss them separately.
Terracotta
Terracotta pots are the classic, time-honored choice for your potted plants, according to some people. For generations, both indoor and outdoor container plants have been housed in them. When natural clay is burnt in kilns at low temperatures, the minerals in the clay partially melt and produce a substance that is hardened but still porous.
Terracotta pots have an earthy tone because of iron compounds in the clay. The majority of pots are the well-known muddy reddish color, but depending on the clay’s composition and the region from whence it was produced, they can also be found in a variety of hues, including red, orange, yellow, brown, white, and light gray.
So when is the ideal time to employ terracotta pots? Terracotta is more porous than plastic, which allows for better air flow through the sides of the container and faster drying of the potting soil. This is excellent if you have a plant whose roots appreciate a little bit of dryness, as it allows the potting soil to dry out more in between waterings.
Pros Of Terracotta Pots
- A strong, natural material is terracotta. This is favored by certain people over plastic containers.
- They fit in with many different decors thanks to their traditional look. They develop a sort of patina as they get older, which increases their allure.
- They are more sturdy and steady due to their weight, which prevents them from tipping over as quickly as plastic containers do. If you have pets or kids who are prone to tipping plants over, this can be a huge advantage.
- When used outside, the thick clay walls work as a temperature buffer, protecting plant roots from stress and injury.
Cons Of Terracotta Pots
- They are significantly more brittle than plastic and break rapidly. Terracotta pots left outside may fracture and break if the temperature drops too low due to the freeze-thaw cycle. When they do break, the jagged edges present a greater threat than the shattered plastic.
- Compared to plastic pots, terra cotta is significantly heavier. This may occasionally be advantageous, but if you frequently move large potted plants, the added weight could be an issue.
- They will develop unattractive salt buildup from fertilizers on the outside of them because of their porosity. A whitish, powdery film is left behind as the salt permeates the walls along with the water as it evaporates. You can scrub it away.
- Although slightly more expensive than plastic containers, customized, decorative planters are still less priced.
- a challenge to incorporate additional drainage. Although it’s uncommon to locate containers without drainage holes, they are far more difficult to drill holes into if you buy containers without them. By using a masonry bit, you can greatly reduce the risk of the pot splitting.
Glazed Clay
When you can get the best of both worlds, why choose between plastic and clay pots? Clay pots with glaze are kind of like a middle ground between plastic and unglazed clay pots. They are manufactured by heating clay in kilns, just like terracotta pots, but are subsequently decorated with paint or glaze. As a result, the containers have qualities shared by plastic containers and terracotta pots.
When should glazed clay pots be used? Many characteristics of terracotta and plastic pots are combined in glazed clay pots. Glazed clay has a gorgeous appearance and keeps the soil moister than terracotta pots do.
Pros Of Glazed Clay Pots
- A decent middle ground between the two varieties of pots is glazed clay. They don’t retain moisture as well as plastic, but they also don’t dry out as fast as terracotta.
- Due to the glazing process, they are more versatile than terracotta planters in terms of shapes and colors.
- If you have top-heavy plants or place your potted plants in a location where they could be pushed over, sturdy containers are an excellent idea.
Cons Of Glazed Clay Pots
- They are difficult to move since they are heavy, like terracotta pots.
- They cost more than terracotta that isn’t glazed. The complexity of the glazing and design affects the price.
- when exposed to freezing temperatures, can crumble and split like terracotta.
Should terracotta pots be lined?
- To protect the clay and extend the life of the pot, line cheap terracotta pots with strong plastic and make a drainage hole at the bottom. Alternately, you may insert a cheap plastic pot to keep the soil and use the terracotta pot as the outer container. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, you can cover the inner pot’s plastic edge with moss or cascading plants.
- If you reside in a cold climate, store your terracotta indoors and out of the elements unless it is frostproof (most are not). If you empty them and keep them dry, you can leave them outside.
- For a beautiful planter and to maximize vertical growing area, stack terracotta pots in graduated sizes.