Pots: Clay or Plastic ?

I love clay pots, but seems they just do not hold up well. They are frequently cracking and breaking. For those of you that also have to keep your tropicals potted... are you having good luck with plastic? When July/August come around the East TX heat zaps the moisture out of any plant potted in clay. I have to water plants in clay frequently during that time of year.


Thanks,
Nancy

For plants like hibiscus that need a decent amount of water I haven't had any trouble with plastic pots. You'll still find though that you have to water frequently during hot weather--not quite as often as with clay but all that heat still makes the plants use water at a high rate.

Although I know they are not pretty (for long) I love those styrofoam type pots. They seem to act like insulation and keep the soil temp more moderate in the intense summer heat. Sometimes I just pot the plant in a plastic container then sit it inside one of the styrofoam pots. I saw some just this week in Big Lots. I believe they were $8 for the 12".

I found a container-type pro-and-con list on a home-and-garden site--it may help in choosing the proper container dependent on the plant's unique watering needs.

Terra-Cotta: Pro: Maintains a healthy environment because the porous walls "breathe," allowing a transfer of water and air. CON: Dry-out rapidly in hot weather.

Glazed Ceramic: Pro: Retains moisture well because walls are non-pourous. The glaze color can complement or contrast with the contents. CON: Soil may remain too wet. (my note: dark colors aborb the heat more.)

Plastic and Fiberglass: Pro: Lightweight and durable. CON: Dry out slowly

Wood: Pro: Wooden tubs, barrels, and planters have the advantage of keeping soil temperature fluctuation at a minimum. CON: Wood won't last forever.

Metal: Pro: more decorative. CON: Small metal pot can cook their contents quickly on sunny days.

My note: I personally like plastic pots for my Hibiscus. Even though plastic pots maintain a higher moisture level, if you're careful not to overwater, it should be okay. I also find plastic more practical and economical. Snug

I too love clay pot but like said they dry out quit fast in the warmer seasons, I use plastic pots, just keep in mind not to over water them you won't believe how fast you could loose them when to much water, water control is the key. I lost 4 in one week do to rain.

Wilfred

Thanks all. I will need to repot a few very soon and appreciate the input.

Nancy