Clay Pots vs. Plastic Pots For Plants
Did you know that there’s a difference between clay pots vs. plastic pots other than looks?
When I was just starting out – building out my home jungle, I never knew that there could be benefits to certain types of planters.
I always just went for what was pretty.
I’m going to go in depth on both types and why they are beneficial, what are some cons of each and also talk about what type of plants could be happiest in that planter.
Clay Pots vs. Plastic Pots: Clay
Most people think terracotta when they hear clay pots. Ceramic or cement can also be in this category since they both have the same advantages for plant health.
The Benefits?
I’ll start off with the biggest advantage of clay, ceramic or terracotta and that’s airflow. Since these are all made of very porous material, it allows air to seep through the planter. Even when the clay gets glazed it will still create airflow, but will reduce it greatly.
With the increased airflow, clay can help combat against overwatering (to an extent). Sometimes when you water a plant with a clay pot, sometimes you’ll start to notice the planter getting wet on the outside. It’s not impossible to over water with clay pots but it will help greatly, and it can almost tell you it’s drowning. Which will help your plants stay healthy from root rot and certain diseases that are caused from overwatering.
So, if you’re prone to overwatering (like me) then this could be a great option.
Due to the thicker walls of clay pots, they can also help battle against temperature changes. Which can be great for outdoor planting.
And lastly, it super cost effective!
The Cons?
A con of clay pots is that, well because they are great at aerating the soil, means (depending on the plant) you may need to water more often. If have a plant that needs more moisture to their soil, clay pots might not be the best option, unless you’re ok with testing the soil often, to make sure your plant hasn’t dried out too much.
Another con would be is that clay can be more fragile. I’ve had a few planters fall to their death, which left me with a sad plant without a planter. You can even accidently chip or crack the planter easily by bumping it.
Plants?
Well, knowing now, what you know with clay, you might want to choose this pot wisely.
Plants I’d recommend would be desert plants like cacti or succulents. Cacti and succulents not only look amazing in clay pots with their southwestern vibes, but mostly – they’ll thank you for it.
All desert plants like dry soil so they’ll thrive in clay pots.
I wouldn’t suggest putting any tropical plants in clay pots since most need a moist soil at all times and some can’t tolerate a dry out.
Clay Pots vs. Plastic Pots: Plastic
When I talk about plastic planters, I’m not just taking about those grower pots you get when you buy your plant.
The Benefits?
Plastic planters are becoming more popular due to their benefits. They are great for doing the exact opposite of clay, and that’s keeping the soil moist. Plastic isn’t porous at all so, it keeps in around twice the amount of water, then clay pots.
Someone who doesn’t like to water as often or…forgets to, plastic will have your back.
Plastic is more durable than clay. If you’re as clumsy as me, this might be a good option. Plastic pots are more resilient to getting banged up or dropped. Another great benefit to plastic is the fact that its super lightweight, which is perfect to use for hanging planters.
Plastic pots are also found in many more colors and shapes then clay. Not that you can’t color clay, but once you do, you’re losing the majority benefits to clay by sealing most of the porous surface.
The Cons?
Plastic pots are not great for people who overwater; you will need to monitor the amount of water when you’re watering. I’d say water a little at a time or half as much as a plant in a clay pot. Overwatering can be a pretty big issue in plastic.
Where clay is great to combating against temperature changes, plastic does not.
Plastic pots tend to have thinner walls so, it can cause the soil to change temperature faster than clay, which can be a serious issue if there’s any rapid temperature change, this could kill your plants root system.
Plants?
Plastic pots are great for moisture loving plants. Plants like tropical plants tend to do better in plastic. Really any plant will do well in a plastic pot, but maybe avoid the desert plants, since they don’t really like to sit in any kind of moisture for long periods of time.
Choosing Between Clay Pots vs. Plastic Pots Won’t Be a ‘Make Or Break’ For Your Plant
Learning that there is benefits to each planter type can help you immensely in success with your home jungle journey. There is no right and wrong when it comes to clay pots vs. plastic pots, just things you might want to consider.
Each plant requires certain care needs and when you choose the planter specific to the plant needs, leads to a happier and healthier plant.
What type of planter do you prefer?
Still Stumped? Check out How To Pick The Right Pot For Your Plant.