Choosing the right pot is essential for providing your plants with the best growing conditions. Terracotta pots, often a gardener's go-to, have a porous, breathable, alkaline material that promotes drainage and can influence the soil pH. However, the same qualities that make terracotta ideal for some plants can be problematic for others.
Terracotta will draw moisture from the soil, drying out the roots and creating inconsistent moisture levels; the pH of the pot can impact the potting mix, leading to symptoms such as wilting, leaf drop, poor growth, and compromised blooming. So, before planting your best outdoor or indoor plants in terracotta pots, be sure they are well-suited to the container's natural properties. We’ve listed the types of plants that shouldn’t be planted in terracotta pots, and, for these plants, we’ve shared some alternatives that will ensure they receive the optimal conditions they need to grow and flourish.
1. Moisture-loving plants ‘Plants that thrive in consistently moist conditions often struggle in terracotta pots because the material allows moisture to escape quickly, leading to dry soil,’ explains John Haryasz , designer at Privacy Shrubs. ‘In many, these factors may cause water loving plant varieties to dry and stress.
’ Ferns: Wondering why your fern is turning brown? If it's growing in a terracotta pot, this may be the cause. Ferns, including varieties like Boston and Maidenhair, need high humidity and constantly moist soil. However.