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.
Size
Choose a pot that is just big enough for the plant to grow in, but not too big. The circumference of the appropriate pot is 5–10% greater than the size of the plant. Choose pots with a maximum excess space around the sides of an inch or two. The delicate roots will spread if the pot is too big before the plant has a chance to develop. There won’t be any room for the roots to spread in a pot that is too tiny.
Style
The ideal pot should not only complement your style and decor but also the physical properties of the plant. Tall pots look excellent with upright-growing succulents, like aloe. Low-growing cultivars, like Echeveria, look fantastic in little pots. Not to mention spillers with trailing growth tendencies like String of Pearls. Spillers in shallow pots or hanging plants look fantastic and grow well.
Material
There are many different types of materials for pots. The most prevalent materials are wood, terracotta, metal, ceramic, and resin. Terracotta or ceramic pots work best for succulent plants. Both of these materials allow for proper air and water circulation because they are both breathable. Just keep in mind that both ceramic and terracotta are weighty, especially after adding soil and plants.
Pick resin or plastic pots for larger plants, especially ones you plan to move around. Your back will thank you for using those lighter pots as you move or reposition plants.
Drainage
Before you plant and cultivate succulents, the most important thing to understand is that they don’t like a lot of water. Even before you develop a watering schedule, this is relevant. Without adequate drainage, water that accumulates at the bottom of a container without anywhere to go may cause root rot in your succulent.
The ideal pots for succulents, regardless of design, are planters with drainage holes in the bottom. Since many succulent planters lack drainage holes, you can use any of them as long as you keep in mind to water succulents sparingly and keep an eye on them frequently.
The cactus plant has evolved physiologically to be able to go for long periods of time without water. When you water it too regularly and in excess amounts, these adaptations also operate against it. As a result, when selecting a pot, make sure it includes drainage holes to let excess water drain. Before using it to plant your cactus, make sure to drill the holes if it doesn’t already have them.
Many people who adore cacti typically think of this initially. When searching for the ideal material, there are numerous options to take into account. There isn’t any good or poor content, though. Your preferences will determine everything. The available materials are listed below, along with some information you should be aware of for each:
Clay (Terra Cotta)
The popularity of clay pots is largely due to how rapidly they drain. The cactus thrives in this climate because of its permeable nature. Additionally, because they absorb water, it is simple to determine the amount of moisture in the soil. This is because clay pots absorb water and darken as a result. Finally, compared to other planters, these clay pots are inexpensive. For uniformity in your home decor, it’s simple to find them in a single color.
On the other hand, clay pots are extremely delicate and break instantly when dropped or struck against something solid. Additionally, the water might dry out quickly in the summer due to their rapid rate of drainage. As a result, when you transplant a cactus into a clay container, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Additionally, during the cold, the clay pots are prone to cracking.
Be aware that repotting clay pots might be difficult occasionally because the cactus roots can break through the clay pot walls. No other variety of marijuana presents this difficulty. Clay, on the other hand, is ideal for those who reside in humid climates, do not have a space problem (they take up a lot of room), and do not need to relocate the cactus.
Wood
Outdoor cacti are ideal for wood. It can keep water for a considerable amount of time and is resistant to cold temperatures. It is therefore perfect for outdoor cacti. Overall, wood is a lovely substance. It can alter the interior design. Additionally, it’s simple to find exquisitely made wood containers for your cactus.
The primary issue with wood planters is that they are susceptible to rotting. The cacti’s health may be impacted by this. Put a plastic bag inside the planter to prevent this from happening.
Additionally, by doing this, the wood planter’s ability to drain is compromised. Therefore, make sure to puncture the plastic lining with a few holes to allow for drainage.
Plastic
Some of the most practical planters you may utilize are plastic pots. It’s because they’re inexpensive, easily accessible, and reusable. They come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors.
Because they are more useful than clay pots, plastic pots have gained appeal as a superior substitute. Indoor plastic pots maintain their attractive appearance for a very long period, unlike clay pots that eventually lose their beauty owing to salt buildup after evaporation.
On the other hand, because of their poor draining, these plastic pots must be well-drained in order to prevent the cactus from becoming saturated with water. They are also not the best materials for outdoor use because they are fragile and vulnerable to damage from prolonged sun exposure.
If you want to add color and beauty to your home’s decor but are on a tight budget, you should think about plastic material planters. Thanks to technology, plastic planters can now be molded into various forms and painted to resemble rocks.
Ceramic
A ceramic pot is the best option for you if you’re seeking for a planter that will enhance the beauty of your home’s design. They are perfect for use as inside planters because they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.
These lovely ceramic containers can be fairly hefty, making them unsuitable for larger cacti that demand larger planters.
Two categories of ceramic pots exist:
- glazed-less ceramic
- ceramic with glaze
Because they are porous and permeable to air and water, unglazed ceramic pots are best for cacti. This enables the plant to grow healthily.
Ceramic pots with glaze are not porous. Because of their poor drainage, they are only suitable for cacti that don’t mind a lot of moisture.
This material should be taken into consideration if you’re seeking for lovely pots to use for little cacti. But be prepared to pay more than you would for other materials in exchange for beauty.
Fibreglass
Fiberglass planters are available in a variety of hues, forms, and sizes. Most of them are colored and molded to resemble clay or wood planters. They are perfect for planting cacti that will be relocated frequently because of their small weight. Your cactus will remain healthy because the material is also incredibly resilient and can endure temperature changes.
These attractive planters, however, have no drainage. Therefore, you would need to punch holes in them to prevent root rot. You might think about planting your cactus in a plastic container with holes and placing the planter into the larger fibreglass container because they are suggested for indoor planting due to their attractive character.
Metal
Since metal planters come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, they can be very aesthetically pleasing. They thus provide a fantastic addition to your interior style. Because metal is so strong, it may be used over and over to grow cacti. Due of its attractiveness, copper and brass are used to produce some of the most fashionable pots.
Metals like iron, however, are prone to rust. Applying a rust-resistant sealant once a year will stop rusting. Metal is also heavy, making it unsuitable for cactus that you intend to move around.
Finally, because metal is a powerful heat conductor, it can get extremely hot during the summer. The cactus can end up being burned. Additionally, the plant may be harmed by the bitterly cold temperatures during the winter. Additionally, the lack of drainage holes in the metal container may make it unsuitable for your cactus.
Concrete and Cast-Stone
First off, outdoor locations are perfect for these planters. They can survive a range of weather conditions, keeping your cactus in good shape. They enhance the aesthetic value of your environment because they may be molded into various shapes.
Due of its porous nature, concrete permits unrestricted air and water flow. Because it avoids root rot, this feature makes concrete pots perfect for cacti. However, concrete generates lime, which reduces the pH of the water. Your cactus’ health may be affected by this. Simply water it frequently to remove the extra lime to avoid this.
Stone
The best indoor planters are made of stone. They are physically appealing because they are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Be aware that there are two different kinds of stone pots: limestone blended with fiberglass and natural stone that has been carved into a planter. Lift each pot and weigh the difference to identify the difference. Planters made of natural stone are very hefty.
Although stone pots naturally last a long time, if you drop a natural stone pot it will probably break. The pots made of fiberglass and limestone are more resilient but have less drainage space.
Color
When selecting an indoor planter, color is a major factor. The ideal planter would have a hue that goes well with your interior design.
The color may not be as important if you’re purchasing a pot for an outdoor cactus, though. In conclusion, if you’re buying multiple pots for numerous cacti, you might think about choosing a consistent color to maintain consistency or mixing and matching the color for a pop of beauty and entertaining personality.
What kinds of plants thrive in clay 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?
- Cacti.
- Succulents.
- Orchids.
- Peperomias.
- Sansevierias.
- Philodendrons.
- Hoyas.
- Pileas.
How often should clay-potted succulents be watered?
Before repotting my succulents, I give them a few days of watering. I waited 5-7 days after repotting before hydrating them. I continue watering after that as usual.
Before watering, I’ll give the newly planted succulent babies one to five days to settle in (depending on the succulent). Then, until the roots set in, I water them more frequently than I do an established plant.
I take many trips. Your succulents should be okay unless you’re gone for longer than three weeks. When away, most individuals dial down their heat and air conditioning, which reduces the likelihood that they may experience prolonged dryness.
Succulents are frequently offered for sale in little pots. The smaller soil mass means that it will dry out more quickly. Give these more frequent waterings; on average, once per week.
This question has been posed to me a few times. I prevent getting the leaves wet by watering the soil all the way around the pot rather than just on one side. The epiphytes are different; they enjoy a mist or spray.
I adore spiral aloe. Since they’re uncommon and develop very slowly, I wanted to share this picture with you.
As a result, it is clear that there are many factors to consider when it comes to watering succulents. The humidity, temperature, container size, soil mix composition, strength of the sun, and whether they are growing indoors or outside are all factors.
I hope this is useful and provides you with some food for thought. Just keep in mind to use little liquid when watering succulents!
Succulents prefer tight pots, right?
Succulents should be planted in pots that are about 10% broader than the plants themselves. Choose the shallow pot whenever the choice is between a deep or shallow pot. The pot’s depth should be 10% greater than the plant’s depth.
Let’s clarify using instances from real life:
- Grab a 2.5 (the best option) to 4 inch pot (the exact maximum size) for optimal outcomes if you have a 2 inch succulent.
- Grab a 4.5 (the best option) to 6 inch pot (the exact maximum size) for optimal results if you have a 4 inch succulent.
Where do succulents thrive the most?
The optimum soil for succulents is highly well-drained sunlight. Because of the ability of their thick leaves to store water, they can survive times of drought. The majority favor a very mildly acidic soil.
Succulents will have a difficult time growing in heavy, poorly drained soils. Many people frequently die during a chilly, wet winter. They are perfectly suited to containers because of this. Winter waterlogging is considerably less likely to occur with these, and in exceptionally rainy places, they can be brought indoors until spring.
Although agaves are beautiful, it is recommended to place the larger varieties, such as Agave americana, away from paths since their spiky leaves are particularly dangerous to youngsters because they are frequently then at eye level. Succulents thrive on a ledge with a south or south-east exposure when grown indoors.
How to plant succulents
Improve the drainage of the soil before adding succulents by adding horticultural grit. As fleshy leaves will perish if they come into contact with moist soil, avoid planting too deeply.
Choose unglazed clay pots with lots of drainage holes on the bottom when planting in containers, and add grit to the compost. Terracotta pots are porous, so the compost dries up quickly after watering, making them ideal for succulents that thrive in drought conditions. They also quickly warm up in the sun. Most succulents may be planted in relatively shallow pots since they have fibrous roots.
When planting huge succulents like agaves, choose a compost that is based on earth because these plants require a heavier compost to attach their roots. When handling spiked agaves, wear gloves because the leaves are quite pointy. Observe your eyes.
Monty Don from Gardeners’ World demonstrates how to plant succulents in the following clip:
To grow alpine succulents, do you? Here, Monty shows how to assemble an alpine succulent stone pot:
Caring for succulents
Succulents in containers should only need weekly waterings during the summer. A decent watering less frequently is better than a little-and-often approach. Reduce watering significantly in the fall and winter and place sensitive plants growing in containers in a bright, frost-free area. If it’s not possible to do this, bring them beneath the house’s eaves and cover them with a garden fleece for protection.
Once a year in the spring, repotted specimens. It won’t always be necessary to pot them into a bigger container, but new compost will be helpful. Although succulents are not gregarious plants, growing large specimens often benefits from a sparing application of fish, blood, and bone during the potting process.
Pruning is not required for succulents. Carefully remove any damaged or dead leaves from the plant or trim it off with secateurs.
How to propagate succulents
Alpine sedums and sempervivums are two examples of the smaller, rosette-forming succulents that rapidly generate tiny offspring (offsets). Simply cut them from the plant and pot them on.
Growing succulents: problem solving
Succulents grown in containers frequently experience issues with vine weevils. Growing in a compost that is based on soil rather than peat is thought to lessen the issue. Additionally, mulching the compost with gravel or stones can cut down on infestation. Repot in the fall and take out as much soil as you can to fix the problem. If you find the grubs, quarantine or remove severely affected plants. Use a biological control in the fall, such as nemotode applications. If necessary, repeat treatment in the spring.
Aloe vera’s healing properties
For its ability to heal, aloe vera is highly appreciated. A gel found inside the leaves is used to treat sunburn. This succulent indoor plant is used to make a variety of pharmaceutical items. In order to have it on hand to heal minor burns, it is frequently planted on the kitchen windowsill.