Are Plastic Plant Pots Good?

Many gardeners have their own preferences for choosing clay pots or plastic pots for growing plants. If you don't have a fixed opinion on the two types of pots, this article will detail the advantages and disadvantages of both types of pots.

Terracotta Pots Terracotta Containers

Terracotta pots are made from a specific soil that is fired in a kiln during the manufacturing process. The rust-brown color of the clay is harmonious with the color of each flower and leaf.

Terracotta pots provide a healthy environment for most plants. The porous nature of the clay allows air and moisture to penetrate the sides of the pot. This moisture and air are used by the fine roots located at the edge of the soil ball. Terracotta pots can also act like a wick to remove excess water from the potting soil. Depending on your watering habits, this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Heavy watering gardeners tend to overwater; their plants may benefit from terracotta. Other gardeners who wait for the signal that the plant is wilting are better off using plastic. Plants that require well-drained, dry soil, such as cacti, also like clay pots.

There are also advantages to using clay pots outdoors. Clay pots have thick walls, which protect plant roots from rapid temperature changes, which can be damaging. Clay pots also have considerable weight and are not as easily blown over by the wind as some plastic pots. The downside to clay pots, however, is that they dry out quickly. This can be a problem for moisture-loving plants, such as ferns, or when trying to germinate seeds.

Clay pots also tend to develop a white, crusty layer on the outside of the pot. This is caused by mineral salts dissolved in water seeping from the potting medium and through the pot walls. Some people find this layer attractive, but most gardeners find it unsightly. If the appearance of salt deposits is offensive, they can be wiped off. A final downside is that clay pots break easily.

Plastic Containers

Plastic pots are lightweight, sturdy, and flexible. They are available in a rainbow of colors to match indoor and outdoor decor. Plastic does not absorb moisture like clay does, so plastic pots are an excellent choice for moisture-loving plants or gardeners who don't water them often.

Plastic pots are made of inert materials and are considered safe for plant growth. Many plastic pots are made from recyclable plastic, so it’s environmentally friendly to discard the pot when it’s no longer usable (unglazed terracotta pots are also fully recyclable). Plastic pots often have thinner walls than terracotta pots, offering little insulation from temperature changes for roots. Black plastic can actually act as a solar collector, heating the potting medium to a point that’s harmful to the plant.

If plants in dark plastic containers wilt quickly, check to make sure the plants are being well watered, then move them to a cooler location where heat buildup isn’t a problem. Sunlight is very damaging to plastic, causing it to fade and become brittle. Many plastic pots for outdoor use are treated with UV inhibitors to reduce fading and maintain flexibility, extending the life of the pot.

Whether plastic or terracotta, make sure the pot you choose has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent overwatering.