Why Clay Pots Are Ideal for Growing Cacti and Other Succulents

Clay pots have been used for thousands of years to grow plants and are still popular today among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts Their porous terra cotta material makes clay pots especially suited for growing drought-tolerant plants like cacti and succulents. Here’s a look at why terra cotta pots work so well and tips for choosing the right clay pot for your spiny specimens

Benefits of Clay Pots for Succulents

Terra cotta clay is an excellent pot material for succulents for several key reasons

• Fast drainage – The porous terra cotta allows excess water to quickly evaporate through the pot walls. This prevents soggy soil that can lead to rot in succulents and cacti.

• Air circulation – The clay’s breathability lets air reach roots. Good airflow is essential for healthy succulent roots.

• Wicking action – The terra cotta pulls moisture from the soil to the surface where it evaporates. This creates ideal dry conditions.

• Visual soil cues – Clay pots change color when wet. Darkening terra cotta signals when you need to water again.

• Insulating properties – The clay helps protect roots from rapid temperature changes and prevents soil from getting overly hot.

• Natural material – Terra cotta is an eco-friendly and sustainable choice over plastic pots.

The excellent drainage and air flow clay pots provide makes them ideal for succulents like cacti, aloes, agaves, echeveria, jade plants, and other arid-adapted species that need fast-drying soil.

Tips for Choosing Clay Pots

Follow these tips when selecting terra cotta pots for your succulents:

• Pick pots with drainage holes – Drainage is crucial, so make sure pots have holes to let excess water escape.

• Go unglazed – Unglazed terra cotta is more porous than glazed. The extra breathability benefits succulent roots.

• Get the right size – Choose pots only slightly wider than the current plant, usually about an inch or two larger. Avoid oversized pots.

• Use saucers cautiously – Match saucers carefully to avoid standing water. Consider skipping saucers altogether.

• Group pots together – Arranging pots together helps increase humidity around plants.

• Add gravel or sand – Top dressing pots with gravel can boost drainage and discourage evaporation.

• Go with clay color – Natural clay-colored pots blend with succulents nicely. But colorful glazed terra cotta can be fun too!

• Prepare for weight – Clay is heavier than plastic or resin pots. Make sure shelves can support the weight.

• Protect from cold – In colder zones, insulate clay pots in winter to prevent cracking and freezing.

Shop for plain terra cotta pots or decorative glazed and painted garden pots. Just be sure any decorative clay pots you choose still have ample drainage holes.

Best Succulents for Clay Pots

Many different succulents thrive planted in terra cotta pots. Some top choices include:

• Hens and chicks (Echeveria) – Low-growing rosette succulents do well in shallow clay pots.

• Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) – Trailing stems look lovely draping over clay pot rims.

• Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) – A unique succulent that enjoys clay pots with drainage.

• Aloe vera – Fleshy aloe plants need fast-drying terra cotta pots to prevent rot.

• Ladyfinger cactus (Mammillaria elongata) – Tiny round cacti grow well in small terra cotta pots.

• Ball cactus (Parodia magnifica) – Globe-shaped cacti suit shallow clay pots.

• Aeonium – Rosette-forming aeoniums thrive in terra cotta’s free-draining environment.

• Agave – Bold rosette and spreading agaves grow beautifully in decorative clay pots.

Match clay pot styles and sizes to suit the growth habit and needs of your particular succulents.

Caring for Succulents in Clay Pots

Growing succulents in terra cotta pots takes some adjustment since the soil dries out faster. To keep plants healthy:

• Water more frequently, whenever soil is completely dry.

• Apply water slowly and deeply to saturate the roots.

• Add sand or gravel to help retain moisture longer.

• Mist plants occasionally to boost humidity.

• Move pots to a shady spot on hot days to avoid overheating.

• Apply a thin layer of rocks, sand, or pebbles as top dressing to slow evaporation.

• Transplant to a slightly larger clay pot when plants are rootbound.

With proper watering and care, terra cotta pots allow succulents to thrive indoors and outside. The natural clay is an excellent choice for providing the dry, well-aerated conditions cacti and succulents need. If you’re looking for the healthiest pots to grow these drought-loving plants, terra cotta is hard to top!