Plastic, terracotta, stone: positive and negative aspects of the three most commonly used materials in pot making
The choice of the pot is a fundamental moment for the plants’ future well-being, because they need to grow in a comfortable and healthy environment.
Aesthetics is always important but, above all, practicality must be considered: pots must allow the proper root development of plants, providing, at the same time, some basic features, such as resistance and drainage.
Therefore, in addition to aesthetics, at this stage it is important to consider the technical specifications of the most used materials, with their respective pros and cons.
PLASTIC
PROS: Plastic pots are thin, resistant and flexible. Their light weight makes them the ideal solution to move plants, eliminating excessive fatigue and the
risk of breakage.
CONS: After being moved, plants should be repotted in more suitable pots: as a matter of fact, plastic does not guarantee transpiration or drainage and retains moisture. Moreover, it is also a heat conductor; if the external temperature is high, the root’s health may be affected.
TERRACOTTA
PROS: Terracotta is a very porous material, a characteristic that guarantees the exchange of vital substances between the external atmosphere and roots. In addition to drainage holes, the pot walls themselves favour the transpiration and evaporation of excess water. Just look at the external side of the pot, to easily understand what is going on inside: for example, if the plant has been watered too much, the walls will be damp.
CONS: Terracotta pots are heavy, so they are not suitable for frequent moving. It is necessary to handle them carefully, to prevent them from chipping or breaking.
STONE
PROS: It is a very resistant and valuable material, which lasts over time. It is also a porous material, even if at a lower level than terracotta.
CONS: Stone is expensive and very heavy. For the same volume, a stone pot weighs three times more than a terracotta pot: generally, when a certain layout has been decided, it is rare to change it.
More than a pot
You can learn more about this topic and find many other interesting insights in our “More than a pot” magazine dedicated to terracotta pots.
