How to Plant in Terracotta Pots to Make Your Plants Thrive by Bergs Potter (2024)

FAQs

How to Plant in Terracotta Pots to Make Your Plants Thrive by Bergs Potter? ›

When selecting a pot, choose a large diameter to provide enough space for the plants to grow and develop their roots. Soak the terracotta pot for an hour or more before planting. Keeping the soil moist is crucial for the plant's success.

Start out by soaking the inside and outside of your pot prior to planting. Ideally for 24 hours if possible, but less will do too. Your terracotta pot should change colour, going from light to dark. If your clay pot changes colour when it gets wet, this means that your pot can breathe.

Yes! But of course, there are a few exceptions. Terra cotta is a porous material and helps your plants' roots to breathe through oxygen exchange. These pots also absorb some of the excess moisture after you water your plants, preventing your roots from staying in soggy soil too long.

As long as you're watering your plant no more than every seven to 10 days, when using a terra cotta pot, you shouldn't have to worry about using too much water.

When you don't pre-soak terra cotta pots, the plant will dry out faster. "This isn't a huge deal—as long as you are attentive to your plant and water it when the soil is dry enough," Waldman says. But it will help you conserve water and lower the maintenance level of your plant.

However, moisture is a major concern. Since the material is so porous, terracotta planters can absorb water and crack as the water expands and contracts in hot and cool weather.

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.

While many plants will benefit from the improved air circulation and faster moisture evaporation in terracotta pots, not all plants are suitable for these conditions. Varieties that need consistently moist soil will be hard to keep happy in terracotta, and you'll need to water much more frequently.

Grow Better's Terracotta & Tub Mix is the complete package for container-grown plants. Long-lasting - includes slow-release fertiliser, natural growth stimulant (X Facta), wetting agent and water-storing granules. It has made the Australian Standard for Premium quality potting mixes.

As long as you have a drainage hole in your planter (which you should have anyways) and a shallow dish you are good to go. Simply take a shallow dish or pot and fill it up halfway with water. Then place your plant in the dish. Let the plant sit for 30 minutes to an hour depending on how big the pot is.

Do roots stick to terracotta pots? ›

The main disadvantage of terracotta is that orchid roots will stick to the pot. There is no maybe, it will happen. Sometimes the only way to extricate the roots from the pot is to break the pot. Many of the roots will have to be cut from the pot with scissors.

Sealing terracotta garden pots

If you are using these pots for plants that have high water requirements or don't respond well to the wetting and drying cycle, sealing your terracotta pots is worthwhile. You can either seal the inside or the outside of the pot.

Applying a thin color wash is about the quickest way to dress up a pot. The wash (half paint and half water) allows the terra-cotta to show through. The effect is subtle but pleasing.

Soak the terracotta sugar saver in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Pat it dry. You don't want sugar sticking all over its surface. Place it on top of the brown sugar and store it in an airtight container.

Soak the hole.

This step is especially important during periods of hot, dry weather when the surrounding soil moisture is going to be low. Once you've thoroughly saturated the surrounding soil, place your pre-soaked plant into the planting hole.

Some materials such as terracotta or unfired clay are extremely porous. They can absorb and leach water-soluble chemicals through the surface into the soil. Make sure you wear PPE (personal protective equipment) when handling repurposed materials to avoid accidental contamination.