Are Clay Pots Good For Growing Plants?

Clay pots are earthenware containers made from clay that has been shaped and fired at high temperatures. They are one of the oldest types of plant pots and have been used for thousands of years to grow plants, dating back to ancient cultures like Egypt and Rome. Today, many gardeners still prefer using clay pots over modern plastic containers because of their breathability, appearance, and other beneficial properties when used for growing plants.

The porous nature of terra cotta allows air and moisture to pass through the sides of the pot. This creates an ideal growing environment for many plants by preventing overwatering and allowing the roots to access oxygen. The clay also provides a natural wicking action that draws excess moisture out of the soil. In addition, the clay helps regulate soil temperature. These unique characteristics make clay pots a popular option for a wide variety of plants.

Pros of Using Clay Pots

One of the biggest benefits of using clay pots for growing plants is their porosity. Clay is porous and allows air and water to flow through the pot (https://maryzkitchen.com/recipe/how-to-season-clay-earthern-pots-for-first-use/). This airflow allows the roots to breathe and prevents them from sitting in waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. The porosity also allows moisture to evaporate through the sides of the pot, helping regulate soil moisture. Too much water can build up in plastic or glazed ceramic pots, but the clay construction of terra cotta pots gives growing mediums the perfect balance of air and water.

Cons of Using Clay Pots

While clay pots have many advantages, they also have some drawbacks to consider. One of the main cons of clay pots is that they are brittle and prone to cracking, especially in extreme temperatures.

Clay is sensitive to rapid temperature changes. If a clay pot gets too cold, such as during a hard frost, the material can contract rapidly and crack. According to CleverBloom, using clay pots outdoors in cold weather can cause them to break.^[1] Similarly, setting a hot clay pot down on a cold surface may lead to cracks.

The porous nature of clay also means it dries out faster than other materials like plastic or glazed ceramics. For plants that prefer moist soil, like ferns, the quick drying can be problematic and lead to a need for more frequent watering.^[2]

Additionally, the weight of clay pots, especially when fully saturated with water, increases the chances of cracking if they are dropped or hit. The material is simply not as durable as lighter weight plastic pots.

With proper care, clay pots can last a long time. But their potential to crack under extreme conditions or impact is a disadvantage to weigh against plastic or other materials.

^[1] https://cleverbloom.com/terracottapots/
^[2] https://lancaster.unl.edu/choosing-clay-or-plastic-pots-plants

Ideal Plants for Clay Pots

Clay pots work especially well for growing certain types of plants that thrive in the unique conditions clay pots provide. Some of the best plants for clay pots include:

Succulents

Succulents are ideal for clay pots because they prefer the fast-drying environment clay provides. The porous clay allows excess moisture to evaporate quickly, preventing soggy soil that can lead to rotting. Popular succulents like echeveria, jade plant, and aeonium grow beautifully planted in clay (Source).

Herbs

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil make excellent choices for clay pots. The clay helps keep their soil on the drier side, which herbs prefer. The relatively small size of many herbs also makes them a perfect fit for the cozy quarters of a clay pot (Source).

Smaller Plants

In general, smaller plants, including mini vegetable varieties, do well in clay pots. Plants with compact root structures can thrive in the relatively snug growing environment clay pots provide. The porous clay and shallow pot depth helps prevent overwatering smaller plants.

Preparing Clay Pots

Properly preparing new clay pots before using them for plants is an important first step. Clay pots are porous and tend to absorb water, so they need to be soaked before use.

According to Apartment Therapy, you should ideally soak terracotta pots overnight before planting to allow them to fully saturate and expand. Soak them in a sink, bucket, or bathtub. Even a shorter soak of 1-2 hours can work if needed. This prevents the dry clay from wicking moisture away from the soil and roots later on. [1]

Bergspotter also recommends soaking both the inside and outside of terracotta pots for at least 24 hours before use if possible. The pots should be submerged in water during the entire soaking period. Even a partial soak is better than no soak at all before planting. [2]

Using a saucer under the planted clay pot is also advised to help retain moisture after watering and prevent salt buildup. Choose a saucer a little wider than the pot’s diameter so excess water has somewhere to drain.

Maintaining Clay Pots

Maintaining clay pots requires regular monitoring and maintenance. Two key aspects of maintaining clay pots are monitoring soil moisture and periodically re-sealing the pots.

Because clay is porous, clay pots can dry out more quickly than plastic pots. It’s important to check the moisture level of the soil regularly, at least a couple times per week. If the soil feels dry one inch below the surface, it is time to water. Allowing the soil to become too dry can stress or damage plants (https://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/terra-cotta.html).

Over time, the terra cotta clay absorbs minerals and salts from watering, which leaves behind a white film on the pot. This prevents the clay from drawing in moisture properly. To restore the pot’s water absorption, periodically scrub the entire surface with a steel brush and re-seal the pot with a food-safe sealant or linseed oil (https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-maintaining-terracotta-pots-1402864). Re-sealing every 1-2 years will help maintain the pot’s functionality.

With proper soil moisture monitoring and occasional re-sealing, clay pots can be maintained for optimal plant health and longevity.

Alternatives to Clay Pots

While clay pots have many benefits, there are several other materials that can be used as alternatives:

Plastic
Plastic pots come in many shapes, sizes and colors. They are inexpensive, lightweight and durable. However, plastic is not breathable like terra cotta, and can lead to overwatering. Plastic is also derived from fossil fuels and not an eco-friendly option. Sources: https://mrplantgeek.com/2022/10/23/6-sustainable-plant-pot-alternatives/, https://gardeningwithoutplastic.com/2018/04/06/the-alternatives-2-clay-and-coir/

Concrete

Concrete planters are sturdy and weather-resistant. They come in various shapes and can be textured and colored. However, concrete is heavy and cracks over time. The alkaline nature of concrete can also affect plant health. Sources: https://www.finegardening.com/article/the-perfect-pot

Wood
Wood planters made from redwood, cedar or pine can provide a natural, rustic look. However, wood decomposes over time and requires occasional maintenance. Proper waterproofing is needed to prevent rotting. Sources: https://mrplantgeek.com/2022/10/23/6-sustainable-plant-pot-alternatives/

Decorative Uses

Clay pots make for fun and creative decorations around the home and garden. Their natural terra cotta color and porous texture lend themselves well to a variety of decorative techniques and uses. Here are some popular ways to decorate clay pots:

Painted designs – Clay pots can be transformed with paint to match any style or decor. They are often painted in bright colors or intricate patterns using acrylic craft paints. Popular techniques include ombre gradients, stripes, polka dots, flowers, and more. Paint pens can be used to draw doodles or words on clay pots too. See examples at https://www.pinterest.com/margiestegel/uses-for-clay-pots/.

Mini gardens – Small clay pots make perfect containers for miniature gardens. You can create charming fairy or zen gardens by filling pots with sand, small pebbles, moss, mini plants and embellishments. Stack pots of decreasing sizes for a tiered effect. Add tiny fences, structures and figurines to complete your miniature world.

Air plants – The porous terra cotta readily absorbs moisture making clay pots ideal for displaying air plants and succulents. Let the sculptural plants drape over the rim of the pot or affix them to the interior with floral pins or glue. Mist the plants periodically for watering. See tips at https://modpodgerocksblog.com/clay-pot-painting-and-decorating/.

DIY Clay Pots

Making your own clay pots is a fun project that allows you to customize sizes and shapes. Here are some simple methods for DIY clay pots at home:

Work with natural clay or modeling clay to hand-build pots. Let the clay dry fully, then fire it in a kiln or oven to harden it. Glaze or paint the fired pots as desired. Refer to pottery guides for tips on working with clay and firing.https://www.outdoorlife.com/primitive-ceramics-how-to-make-your-own-clay-pots/

Make concrete planters using cardboard tubes or plastic containers as molds. Mix concrete and pour it into the molds. Once dry, remove the molds to reveal concrete pots. Paint or decorate them as desired.

Upcycle containers like cans, bottles or boxes by decorating them to use as planters. Drill drainage holes if needed and paint the exterior for a finished look.

Let the creativity flow with DIY clay pots! Custom sizes, shapes, colors and designs allow you to create planters perfect for your space.

Conclusion

In summary, clay pots have both advantages and disadvantages for growing plants. On the plus side, clay is porous and allows air and moisture to reach the plant’s roots. Clay is also heavier and more stable than plastic pots. However, clay can be prone to cracking and drying out faster than plastic. With proper plant selection, preparation, and care, clay pots can be an excellent option for growing healthy, thriving plants. The natural look and old-world charm of clay pots also makes them a popular decorative choice. For many plants, clay pots are a classic, time-tested way to provide an optimal growing environment. Just be sure to water and monitor moisture levels more frequently. With the right planting situation, clay pots can be a beautiful and functional way to grow your garden.

In conclusion, clay pots are a good option for growing many plants if properly prepared and maintained. Their porosity and weight provide benefits, but clay’s tendency to dry out means more attentive watering and care is required. With the right plant selections and gardening practices, the distinctive look and traditional appeal of clay pots can be enjoyed while cultivating robust container plants.