Choosing Plastic Or Clay Pots For Plants

By admin on 11th June, 2010

Majority of the gardeners have their preferences when it comes to the choice of plastic or clay pots for plants. Probably it is because of the advantages as well disadvantages of both these types. The unglazed clay (terra-cotta) pots are made up of specific soil, which are then fired in kilns on the manufacturing process. The color of clay, which is rusty brown, is harmonious with the foliage and flower colors.

Clay pots give the plants a healthy environment. The clay porosity allows the moisture and air to penetrate sides of the pot. This air and moisture is utilized through the fine roots situated at the soil ball’s edge. Moreover, the clay pots act like a wick, which removes the excess moisture from the watering habits. Gardeners who have a heavy hand at watering plants may over-water; maybe their plants will benefit from the clay. Some gardeners waiting for the wilting signal from plants are better with plastic. Clay pots are also preferred by plants that demand a dry and well-drained soil such as cacti.

painting clay pots Using clay pots outdoors has also advantages. Pots made of clay have thick walls, which protect the roots of the plants from the quick changes in the temperature, which has the capability to destroy plants. They have also good amount of weight, which make them not easy to blow over. Clay may also form a crusty layer on the pots’ outside part. Some gardeners may find the layer attractive but most may find it unattractive. An ultimate disadvantage of the clay pots is that they are easy to break.

On the other hand, the plastic plants pots are flexible, strong and lightweight. They come in various colors so as to coordinate with the exterior and interior dcor. Unlike the clay pots, plastic pots do not have wicking action, which make them an ideal choice for gardeners who infrequently water their plants or for those moisture-loving plants.

Pots made of plastic are composed of inert materials and they are considered ideal pots for growing plants. Majority of these pots are made up of a recycle plastic, thus disposal, when the pot is not longer usable, is an environmentally friendly. Generally, plastic pots have thinner walls compared to the clay pots, which offer roots little insulation from the change of temperature. Black plastic can serve as a solar collector, which heats up the potting medium to the damaging levels of the plants.

If the plants in the dark-colored plastic pots quickly wilt, then check to ensure that the plants are getting sufficient water, and then move them to a shady place where build-up of heat is not a problem. Lots of plastic pots meant for outdoor use are handled with inhibitors of ultraviolet light to maintain flexibility as well as to reduce fading, thus increasing the pot’s lifespan. Just remember, whether it be clay or a plastic pot, make sure that the pot you choose has drainage holes beneath to avoid over-watering.