People often get confused between clay pots and terracotta pots. Both are quite different, though they seem similar in appearance. Both terracotta and clay pots offer an earthy and rustic look to your garden. However, both have different characteristics and inherent traits. ‘Terracotta’ has been derived from an Italian word meaning ‘baked earth’. Terracotta is actually the baked version of raw clay. It is a form of clay that is fired using a kiln to form a porous product well suited for pots and other items. In fact, with time, terracotta pots have become very popular among gardening enthusiasts. Terracotta pots are best suited for those plants that thrive well if their soil dries up before the next watering session.

As terracotta pots are porous in nature, they grant excellent breathability to your plants. This characteristic also helps in releasing excess water, preventing sagging of the soil. Terracotta pots are best suited for plants that grow in well-drained soil. As terracotta pots are light in weight (especially in comparison to clay pots), they can easily be moved from one place to another. Terracotta is an eco-friendly option, something that we should be proud of. The rustic look of terracotta pots and planters add timeless beauty to your garden. In fact, you can easily paint and decorate your pots to elevate your space Terracotta plants offer more air circulation reducing the chances of heat stress in your plants. Terracotta pots are best suited for plants like cacti, succulents, herbs, hoyas, orchids, and so on.

It is a good practice to go for pots with a hole at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out. Also, keep saucers under your terracotta planters. This will help in decreasing the rate of evaporation and keeping the soil more moist. To choose the right terracotta planters, you need to consider the following questions… How big is your terrace garden and how many pots do you like to place? What kind of plants do you wish to grow in your garden? How big do they grow and how much water do they require? What is the weather condition in the place where you stay? What kind of soil is available in your area? How much sunlight does your plants receive? Do you live in places which are hot and humid or do you live in places with extreme climatic conditions?