is there any difference between terra cotta pots and plastic pots?

Answer 1

Terra Cotta breaths as it is porous. This is good for roots that like to dry out before being watered. Check the information on the plant you want to put into a pot to see if it likes to stay moist, if so, use plastic as it will retain water in the soil better.

I have indoor african violets which thrived once I put them into terra cotta from plastic. They like to dry out before a watering then I water them from the bottom dish which makes wicking easer in terra cotta.

Answer 2

The terra cotta pots lose moisture faster than the plastic pots. The terra cotta pots are heavier, and can easily break when you are moving the plant. Make sure whichever pot you buy, whether terra cotta, plastic, or ceramic that it has drainage holes in it! That is the most important point of choosing a container!

Answer 3

Terracotta pots are made of clay; plastic pots are made of...well, plastic. Please be aware "terra cotta" may also be considered a color; therefore you can buy a terra cotta-colored plastic pot.

I prefer terra cotta pots. Terra cotta pots dry out more quickly than plastic pots. They also crack more easily when exposed to freezing temperatures as the soil in them expands during freezing. If you prefer the more natural look of a terra cotta pot, you can place a plastic pot inside the terra cotta pot; you may also line the pot with plastic (leave a hole in the bottom!) to prevent the pot from absorbing too much water. You should never leave a terra cotta pot outside during the winter, even if it is empty.

There are also many fiberglass and poly resin pots available at home improvement stores and garden centers. These are durable, can be left outside in all weather, and you can choose pots that look like ceramic, concrete, or terra cotta without the drawbacks.

Answer 4

The soil in a terra cotta pot dries out much faster than a plastic or ceramic pot.

Answer 5

Hi ,yes the difference is that teracota pots are very porous (they absorb water very quickly unlike plastic pots) and once you water plants in them the soil or compost will dry out very quickly.You can get glazed terra cotta pots and they will not absorb the water like un-glazed pots...so in answer to your ? yes there is a difference.Hope this answers your question.

Answer 6

If you live in an area where it freezes in the winter, the terra cotta is apt to crack if left outdoors.

Answer 7

Use clay pots, plants do better in these.