Is Terracotta Right For You?
If you’re new to indoor gardening one of the first things you need to decide is what you will put your new plant friends in. You can keep them in their nursery pots for a while, but eventually you’ll need to repot them. One of the most popular types of planter is the terracotta pot.
You can never go wrong with a terracotta pot, well… usually. Aside from being a great material (see below to learn why), it’s a beautiful color that contrasts nicely with the green foliage of houseplants, and a large stockpile of terracotta gives a harmonious appearance to your collection.
Whether you go for the classic, unglazed terracotta pot or a more unique version, acquiring new terracotta pots is a delightful way to invest in your houseplant journey.
[pics]
Q. What is terracotta?
A. Terracotta is a glazed or unglazed fired clay. Typically, people are referring to unglazed terracotta when talking about it, but it can also be glazed. It is a rusty red color, and offered in a variety of sizes.
Unglazed terracotta is porous and slightly rough to the touch.
[pic]
Glazed terracotta will be unporous and smooth.
[pic]
Unglazed is typically cheaper, and I typically prefer it to glazed for most of my plants.
Q. What does porous mean?
A. Porous means that a material contains tiny holes that allow air and water molecules to pass through it. This will make your plants dry out more quickly.
The particles will naturally disperse, and this material helps that happen at a faster rate. This is why a terracotta pot dries out quicker than a glazed one. The moisture within the soil is able to absorb into the pot and then disperse into the surrounding air. Rather than a glazed pot where the moisture would only evaporate at the top of the soil.
Q. Why is terracotta good?
A. Terracotta is a great pot material because it is porous, widely available, affordable, is good for most plants, and they usually have a drainage hole (100% necessary in my opinion). This makes them very accessible, and you really can’t go wrong when you choose terra cotta.
If your soil is moist for too long then it can cause a host of problems: you might develop mold/mildew in the soil, it can cause the roots of your plant to rot, and wet soil attracts more bugs like fungus gnats.The terra cotta is great because it helps your plant’s soil dry out more quickly, so that you are less at risk of these problems. Yes, you will have to water your plant more often than if it were in ceramic or plastic, but the benefits are worth it. I have noticed that some of my no terra cotta potted plants seem to hold on to moisture SO LONG, and it takes them a while to fully dry out. While this is okay, I would much rather have the peace of mind knowing that my plant is getting refreshed and then drying out on a more frequent and regular schedule.
Q. How often should I water with terra cotta?
Products: Moisture Meter
1 – 2 weeks (depends on soil/plant)
A. Terracotta will dry out quicker than an unporous material like plastic, ceramic, or even glazed terracotta. I usually water my terracotta plants every 1-2 weeks. Of course this will depend on the size of the pot, the season, and the soil. I usually like to air on the side of dry with my plants, but that might just be because I’m a bit neglectful. I love using a moisture meter for my big plants because then I can know 100% if it needs to be watered without stick my hand all the way in the pot. Moisture meters are also great if the seasons are changing and you’re reevaluating when each plant needs a good soaking. I never water until the meter reads <2.
Q. Is terra cotta expensive?
A. Terracotta is one of the most affordable planters you can get. This will be available at any of your big box stores and come in a variety of sizes. Terracotta is one of the most accessible materials, and plus it’s really durable so it lasts forever. I love the look of aged terracotta after it’s been sitting outside and gets that weathered vintage look.
Q. How do I take care of a terracotta pot?
A. Easy.
Terracotta requires basically zero care. Sometimes you will get a white buildup on the outside of your pots. This is just mineral deposits from your water. You can gently rub your hand of the minerals while running water over the pot to remove these, or you can use a damp papertowl to clean the pots. Or you can leave the deposits and start to develop an aged patina on your terracotta.
Q. What plants can I put in terracotta?
A. Most plants will be happy in terracotta. Any of your traditional, easy care plants, will do great in this material. Pothos, philodendron, monstera, cactus, succulents, etc. all do will in this kind of planter.
[Products: plastic/ceramic pots]
Q. What plant can I NOT put in terracotta?
A. Technically any plant can go in terracotta, but some plants do prefer to have their soil kept more moist. I would not recommend putting these types of plants in terracotta. It isn’t that they would die, but in my experience these plants appreciate being in materials like plastic, glazed ceramics, and will be easier to take care of in another pot.
Hoyas, begonias, large plants (terracotta gets HEAVY), calathea, ficus, alocasia, and carnivorous plants. These plants would do better in plastic or glazed ceramics.
Q. Will terracotta cause damage?
Products: Cork tray, saucer
A. I always prefer to keep a cork separator between my terracotta and wood tables. I have experienced wood damage from leaving exposed terracotta pots on those tables. They left a dark brown mark, and I don’t think it will come out unless the table is sanded down and resealed. Learn from my mistakes!!!
Conclusion:
Overall, terracotta is a great material that is affordable, widely available, and suitable for most plants. It’s porous nature makes it dry very quickly, and it acquires a beautiful patina as it ages. A terracotta pot is almost always a great investment.
Disclosure: PlantyFriend.com may get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. Don’t worry though, we only post links to items we love!