But the clay also wicks moisture out of the soil making ceramic pots a better choice if you tend to overwater or for plants.
Ceramic vs clay pots for plants.
However ceramic pots are typically glazed with a coat of lacquer that prevents the soil from drying out at the same speed as it would in an unglazed clay or terracotta planter.
For context there are three general types of pots with some sub variations under each category.
Newer plastic pots are tough durable and virtually unbreakable.
Generally plants that prefer moist soil are better suited to plastic pots.
Air movement stimulates root growth which results in healthier plants.
If you choose to use these pots you ll be best off choosing a plant that can handle sitting in stagnant.
Plastic pots are also lighter than clay pots making it easier to move and repot plants.
However if a ceramic pot is left out in the cold weather it can still crack.
Ceramic ceramic containers or stoneware are made from finely textured light colored clay and then glazed.
Glazed clay pots and ceramic pots are very decorative do not evaporate water through their walls and offer the plants good stability.
Clay pots wick water and potting mix dries out faster which means you need to water plants more.
It is porous plant can dry out quickly meaning more watering.
These containers are fired at a high kiln temperature which reduces the pot s porousness and vulnerability to the elements.
Ceramic pots glazed and terra cotta glazed ceramic pot pros.
Unsightly salinity of the pots is not to be expected.
Terra cotta is especially good in situations where the soil is not drying quickly enough because it allows water vapor transfer through the container walls bottom.
Plants that prefer drier soil are better suited to clay pots.
At a glance you may think a ceramic pot is simply a terracotta pot with a good paint job.
Clay pots allow water and air to move in and out of soil preventing plants from drowning in wet soil.
The production of terra cotta clay pots is more environmentally friendly than the production of concrete pots.
There is a standardization in pot sizes.
Plastic pots allow soil to retain more moisture so that you can water less frequently.
Each type of pot has pros and cons.
One of the downsides to clay pots is that clay is porous.
Some ceramic pots are sold without any drainage holes at all which means the roots will sit in very wet conditions.
Clay pots also help to insulate soil and protect plants from rapid temperature changes.
Type of plant pots available.
Yes plastic pots hold more water than clay but this makes them an ideal choice for plants that thrive in moist soil or if you tend to forget to water.