The Difference Between Terracotta, Ceramic, and Plastic Pots and Why It Matters to Your Plants
Different pots suit your houseplants and planters in different ways. Plants behave differently in plastic containers than in glazed ceramic pots, and each pot has its own set of care instructions . So what’s the difference between these different pots and planters? It all comes down to breathability and moisture retention. Here’s what to consider when looking for the perfect potted home for your plants.
What are the benefits of a plastic plant pot?
Plastic pots refer to the hard plastic pots you find at your local gardening or hardware store (not to be confused with the thin plastic pots that come with newly purchased plants). The advantages of plastic pots are their ability to retain moisture and their overall low weight.
Plant Maintenance Specialist Paula Palma of Planters Place uses large plastic pots for her citrus fruits. The lemon trees she plants need a lot of room to grow and she needs to be able to move the pots with ease. High moisture retention plastic pots are ideal for water-loving plants such as ferns and orchids. Plastic containers are also very durable and don’t break as easily as a ceramic pot. An average plastic pot will cost around $ 3 .
When to choose a glazed ceramic pot
Ceramic pots can sometimes appear terracotta, but they differ greatly in appearance and function. Both are porous clays, but ceramic pots are usually glazed to change their absorbency. The glaze prevents the soil from drying out as quickly as its terracotta counterpart. Just be careful when moving your ceramic glazed pot – it can get quite heavy when you place a plant in it.
Ceramic pots are great for spider plants, baby tears, and other plants that grow well with slow drainage. Glazed pots also are more expensive prices, the cost is about 80-150 dollars , depending on the size and place of purchase. Be careful when choosing a pot – some do not have the required drainage holes, so make sure you select the correct pot before purchasing.
Why Choose Terracotta Pots?
Terracotta pots are known to be quick drying . Clay removes water from the inside, allowing the potting soil to dry faster than a plastic pot without porosity. The texture of the pot provides optimal air flow for the plant roots, and the quick drying process prevents root rot.
Terracotta pots are ideal for succulents, cacti and other desert plants. These porous pots can create the perfect drainage and growing environment, but they also break easily . These pots can cost anywhere from a dollar to $ 10 or more , depending on the size you need.