Clay Pots or Plastic Pots

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Clay pots or Plastic pots  for indoor plants ?

Much controversy still reigns over the pros and cons of plastic pots compare to clay ones. A few years ago one would have unhesitatingly selected the plant growing in a clay pot in preference to an equally good,often better plant growing in a plastic pot. Neither does it seem so long ago that the rather conservative race of people generally referred to as gardeners,or growers, were shaking their heads disapprovingly as they uttered, ‘you’ll never grow a hydrangea in a plastic pot ‘. The same was said about producing cyclamen in plastic pots, and subsequently the same heads were shaking at the thought of growing poinsttias in such containers. However, as we all know, these plants are now almost all grown in the lighter pot, and it would seem that the clay pot with its many drawbacks is dying a comparatively rapid death. Have no qualms about selecting the plastic pot; most plants do equally well in them and many do very much better.

 

A slight change in growing technique is necessary for plans in plastic pots, in that they require very much less water than similar plants growing clay pots. Some years ago a meticulously controlled experiment was carried out with clay and plastic pots in order to estimate the growth difference of plants grown in identical conditions. It was found that the different pots had very little effect on the plants. Where a mixed batch of pots was watered according to requirements of the clay pots became much too dry. In every other respect the clean, light and easily handled plastic pot gave a very good account of itself.



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When growing Saintpaulias, the plastic pot has a marked advantage over the clay, as the latter aborbs moisture that will quickly rot through any leafstalks that may rest on the rim of the pot. An aluminum foil, or silver paper protective cover, kneaded around the edge of the clay pot is essential in order to prevent leafstalks becoming wet.