Ceramic Pots vs Plastic Pots - Should You Use Ceramic Pots Or Plastic Pots

by GreeniumIndia India Greenium

It can be an issue of debate which pot is better ceramic pots or plastic pots. There are a lot of containers available in the market. Some people prefer old-fashioned clay pots while some go for plastic or ceramic pots.

Every type of pot has its advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic pots are a good choice but the selection of pots depends on the plant's moisture needs and how often you water them.

No doubt plastic pots have several advantages and they have been used for decades. When we purchase a new plant in a plastic container then should we keep them in those pots?

Let's see the difference between ceramic pots and plastic pots.

Plastic pots are light and easily available. Clay or Terracotta pots are made from special soil that gradually breaks down into their original components while plastic pots are not environment friendly. Plastic pots can cause health problems in human beings.

When they go into the soil they release petrochemicals. Clay pots are not a long-term solution but they are more adaptable. The natural material of clay pots is very beneficial for our plants but the disadvantage of clay pots is their reusability.

Claypot allows the movement of water and air. They prevent root rot and soil fungus. It helps to prevent insects and other diseases But in plastic pots plants can stay wet as plastic has no porosity.

CERAMIC POTS are attractive rather than plastic pots but they are expensive and available in a variety of sizes. Clay pots are more durable if you have children or pets in your home then they are very useful.

PLASTIC POTS are lightweight and you can easily move your plants from place to place. They are available at reasonable prices and are very tough and durable.

Ceramic pots can break easily but plastic pots are more flexible during winter seasons. For the plants which thrive in the moist soil, plastic pots are best for them as they hold more water.

Advantage of ceramic pots and plastic pots

Ceramic pots are also known as unglazed clay; they allow air and water movement through the sides of the pot. For the healthy growth of plants, air movement is necessary and it stimulates the growth of roots.

Ceramic pots wick moisture out of the soil so if you are in the habit of overwatering the plants that prefer dry soils ceramic pots are a better choice for them. You will need to water the plant more in ceramic pots.

They don't dry out very soon but allow air exchange and hold moisture for a long time. Plastic pots are better for those who often forget to water their plant and for moisture-loving houseplants.

Plastic pots are more flexible and stronger compared to ceramic pots. Plastic pots are less expensive than ceramic pots and are available in a wide range of stylish designs and colours.

Clay pots break down more easily than plastic pots and they are very easy to chip if tipped over. Clay pots can develop salt deposits and strain on the outside while plastic pots are very easy to clean and disinfect.

Weight and thickness of both pots

There is a clear difference between the thickness and weight of clay and plastic pots and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Plastic pots are easier to move but likely to tip over. Clay pots have thicker walls compared to plastic.

These thicker walls act as insulation for the roots; if you move the plants outdoors anytime they protect the plants against temperature change while plastic pots don't provide insulation.

Some useful tips

Make sure the pot has drainage holes whether you choose plastic pots or ceramic pots because waterlogged soil leads the plants to root rot. Don't leave the plant on a tray full of water, dump the tray after watering. For lifting the plant above the water level you can also put a layer of pebbles in the tray.

The size of the pot is also very important; the diameter of the pot should be one-third of the plant's height from the soil to the top of the foliage. Maintaining the size of the plant pruning is helpful and transplants it into larger pots after 2-3 years.

Shallow containers are suitable for slow-growing plants with shallow roots while fast-growing plants with deep root systems require deep containers.