Glazed or Terra Cotta – Choosing A Pot for Your Plant

• The right planter looks perfect in your space AND provides your plant with the environment it needs to thrive.
• Let your plant choose its pot! Arid plants and tropicals have different needs.
• Good drainage is key, no matter what type of plant you’re working with.

So, you've decided on a plant, and now it's time to choose a planter. This is an exciting moment where plant care meets design, and matching a new beauty with the perfect pot can create an instant statement in your space.

While your pottery choice is absolutely an aesthetic decision, keep in mind that it's also a decision about finding a home for your plant that will benefit its health in the long run.

Many plants prefer excellent drainage and airflow, while others prefer to stay moist for extended periods of time.

Different types of pottery can deliver either.

When moving a plant from a plastic grow pot to a more permanent home, we regularly encounter two different types of pottery: Glazed ceramic pots or unfinished terra cotta.

Since many plants tend to thrive in one or the other, the first question we should ask ourselves when pairing a plant with a pot is – Glazed or terra? Tula House can help you decide.

Understanding Unglazed Terra Cotta Pots

The most common kind of plant pot out there, terra cotta loosely translates to 'baked earth' in Latin. And that's exactly what it is. 

Interestingly, a ceramic or terra cotta pot starts out in the same way — as clay taken from the ground and then fired in a kiln. Unglazed terra cotta pots, however, are usually fired at lower temperatures so they remain porous.

The resulting pottery absorbs the moisture it encounters and allows water to evaporate from the sides. When dry, the surfaces of unglazed terra cotta pots allow air to flow through microscopic holes, aerating the soil and roots. 

Caption: Stacks of terra cotta planters and dishes in the Arid Room at Tula Plants & Design in Brooklyn, NY.

Stacks of unglazed terra cotta pots of all kinds are kept in the Arid Room in our Brooklyn store. Most cacti and succulents in this room would prefer terra cotta homes over glazed ones.

Why Arid Plants Love Unglazed Terra Cotta Pots

Plants that rely on a drying period between watering will thrive in terra cotta because moisture doesn't gather and stay in these pots for long. When an arid plant is watered, the roots soak up all the water the plant needs, and the remaining moisture is quickly expelled through the sides of the pot. Terra cotta-loving plants include:

• Cacti
• Succulents
• Orchids
• Snake plants
• Peperomia
• Hoyas

By planting arid plants in unglazed terra cotta pots, we create an environment that benefits root health. With no stagnant water and well-aerated roots, plants have a lower chance of fungal or bacterial buildup that can lead to root rot.

What’s Different About Glazed Pots?

Glazed pottery can be made of various substrates – ceramic, porcelain, or even terra cotta. The difference between a glazed ceramic or terra cotta pot is a lacquer finish on the outside of the pot. This finish adds color and a smooth surface, and, from a plant's perspective, it retains moisture and restricts airflow.

Caption: A selection of tropical plants and glazed pottery in the Tropical Room at Tula Plants & Design in Brooklyn NY.

The majority of ceramic or terra cotta pots in our Tropical Room are glazed, since many plants from tropical environments enjoy a pot that retains moisture. They also enjoy raw terra cotta, but typically need more frequent watering in unglazed pots.

Why Tropical Plants Prefer Glazed Pots

Plants that thrive in moisture and humidity need pots that support those conditions — basically, the opposite of unglazed terra cotta pots. These heavy-drinking plants seek out moisture and want it on hand regularly.

By planting tropicals in glazed porcelain, ceramic, or terra cotta pots that retain moisture, you’re giving these plants just what they need. The glazed finish holds moisture, encouraging slower evaporation and providing added humidity to the plant. Glazed-loving plants include:

• Calatheas
• Ferns
• Philodendron
• Ficus
• Spider plants

A Note of Caution!

Many glazed planters are sold without drainage holes. While on first glance this would seem to benefit the moisture retention for water-loving plants, it frequently leads to overwatering. Drainage holes in glazed pottery keep soil from getting too saturated or waterlogged, which could harm a plant.

When seeking out any planter, always try to find one with a drainage hole.

Glazed Pottery or Unglazed Terra Cotta Pots: Let Your Plants Be Your Guide

By setting up a new beauty in a home that benefits its health and looks great for years to come, we're participating in the long and beautiful relationship we share with plants. Now it's time to watch them grow.

Shop Glazed and Terra-Cotta Planters

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my plant is in the wrong type of pot?

There are some tell-tale signs to watch for. If the soil stays wet for days, you notice a musty smell, or your plant leaves are yellowing or wilting, your plant may be experiencing poor drainage or airflow. On the other hand, if the soil dries out quickly and the plant often looks limp, the pot may not be retaining enough moisture.

Repotting arid plants in breathable unglazed terra cotta pots and tropicals in glazed pottery may help them recover. You can always stop by Tula House for expert guidance on what pots are best for your plants.

What happens to arid plants that sit in moist soil?

When plants like cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant species are housed in pots without good drainage or airflow, they can really suffer. When moisture lingers, the roots essentially drown as they lose access to oxygen.

Your plant may look fine at first, but over time, this stress shows as soft, discolored stems and leaves. The entire plant may even collapse. An unglazed terra cotta pot is your partner in managing your arid plant’s moisture needs so excess water can escape and roots can breathe.

What are some signs that my plant is in a pot that’s too porous?

If your tropical plant is living in a highly porous pot like unglazed terra cotta, it may lose moisture faster than its roots can absorb it. You might notice:

• Soil drying out just a day or two after watering
• Leaves drooping, even with regular watering
• Crispy brown leaf edges or tips

Growth may slow, and even healthy-looking leaves may fall off. Chances are, your plant would be much happier in a glazed ceramic or terra cotta pot.

Should I use a saucer under my pot?

Remember our note of caution above — regardless of whether your plant is in an unglazed terra cotta pot or glazed pottery, drainage holes are a must. For that reason, a planter base or saucer is really helpful for protecting surfaces as excess water escapes through the drainage hole.

Just remember, even tropical plants that crave moisture rarely thrive when saturated. Think of the saucer as being there just to catch run-off so your shelves and tables aren’t damaged — empty it when it’s full so your plant’s roots can still breathe. For more help, check out these tips for watering.