Many gardeners have their own preferences regarding the choice of clay or plastic pots for their plants. If you do not have a firm opinion either way this article will detail some advantages and disadvantages of both types.
Clay Containers
Terra-cotta (unglazed clay) pots are made of a particular soil and fired in kilns during the manufacturing process. The rusty brown color of clay is harmonious with every flower and foliage color.
Clay pots provide a healthy environment for most plants. The porosity of clay allows air and moisture to penetrate the sides of the pot. This moisture and air is utilized by the fine roots located at the edge of the soil ball. Clay pots also act like a wick to remove excess moisture from the potting soil. This can be looked at as both an advantage and a disadvantage depending upon your watering habits.
Gardeners with a heavy hand at watering tend to over-water; their plants will probably benefit from clay. Other gardeners who wait for the wilting signal from their plants are better off with plastic. Plants which demand a well-drained, dry soil like cacti also prefer clay pots.
Outdoor usage of clay also has advantages. Clay pots have thick walls that protect plant roots from rapid changes in temperature which can be destructive. They also have a fair amount of weight and do not blow over as easily as some plastic 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. This is formed when mineral salts dissolved in the water are wicked from the potting medium into and through the pot wall. Some find this layer attractive, most gardeners find it unsightly. The salt deposits can be scrubbed off if their appearance offends. A final disadvantage, clay is easily broken.
Plastic Containers
Plastic pots are lightweight, strong and flexible. They are available in every color of the rainbow to coordinate with interior and exterior decor. Plastic does not have the wicking action that clay has making them an excellent choice for moisture-loving plants or for those gardeners who water infrequently.
Plastic pots are made of inert materials and are considered safe for growing plants. Many are made of recyclable plastic so disposal is environmentally friendly when the pot is no longer usable (unglazed clay pots are fully recyclable as well). Plastic pots generally have thinner walls than their clay counterparts offering roots little if any insulation from temperature change. Black plastic can actually act as a solar collector, heating up the potting medium to plant damaging levels.
If plants in dark colored plastic containers wilt quickly, check to make sure the plants are well watered then move them to a shadier location where heat build-up should not be a problem. Sunlight can be hard on plastic causing fading and brittleness. Many plastic pots intended for outdoor use are treated with ultraviolet light inhibitors to reduce fading and maintain flexibility thus increasing the life-span of the pot.
Whether it be plastic or clay, make sure the pot you select has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent over-watering.
FAQs
Gardeners with a heavy hand at watering tend to over-water; their plants will probably benefit from clay. Other gardeners who wait for the wilting signal from their plants are better off with plastic. Plants which demand a well-drained, dry soil like cacti also prefer clay pots.
What are the disadvantages of plastic plant pots? ›
Plastic pots also fail to release excess water, unlike ceramic pots, meaning plants are more likely to suffer from root rot and overwatering in plastic containers. Since plastic is non-permeable, the soil inside the planter cannot undergo its natural respiration cycle, which is not good for plants.
Which material pots are best for plants? ›
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.
What is the downside of terracotta pots? ›
Since the material is so porous, terracotta planters can absorb water and crack as the water expands and contracts in hot and cool weather. Additionally, terracotta planters are susceptible to breaking if dropped or hit with a heavy object.
What are the disadvantages of clay pots? ›
Temperature: Clay pots can be a little tricky when it comes to temperature. If the temperature changes too quickly, they can crack. Therefore, when cooking with them, you need to raise the temperature gradually. Cleaning: As Clay is porous; you shouldn't clean a clay pot using detergent.
What to look for when buying plant pots? ›
For any pot, there must be a sufficient amount of drainage holes so that oxygen is able to access the roots of the plants as well as being able to drain any excess water so that the plant doesn't drown. Healthy plants also need some room to grow, so considering the drainage of the pot is very important.
Are plastic plant pots better than ceramic? ›
Plastic pots will retain moisture, so suit plants that like their soil damp. While unglazed ceramics, clay or terracotta are porous, so allow moisture to escape, so are good for desert-dwellers, or plants that prefer drier soil.
What type of pots are best for outdoor plants? ›
Metal planters are an excellent option for outdoor gardening. They are durable and long-lasting and available in various materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper. Metal containers can also be stylish and add a modern touch to your garden.
Why should you avoid using terracotta pots for container gardens? ›
These pots are durable and can be used for many years if they're cared for properly. But they are made of porous clay, so can harbor harmful bacteria that will affect the performance of your plants if they're not cleaned regularly and in the correct way.
What is the difference between terracotta and clay pots? ›
The difference between clay and terra-cotta is that clay is the raw material, while terra-cotta is clay that is already modeled and fired. Terra-cotta is an Italian term that means "baked earth." Terra-cotta refers to a glazed or unglazed piece of ceramic made using organic clay fired in a potter's kiln.
Plastic pots and containers are excellent choices for moisture loving plants, or for those of us who are less than regular with irrigation. They are made in every color of the rainbow and are usually made of inert material, often recycled.
Is it OK to leave plants in plastic pots? ›
They need room to grow and can get finicky when they're stuck in the same place for too long. This is why you'll want to move your plant out of the plastic pot you bought it in, especially if you suspect that it's been in there a while.
Why is clay better than plastic? ›
Having the roots breathe easily, there is less rooting than plastic pots, where excess rooting can cause breakage of the plastic pot. Being that there is good evaporation from the walls, clay pots are good for those who over-water pots, in that they need less frequent watering.
Do plants grow better in clay? ›
Clay soils provide a wonderful foundation for plants by anchoring roots securely in the soil. Many perennials and annuals thrive in clay soils since they can get a firm grip on the soil with their roots. This firm grip allows them to survive extremes of temperature and moisture that plants grown in sandy soil cannot.
Clay Containers 