Terracotta Pots
What Makes Terracotta Different?
Terracotta pots are probably one of the first recorded plant pots in ancient history. They are made from porous clay, which means the pot walls can absorb and release moisture.
Unlike plastic pots, terracotta allows water to slowly move through the sides of the pot and evaporate into the air.
This means terracotta pots usually dry out faster than plastic, ceramic, or glazed pots.
Because of this, the exact same plant in the exact same soil mix may need watering sooner in terracotta, especially if the plant is potted directly into it rather than kept in a nursery pot.
Why Terracotta Pots Dry Out Faster
Water can leave a terracotta pot in two ways:
- Through the top of the soil
- Through the sides of the pot itself
Plastic pots are not porous, so water mostly only leaves through the top of the soil.
This is why terracotta often dries faster and can reduce the risk of soil staying wet for too long.
That can actually be helpful because the extra airflow around the roots can improve oxygen levels and reduce the chance of rot.
Benefits of Terracotta Pots
- Dry out faster
- Reduce the risk of overwatering
- Good airflow around the roots
- Heavier and harder to knock over
- Natural, earthy appearance
- Great for plants that hate sitting wet
Downsides of Terracotta Pots
- Need watering more often
- Can dry out too quickly in summer
- Not ideal for moisture-loving plants
- Can crack in cold weather
- White mineral marks can build up on the outside
- Heavier than plastic pots
Best Plants for Terracotta Pots
Terracotta pots are often best for plants that prefer drying out between waterings, including:
- Succulents
- Cacti
- Snake plants
- ZZ plants
- Aloe vera
- Jade plants
- String of pearls
- Some aroids
- Herbs like rosemary and thyme
Plants That May Prefer Plastic Pots
Plants that enjoy more consistent moisture may do better in plastic pots, including:
- Peace lilies
- Ferns
- Calatheas
- Fittonias
- Baby plants with small root systems
- Seedlings and cuttings
Quick Comparison
Terracotta
- Dries faster
- More airflow
- Better for overwaterers
- Better for dry-loving plants
Plastic
- Holds moisture longer
- Lighter and cheaper
- Better for underwaterers
- Better for moisture-loving plants
Style Tip: Terracotta pots can also be painted to suit your space or style. Many people paint them black, white, or neutral colours for a more modern and premium look while still keeping the benefits of terracotta underneath.
Another benefit is that broken terracotta pots can often be recycled around the garden or mixed into potting projects. Some people like to use broken pieces at the bottom of decorative pots for extra drainage.
Conclusion
Terracotta pots can look great, are usually affordable, and can be very beneficial for the right plants.
Now that you understand they generally dry out faster, you can use that knowledge to decide which plants suit them best.
They are especially useful for plants that hate staying wet, but may not be ideal for moisture-loving plants.
