Decorate Your Outdoor Spaces With Large Terracotta Plant Pots
Originally, terracotta meant the type of clay used to produce a range of items, including plant pots. Nowadays, the name is used to describe any type of plant pot of a terracotta colour. eBay list a large selection of terracotta plant pots made from a variety of different materials.
Are there lighter alternatives to clay terracotta plant pots?
Plastic terracotta pots tend to be a cheaper and lighter alternative to traditional clay versions. Your choice of terracotta plant pot material should depend on what you want to plant, the local climate, the time you can devote to your plants, and the amount you want to spend. By using large terracotta plant pots of different materials, sizes, shapes, and patterns, you can create a garden of enormous variety.
Absorbtion differences of clay, concrete, and plastic terracotta pots
Besides the obvious weight difference between large terracotta pots made of clay and terracotta plant pots made from plastic, only clay and concrete terracotta plant pots absorb water. Consequently, if your plant displays on a balcony, terrace, or sunny garden are housed in clay pots, they will require more frequent watering than those kept in plastic. This can be up to three times a day during very hot weather.
What features of large terracotta plant pots should you consider?
Your choice of large terracotta plant pot will depend on what you want to use it for. Consider the following:
- The extra weight of clay and concrete large terracotta pots for trees will help keep young tall trees upright in windy conditions.
- For gardeners with a love of bonsai and cacti growing, clay terracotta pots will help reduce the risk of over-watering and damaging your succulents.
- If you intend to brighten up a sunny balcony, plastic terracotta pots may be the best choice to minimise weight and the risk of plants wilting.
- Extra-large terracotta pots for trees can be very heavy to move around, so consider using extra-large plastic pots and adding 6"" of rubble or pebbles to the base when they're in situ to increase the stability and aid drainage.
How to provide interest, shape, and colour to your garden
Use your large terracotta plant pots for Mediterranean plants like phormium, palm, and Yukka. Herbaceous perennials and shrubs suit clay terracotta plant pots. Add British and European upright and trailing annuals in plastic or concrete terracotta plant pots for vertical interest, while climbing ivy and clematis look good as backdrops. By using a selection of small, medium, and large terracotta plant pots with the correct compost, you can cultivate a diverse range of your favourite flowers, shrubs, and succulents on a balcony or terrace, as well as in your garden.