Caring for clay pots: the best tips
There is nothing I like more than clay pots especially if they are generous in size. Usually, I choose to combine several of them, larger and smaller, and then group them in a corner and thus create a happy and romantic space. The ideal is to choose different plants with flowers that contrast in shades to achieve a more attractive and spring effect. The most difficult thing without a doubt is not the choice of colors but conservation because as time passes, clay pots can deteriorate. The good news is that it is possible preserve clay pots with some simple and effective care.
In this article we are going to give you the best tips to learn how to care for clay pots.
Advantages of clay pots
When we have clay pots to place our plants at home or in the garden, we have some advantages, especially decorative. And this is aesthetically beautiful pots since they are just the ideal complement for any garden and interior. And it is that it reveals a natural element much more than other types of plastic pots. As it is a natural element, it tends to suffer greater wear due to the action of the earth itself by pressure and the humidity of the water. Was generating aging of the material that makes it no longer unusable over time.
Therefore, in order to have the many advantages we must learn how to take care of clay pots. We hardly bought it and first of all, it is best to leave the pot immersed in cold water for a whole day. Once the day has passed, we can take it out of the water and leave it in the open air to dry out little by little. With this, we are preventing it from cracking with greater speed. Thanks to this treatment, you will be able to stay for longer without showing any type of cracks.
When it starts to take on that whitish hue, what we should do is take some linseed oil that can be purchased at hardware stores and craft stores. Next, we are gradually pulling the planted surface with a cloth soaked in said oil. We can see that after a while the pot will be like new.
When we are going to transplant a larger one from a small terracotta pot, the small one usually breaks. However, you do not have to do this. We can turn the small pot over while we hold the plant with one hand and with our free hand we cut the roots that come out underneath. Then we can hit the base with the hand so that the plant can come off without problems. Before transplanting, we can not water it to avoid breaking the pot, since not watering can help us to facilitate the task and makes the plant suffer less.
Clay pots are perfect for those plants that require abundant watering. However, it is perfect for those plants that do not require moisture conservation. And this is due to the fact that due to the poles of the mud, the plant can perspire in a good way and the earth is followed more quickly. Therefore, if the plant needs enough humidity to survive, the best option to consider is a plastic pot. Plastic pots tend to cause greater problems with heat build-up.
How to care for clay pots
The clay pots are not only pretty but sturdy being able to withstand climatic changes and robust roots. However, they have their weaknesses and that is why it is recommended to grow plants in them that do not need to conserve moisture since the mud is porous allows the rapid evaporation of water so even if you water abundantly it will dry out quickly. For plants that need a very humid environment, it is best to opt for plastic pots.
Few people know that at the time of buy a terracotta pot It is necessary to immerse it in water in order to strengthen the material and make the pot last much longer. It will be enough to immerse it in cold water for 24 hours and then let it dry in the open air. This technique prevents cracks.
Although the clay tends to discolor little, what is frequent is that it turns white, that is to say that certain whitish spots appear in some areas of the pot. To remove them, nothing better than using linseed oil, which you can buy at any hardware store.
How to care for clay pots: transplanting
If you have to transplant a plant that is in a terracotta pot, do not be afraid. Although these pots are more fragile than plastic ones, they do not need to be broken to extract the plant. It will be enough to turn it over and hit the base of the pot. Then it is very likely that the plant will detach. In the event that the soil is too tight, you can first stir it a little to loosen it and then turn the pot over.
Remember that it is always possible remove the plant without breaking the potThe essential thing is to have patience to soften the soil and thus separate the roots without damaging the pot.
Protection tips
Before the first frosts of the year occur and the plants have to hibernate, it is best to empty all the pots that contain annual and tropical plants that are not able to withstand the winter. The earth is interesting to keep it in a bucket or plastic container. It is advisable clean the clay pot well and store them upside down or stacked so that they do not accumulate in moisture.
Those that have perennials, shrubs or trees that must be left outside are usually more difficult to maintain if they have the clay pot. The ideal way to learn how to care for clay pots is not to leave the pots on a flat surface in cold weather. Normally the drainage holes are usually blocked and water accumulates, freezing and sticking to the floor of the planter. When you try to use the planter again, move it in spring, the bottom can easily be separated as if someone had cut.
Height is also beneficial for conventional clay pots. Some gardeners find these planters to have a shorter lifespan, so it is advisable to replace them every 3 years.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about how to care for clay pots.
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