My main choice for terracotta are outdoor larger pots. We have catastrophic 115+ heat waves, and i find the insulation protects the roots more. I progressively "overload" the terracotta in the summer, putting them in deep buckets for a few hours to soak. The clay gets very cool and dark, absorbing water. The roots stay much cooler because thru the day water evaporates from the sides of the pot. No water means no cooling evaporation effect! But i get to have nice looking late summer plants. If youre outdoors and using plastic I HIGHLY reccomend using a light color plastic. If the strong summer sun hits black plastic.. I've heatstressed roots to d3ath like that. They have a setting, but I too completely prefer glazed and plastic for indoors. Smaller outdoor plants too (I just bring them in for heatwaves) Great video 🙏🏼💜🌟 love your conversations
I totally disagree, but this video still made me chuckle from the beginning until the end😂 In Italy there’s a reason why we use terracotta for all of our plants. It’s breathable and lets roots and soil breathe during the hot summer months. During the cold and humid winter it saves you from the heartbreak of root rot. It helps so much with the stress of potentially overwatering and easily wicks up moisture for finicky plants that I prefer to bottom water (Alocasia & Calathea). Even with current indoor temperatures of 30 degrees and a fairly chunky soil, I rarely have to water my 80 indoor plants more than once a week. I don’t know what girlies you’re watching, but everyone I follow has their plants in plastic. I find it ugly and unnatural to have a living, breathing thing trapped in plastic. Finally, terracotta perfectly matches our interior here as even the floors are made out of it ☺️
Taking tropical plants out of the ground, and putting them in any pot inside a house hundreds to thousands of miles away from their origin is unnatural lol. I do agree that what he says is not the only way. There's a lot of factors that go into the the environment as well as the pot, soil and light that could make terracotta more appealing and easier than plastic. I lean to plastic with cache pots, but i have a could terracotta as well.
@@Firefenex1996 Well they’re mostly mass-produced and TC’ed nowadays which indeed is very unnatural. Every pro & con of every type of pot can be reversed i.e. plastic pots not leeching out nutrients is a pro, but terracotta will prevent fertilizer burn if you tend to over-do it. There’s no one size fits all, but in my climate terracotta definitely wins.
I grow loads of plants in terracotta and loads in ceramic and plastics. You just need to learn which plants do well in which type of pot. And soil choice matters too!!
@@moiraslater8526 i agree! Knowing which plant do well in certain pots is key but terracotta should not be the standard or starting point. Start off with plastic and explore other options when you have more experience and understanding of plants
No pot is safe if you do not know how to work with it: teracota or plastic, both are equal in that matter. There is no "you must". There's only learning and discovering what works for you by yourself, without the influence of others. That's the most sane and best aproach. @@moiraslater8526
I had so much fun watching this But it is also very true Terracotta can be used, by some, who have the right circumstances and plantcare routine for it But for many of us… it just brings trouble
As someone who grows mature plants almost exclusivity in either terracotta or basalt clay, it's so refreshing to listen to someone lay down opinions without apologizing all over yourself... well done.
You need to show us how you keep those lush Hoyas of yours hydrated and healthy in terracotta pots. And a Hoya care guide for people like me that can’t keep them alive will be much appreciated 😅
Hi! Yes, I agree with all you've said. Most of my pots are plastic and I have been an UNDER WATERER but now I changed the way I water my plants to a more timely manner. Thank you.
I have most of my plants outside in terracotta so they don’t get root rot in the rainy months. But I keep my indoor plants in plastic liners inside of ceramic cover pots to suit my decor. All are thriving happily. I still found this video informative and entertaining. Thank you and please do one on ceramic pots 💚
Oh gosh. I tick so many…. I am sloooowwwwly switching from mostly terracotta to mostly ceramic or plastic after having amassed over 200 plants in the last 2 years. I started as an over waterer, but have so many plants now that it is truly impossible to keep up with so many in terracotta. I still prefer some plants in terracotta like you said, a lot of my hoyas and most succulents. Thank you for the information and most of all for being such a pleasure to spend time with. 🤗
When you asked if we have an indoor jungle… I was like “no”🤔 I only have like 30ish. Then you mentioned 10 or more 😮 I was shooked! No wonder my 8 year old says I have like a million plants lol 😆
Hi Ebuka😌🙌I use plastic or ceramic in cache pots for indoors and teracotta for my outdoor cacti. It's true that teracotta simply does dry out tropical plants, and a chunky mix needs to be watered under the tap to completely moisten it otherwise it has huge areas that never get moist. I enjoyed watching and you are a great entertainer😄🤲💞
I learnt that the hard way. Terracotta was killing my plants plus I had to be constantly watering like every other day. I have gotten rid of all my terracotta and my plants are doing so well. Thank u for sharing. Glad I found your Chanel.
I actually just got home from buying a large ceramic pot. I was tempted 2 buy a terracotta bc of the price, but didn't like the look. I have 2 go buy 2 more pots. Good thing I saw this video. I'm not home often, so watering frequently doesn't work 4 me. Thank u! 👍🏿😎
I love how they look too ! It’s why I got into them because they appeal to my earthy vibes but i mostly use them now as cover pots or entire for my succulent plants !
For anything that isn’t a succulent in my case, I tend to use them as cover pots especially for heavy moss pole plants. I adore the weathered look they get over time.
I agree 100% with you! This is especially true for me in the winter because I have forced air as my heat source and my plants completely dry out in terracotta pots in as little as 3 days. I switched to plastic and ceramic glazed pots and haven't had an issue with underwatering since!
One thing I learned when I moved to the tropics from an arid country, is that houseplants (yes, the indoor jungle type) are very much prone to root rot because of the high humidity. In these conditions, I highly recommend terra cotta pots and a good chunky mix. I find that they're happier to be in the dry end and a good soaking when it's watering day.
Agreed! It’s exactly like this in my humid sub-tropical climate! Too many plastic potted plants have ended up in the graveyard despite very careful watering 😢
Humidity and moisture are not what cause root rot. A lack of aeration is what causes it. Living in Atlanta (very humid), I only used terra cotta with my aloe. My orchids, African violets, Anthuriums, Aglaonemas and other tropical plants thrive in plastic and/or glazed ceramic pots. I use chunky mixes for the orchids and Aglaonemas but just a fast-draining mix for my AVs and other plans. I agree with letting them dry out and soaking on watering day, with the exception of my AVs and orchids.
You are so funny. You make my day. I had my monstera in a terracotta pot the other in a plastic pot. The monstera in a terracotta pot looked miserable transferred, into a plastic pot, she's now happy again. I only use terracotta pots for my cactus & succulents. I love when you bring out the iconic pad, I know things are about to get serious. 😅😅😅❤❤
Terracotta pots can be useful, if employed strategically. For example, for large cacti and succulents , non-porous large pots can make the substrate retain too much moisture at the centre for too long, leading to root rot. I have many of mine in terracotta pots, precisely because they wick away the moisture more quickly. Bearing in mind, though, that I live in a temperate climate. The vast majority of my collection is in plastic or glazed pots, which I do consider the best option in 95% of cases, for the reasons outlined by you.
I use terracotta only for cactus and succulents…..HOWEVER…you have reminded me of a philodendron wendembi I have in terracotta!!!! Been in it for years!! I will be repotting it today!! Thank you Ebuka!!
i live in the south of england where the climate is humid year round due to high rainfall, however my house/most houses are designed to be really dry to prevent mold and any plant i would keep in chunky medium/ terracotta would dry out in a day unless kept in some kind of indoor greenhouse (which is probably why theyre so popular here)
It’s so funny, I saw this and said “who uses terracotta planter inside?” I’ve always seen them outside, but this is new to hear. I agree that you shouldn’t use them inside unless it’s just a decorative purposes.
I currently have 203 plants ..all in terracotta ..chunky ish soil. All doing well i think 🤔. Growing well. .they need watering a lot if the pots on the smaller side .but the bigger ones are not so demanding . However i am a fluffer and fusser and overwaterer so its all gravy baby ..saves them from root rot ..and your 1000% correct , its a bit much in the summer .lol the summer in the uk is pretty short anyway ..
I just buy clear coat and spray the inside of the terracotta pot. Sometimes just the bottoms or the rims. I love the look and I find them at thrift stores for a DOLLAR. But yes, of course you are right!
Haha you are definitely correct! I’m laughing because to be honest I was using them because I wanted to dote on it more 😂 but I have transitioned most of my plants out of terra cotta
I agree I phased terracotta pots out of my house plant collection and only use them for my cactus and succulents outside they do well and it weighs them down so the wind doesn't send them miles away lol
Oh Amen!!! I use absolutely nothing unglazed on the inside. Everything I plant is in a plastic planter that sits in a pretty catchpot. Plastic I can lift up throughout my week and feel the weight to know if something needs water as I walk through the rooms. I do not mess with the terra cotta nightmares or ceramic pots with a unglazed inside that leach out all the moisture in my soil mix. As long as my mix is well draining , not with the huge perlite chunks, and everything thrives. I live in North America and I have Crotons yes I said CROTONS lol that THRIVE simply from planting in plastic and not other media. I just check those chic's in plastic every 4 days to see they dont get too dry and they are having a plant dance party from happiness from not being put in the wrong planters. Also I bottom water my plants in a rubbermaid under the bed storage container. I put it in the tub add water and my fert. give it a stir and let them sit and soak for a while.
Exactly!! You have cracked the code! Plastic really is the best at the end of the day and very versatile! And what you said about the soil mix is very important
Terracotta pots are excellent for cuttings and plants that need to dry out. I used a glazed terracotta pot and it rotted two monsteras and a Fiddle fig leaf. Never use a glazed pot.
I do believe terracotta has a time and place but my environment ain’t it sis. For most of my plants I have made the switch to plastic after my irrational fear of anything but terracotta killing my plants. Years later and they are still doing fine. As always, love the energy you bring and the info you share!
I must agree, I placed the majority of my plants outside for the spring and the summer. There has been downpours at least4 days of every week since April. My outdoor plants are soaked and they look beautiful. They are mostly in plastic and glazed pots.
The only plants I'd keep in terra cotta is certain hoyas but I wouldn't use for anything else. I find it's better to use deeper plastic deli cups or containers with no drainage holes. Deli cups are cheap and see through so you can see root development and keep an eye on water reservoir. I fill the bottom third with leca for reservoir then the rest with fast draining soil mix. I water until reservoir is filled and don't water again until reservoir depletes. The soil mix I use allows for evaporated water to create a humid environment in the soil with plenty of air pockets so the plants roots stay moist but the moisture to air ratio is ideal. I've found this saves water and allows for the roots to naturally reach downward as the water reservoir depletes.
I only have plants in terracotta if it is a desert type of plant. Most of my other plants are in self watering pots and I use pon, lecca or a chunky mix with water retention medium. I don’t care to water often and doing what do helps so much. It is overwhelming to water often. I even can just enjoy their beauty more and I’m not stressed out.
Hi Ebuka ❤ I kind of understood some time ago about what you’re saying; I moved many of my plants to plastic because many of the were in my terracotta pots 🌵 only I’ve left the cactus in them but still I do not water them much as here where I live it is very humid 😅 I love your ideas 😊 thank you so much, this is so real !
I only use terracotta as a makeshift olla or a terraplanter. I prefer keeping my plants in plastic, terracotta looks unsightly after a while. Also, I love that you emphasize that water is not the enemy. I had several plants in pots outdoors when it rained very frequently for a couple of weeks. My babies were thriving. I was worried of the scary monster that is root rot. Even my succulents are still doing great! Even though I was hoping some would just keel over and die!
This Canadian girlie (it's not hot here LOL) uses terra cotta for true desert cacti, a COUPLE jungle cacti (not most of them), a COUPLE hoya (very thick leaved ones in large pots), and Peperomia. I do find the Peperomia need a quick wet/dry cycle to thrive, but that means more frequent watering. I've lost some succulents due to underwatering so I keep them in plastic only now. And when I use a chunky mix, it's still at least 1/2 to 2/3 soil.
I have many Calathea plastic pots for the win 💪 I would add to your list that they are difficult to disinfect (changing plants or unwanted ones). The roots stick to the pot and are pulled out when repotting the plant 🫠 Thank to say the true 🙌💛🇨🇦
I loooooooove watering plants multiple times a week, so I put them in terracotta so they don’t drown 😂 I do top and bottom water for my terracotta though. Essentially watering the plant and the terracotta so it doesn’t pull too much from the soil. Then as the terracotta dries and lightens in color I know it’s time to water
Thank you for the video Ebuka, it’s really really refreshing and interesting to get an opinion that is somewhat different from the formula everyone repeats like a prayer these days 😅 it’s funny, only earlier today, while watering my outside garden, I was pondering on how lack of water is what will surely kill a plant outside, but inside we dread overwatering 🤔 can we talk about the root rot and overwatering though? Does it all come down to the lack of light inside our homes then, and as long as you’re able to provide adequate light for your plants, you don’t have to obsess about overwatering them? And what about all of ‘insert plant name’ likes to dry out in between waterings advice we get online? It’s so confusing 😬 it would be so nice to have your opinion (and maybe a video?) on light and watering, actually 😬 Also, I’ve been loving your content lately, thank you so much for your work ❤
Thank you for this ! Oh let me grab my notepad, I definitely need to get to scripting a video on understanding root rot better ! Will definitely be helpful to a lot of people
I started with terracotta pots as a beginner's owner plan, and I will say this - never again. My plants were chronically dry because the pots drank all the water, and when I overwatered them, I had to wipe the pots non-stop of moisture and mould. Besides, looking at the terracotta I have left for the cacti and succulents, there is a terracotta and a terracotta. One pot is heavier and smoother to the touch and the other is light, rough and makes a hollow sound - this pot drinks all the water until it squeaks 😂
I find these rules do not apply as a whole in your plant collection, but vary plant to plant. For example unless kept hydroponic I cannot keep Dracaena alive except in terra cotta 🤷♀️ The rest of my collection is in plastic. So yes I agree with you there
I grow mostly Hoyas and I notice most of the plant influencers except for HakunaLaPlanta have tiny stunted Hoyas. I think they have too many and don’t water them enough. I don’t agree that Hoya like to dry out. They grow in the rainforest too 💁♀️
I have never used them coz I hate the way they look. They’re so hard to fit into any aesthetic. Very unsightly things, this video has given me more reasons to hate terracotta pots. Love your content ❤️
I only use terracotta pots on succulents or if the plant is prone to root rot. Recently though, I’ve been switching to granite clay pots or basalt clay pots; they’re still porous, looks better & and doesn’t develop the yucky white residue on the outside.
Drainage is key no matter what pot you use. And it also depends on your climate and plant type. Extended life in plastic or non breathable ceramic for succulents and cactus, nope. Thank you Plant Dad for clarifying that. 😎🌵🪴But, if you’re a plant whisperer and your plant babies grow and flourish no matter what you do, do you!
Me who just repotted my new monstera into a chunky aroid mix and a terracotta pot: 👁 👄 👁 But seriously i think you underestimate how long it takes soil to dry in other climates. I live in a northern temperate climate and even in the summer, with chunky aroid soil, AND in a small teracotta pot, it still takes almost a week for the soil to dry out. I cant even do a normal chunky aroid mix because they have too much coir that holds onto too much water. I literally plant them in large bark chunks and giant perlite. And some of them like my flamingo anthurium sometimes i forget to water for months at a time.
Calatheas will definitely prefer ceremic or good ole plastic !! Those girlies are thirsty! Not sure I understand the first part of your comment but pot bound plants will dry out a lot faster in any type of pot
As a lover of terracotta, i was scandalized🤣 but!! I know there's going to be peeps willfully not hearing you because what you're saying makes sense! You have to correct a lot for terra cotta if you're a chunky mix girlie and there's nuances that get lost. Loved this vid babes!
I grow my tropicals in terracota, because terracota breaths and removes excess water by itself by "sweating it out", creating higher humidity levels this way around the plant itself also. It also keeps roots cool, which is an important aspect when growing tropicals coming from high elevations. The important part is what kind of mix you use. If you recreate soil mixes based on soil information avilable through reserch institutes, terracota is the best choice, because it does not have influence on your mix that you recreate. Plastic does influence your mix. It evaporates slower, it has almost non exsitent aeration and therefore water does not come out through it's walls but stays inside on it's walls and goes back to the already wet soil. In epiphytes terracota pots(if you are adamant to grow them in pots, that is) has the closest similarity to how bark/trees behave during rain and tropical winter season. Also, again, aeration. If you experince problems with your tropical plants that are known to be adaptable to house conditions it is not because of a pot of any kind but soil mix used in your surrounding conditions (temeprature, humidity level, your watering schedule, etc.) P.S. Terracota, similar to soil, is a natural filtrate too. It filtrates your water.
I grow orchids and a very "well regarded" plant influncer who has a large orchid channel recommended terracotta orchid pots, I was determined to give my plants the best and purchased a few of these pots. I tried one orchid in a teracotta orchid pot and it wicked so much water away from the plant it almost died, it has taken 2 whole years for that plant to recover enough fo put out a flower spike.
I have a west facing window, and yes a mini indoor jungle haha but even my cactii don't like the terracotta. The most porous pot I have is concrete. It tends to store the moisture though, so as a catch pot it's been nice for more sensitive plants. Still, you can't beat glazed ceramic pots. They come in such a beautiful variety and elevate your plants so much! I love your video!
If you're not growing a cactus garden he is right, so reuse those yogurt, cottage cheese containers as a liner. Oh yeah I have 28 -30 plants spread out in my home, some are in terra cotta lined with plastic nursery pots thank you for the info on plants rooted in water😊
I agree to an extent because terracotta pots are amazing for philonopsis orchids and cat die. Ever since I changed my Philenopses orchids to terricotta pots I'd never Worry about overwatering again and I live In the tropics.
I live in a very dry climate so the only plants that I grow in terra cotta are cactus. I grow my houseplants in ceramic pots and use a well draining (but not chunky)soil. None of my houseplants are allowed to be continuously moist, I let the soil get a little more on the dry side and then water very thoroughly. I don’t like a super chunky soil mix, it just doesn’t hold enough moisture or nutrients.
I use terracotta in my aquariums, small pots make nice (and cheap) hides for timid fishies. After terracotta almost killed my favorite plant I quit using it for plants lol. Ceramic looks prettier anyway imo.
The more I learn the more I realize there are so many factors to consider. I love the look of terracotta, but my plants do better in glazed cermanic or well draining nursery pots. In terracotta, my soil either stays soaked or quickly gets bone dry. No inbetween. it might be my climate combned with my watering habits but man...
“terms & conditions”. 😂😂😂I love terracotta pots and how the pots patina. However when I switched to terra they all died. I was so upset! The ones in plastic and ceramic stayed alive and are thriving. So I must say I’m not the real reason they died. My self esteem returned. LOL. So I’m using them as cover pots. Unless it’s a succulent. I think lighting in your home is a big factor as well I’m learning. 😮
Sober Plant Guy gave you a shout out in his latest video, “skip the trendy divas.”I had to let you know! Time stamp around 20:20! He just started plant videos!
I don’t have an issue with gnats at all , I’ve only encountered them when I used a popular branded soil mix. If your soil is free from gnat eggs they wont suddenly appear on moist soil. Also aeration and drainage certainly helps.
I got more gnats in terracotta believe it or not. I think it may have had to do with fungus. Mold needs oxygen to grow and my terracotta pots always have more mold than glazed pots. I know this is contrary to what we hear, but that was my experience.
@TheMillennialPlantDad Ah, I see. When I began my indoor plant journey, I had such a gnat infestation that I considered throwing away plants. I didn't know about gnats so by the time I realised these things flying around were not fruit flies, I was over taken by gnats. I stopped buying plants so I could get a hang of watering the collection I had. Letting the soil dry up between waterings solved the problem. It's been 4yrs and I have had no problem with gnats. I've learned that there's many variables I need to pay attention to. My collection has only increased by propagation as I have not added to what I have.
I love terracotta pots and 90% of my houseplants are in terracotta. There is far too much plastic in the world so I try and avoid it. If you’re really worried about the porous nature of terracotta pots you can seal them quite easily.
I love that you are challenging the established norms! Everything you said makes absolute sense!
Oh thank you … we do like the challenge these norms occasionally on this page ! 💚
My main choice for terracotta are outdoor larger pots. We have catastrophic 115+ heat waves, and i find the insulation protects the roots more. I progressively "overload" the terracotta in the summer, putting them in deep buckets for a few hours to soak. The clay gets very cool and dark, absorbing water. The roots stay much cooler because thru the day water evaporates from the sides of the pot. No water means no cooling evaporation effect! But i get to have nice looking late summer plants.
If youre outdoors and using plastic I HIGHLY reccomend using a light color plastic. If the strong summer sun hits black plastic.. I've heatstressed roots to d3ath like that.
They have a setting, but I too completely prefer glazed and plastic for indoors. Smaller outdoor plants too (I just bring them in for heatwaves) Great video 🙏🏼💜🌟 love your conversations
I totally disagree, but this video still made me chuckle from the beginning until the end😂 In Italy there’s a reason why we use terracotta for all of our plants. It’s breathable and lets roots and soil breathe during the hot summer months. During the cold and humid winter it saves you from the heartbreak of root rot. It helps so much with the stress of potentially overwatering and easily wicks up moisture for finicky plants that I prefer to bottom water (Alocasia & Calathea). Even with current indoor temperatures of 30 degrees and a fairly chunky soil, I rarely have to water my 80 indoor plants more than once a week. I don’t know what girlies you’re watching, but everyone I follow has their plants in plastic. I find it ugly and unnatural to have a living, breathing thing trapped in plastic. Finally, terracotta perfectly matches our interior here as even the floors are made out of it ☺️
Taking tropical plants out of the ground, and putting them in any pot inside a house hundreds to thousands of miles away from their origin is unnatural lol.
I do agree that what he says is not the only way. There's a lot of factors that go into the the environment as well as the pot, soil and light that could make terracotta more appealing and easier than plastic. I lean to plastic with cache pots, but i have a could terracotta as well.
@@Firefenex1996 Well they’re mostly mass-produced and TC’ed nowadays which indeed is very unnatural. Every pro & con of every type of pot can be reversed i.e. plastic pots not leeching out nutrients is a pro, but terracotta will prevent fertilizer burn if you tend to over-do it. There’s no one size fits all, but in my climate terracotta definitely wins.
I only use my succulent like plants, snake type & Others😊
I grow loads of plants in terracotta and loads in ceramic and plastics. You just need to learn which plants do well in which type of pot. And soil choice matters too!!
@@moiraslater8526 i agree! Knowing which plant do well in certain pots is key but terracotta should not be the standard or starting point. Start off with plastic and explore other options when you have more experience and understanding of plants
@@TheMillennialPlantDadyes indeed, I think plastic is a safer bet until you learn more about plant types and learn to see their needs.
No pot is safe if you do not know how to work with it: teracota or plastic, both are equal in that matter. There is no "you must". There's only learning and discovering what works for you by yourself, without the influence of others. That's the most sane and best aproach. @@moiraslater8526
I like pretty designed Terracotta Pots. My Jungle is Gorgeous. I lined the pot with coco coir liners for plants that need moisture.🪴
Oh my 😮... me and my terra cotta pots are feeling judged and clutching our pearls over here! 😂😂😂❤
I had so much fun watching this
But it is also very true
Terracotta can be used, by some, who have the right circumstances and plantcare routine for it
But for many of us… it just brings trouble
You summed it up so nicely! So glad you enjoyed watching this video and thanks for engaging 😊
As someone who grows mature plants almost exclusivity in either terracotta or basalt clay, it's so refreshing to listen to someone lay down opinions without apologizing all over yourself... well done.
God I love you. 🤗
Me too !!
You need to show us how you keep those lush Hoyas of yours hydrated and healthy in terracotta pots. And a Hoya care guide for people like me that can’t keep them alive will be much appreciated 😅
@@TheMillennialPlantDad He’s promised a Hoya care video…. Looking forward to it. I love both of you! Yay! I feel surrounded by celebrities! 🤣 🤗
@Suadade1983 not celebrities 🤣🤣. Gurl please 😅
Hi! Yes, I agree with all you've said. Most of my pots are plastic and I have been an UNDER WATERER but now I changed the way I water my plants to a more timely manner. Thank you.
I have most of my plants outside in terracotta so they don’t get root rot in the rainy months. But I keep my indoor plants in plastic liners inside of ceramic cover pots to suit my decor. All are thriving happily. I still found this video informative and entertaining. Thank you and please do one on ceramic pots 💚
Wake up sis Ebuka posted ❤. Would love a video on water roots vs soil roots and how to go from propagating to pots!
Ohh I’ll see how I can set that uppppp
Oh gosh. I tick so many…. I am sloooowwwwly switching from mostly terracotta to mostly ceramic or plastic after having amassed over 200 plants in the last 2 years. I started as an over waterer, but have so many plants now that it is truly impossible to keep up with so many in terracotta. I still prefer some plants in terracotta like you said, a lot of my hoyas and most succulents. Thank you for the information and most of all for being such a pleasure to spend time with. 🤗
Thank you for watching and engaging 💚💚💚
When you asked if we have an indoor jungle… I was like “no”🤔 I only have like 30ish. Then you mentioned 10 or more 😮 I was shooked! No wonder my 8 year old says I have like a million plants lol 😆
😂😂😂😂 you certainly have a jungle
Noted 📝, would love to see a video on the benefits of ceramic :)
Hi Ebuka😌🙌I use plastic or ceramic in cache pots for indoors and teracotta for my outdoor cacti. It's true that teracotta simply does dry out tropical plants, and a chunky mix needs to be watered under the tap to completely moisten it otherwise it has huge areas that never get moist. I enjoyed watching and you are a great entertainer😄🤲💞
My hoya, cactus and succulents love terracotta pots in fact they are perfect for them.
❤You are as completely entertaining as you are informative ...thanks for sharing all your terra cotta knowledge with us. Knowledge is POWER❤
I learnt that the hard way. Terracotta was killing my plants plus I had to be constantly watering like every other day. I have gotten rid of all my terracotta and my plants are doing so well. Thank u for sharing. Glad I found your Chanel.
I actually just got home from buying a large ceramic pot. I was tempted 2 buy a terracotta bc of the price, but didn't like the look. I have 2 go buy 2 more pots. Good thing I saw this video. I'm not home often, so watering frequently doesn't work 4 me.
Thank u! 👍🏿😎
I love the way terracotta looks, especially when it ages and patinas. I sometimes use them as cover pots because plastic pots aren't so pretty.
I love how they look too ! It’s why I got into them because they appeal to my earthy vibes but i mostly use them now as cover pots or entire for my succulent plants !
For anything that isn’t a succulent in my case, I tend to use them as cover pots especially for heavy moss pole plants. I adore the weathered look they get over time.
@@TheMillennialPlantDad me too
I agree 100% with you!
This is especially true for me in the winter because I have forced air as my heat source and my plants completely dry out in terracotta pots in as little as 3 days.
I switched to plastic and ceramic glazed pots and haven't had an issue with underwatering since!
One thing I learned when I moved to the tropics from an arid country, is that houseplants (yes, the indoor jungle type) are very much prone to root rot because of the high humidity. In these conditions, I highly recommend terra cotta pots and a good chunky mix. I find that they're happier to be in the dry end and a good soaking when it's watering day.
Agreed! It’s exactly like this in my humid sub-tropical climate! Too many plastic potted plants have ended up in the graveyard despite very careful watering 😢
Humidity and moisture are not what cause root rot. A lack of aeration is what causes it. Living in Atlanta (very humid), I only used terra cotta with my aloe. My orchids, African violets, Anthuriums, Aglaonemas and other tropical plants thrive in plastic and/or glazed ceramic pots. I use chunky mixes for the orchids and Aglaonemas but just a fast-draining mix for my AVs and other plans. I agree with letting them dry out and soaking on watering day, with the exception of my AVs and orchids.
You are so funny. You make my day. I had my monstera in a terracotta pot the other in a plastic pot. The monstera in a terracotta pot looked miserable transferred, into a plastic pot, she's now happy again. I only use terracotta pots for my cactus & succulents.
I love when you bring out the iconic pad, I know things are about to get serious. 😅😅😅❤❤
lol you know when that note pad is out , the industry is about to be shooketh ! Glad you moved that monstera to plastic
Ebuka somehow you tap on that terracotta pot without it being annoying. It’s hilarious! 😂
😅😅😅😂thank you
@@TheMillennialPlantDad well done! Lol
Terracotta pots can be useful, if employed strategically. For example, for large cacti and succulents , non-porous large pots can make the substrate retain too much moisture at the centre for too long, leading to root rot. I have many of mine in terracotta pots, precisely because they wick away the moisture more quickly. Bearing in mind, though, that I live in a temperate climate. The vast majority of my collection is in plastic or glazed pots, which I do consider the best option in 95% of cases, for the reasons outlined by you.
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Great advice adding some nuance and logic to widespread plant advice. Also, amazing shirt, you really rock it!
Thank you so much ☺️
I use terracotta only for cactus and succulents…..HOWEVER…you have reminded me of a philodendron wendembi I have in terracotta!!!! Been in it for years!! I will be repotting it today!! Thank you Ebuka!!
Gurl you better go change that poor philodendron lol glad you found this helpful 💚
i live in the south of england where the climate is humid year round due to high rainfall, however my house/most houses are designed to be really dry to prevent mold and any plant i would keep in chunky medium/ terracotta would dry out in a day unless kept in some kind of indoor greenhouse (which is probably why theyre so popular here)
It’s so funny, I saw this and said “who uses terracotta planter inside?” I’ve always seen them outside, but this is new to hear. I agree that you shouldn’t use them inside unless it’s just a decorative purposes.
I currently have 203 plants ..all in terracotta ..chunky ish soil.
All doing well i think 🤔. Growing well. .they need watering a lot if the pots on the smaller side .but the bigger ones are not so demanding .
However i am a fluffer and fusser and overwaterer so its all gravy baby ..saves them from root rot ..and your 1000% correct , its a bit much in the summer .lol
the summer in the uk is pretty short anyway ..
I just buy clear coat and spray the inside of the terracotta pot. Sometimes just the bottoms or the rims. I love the look and I find them at thrift stores for a DOLLAR. But yes, of course you are right!
My main problem with terra cotta pots is the leaking water ruining my shelves.
Haha you are definitely correct! I’m laughing because to be honest I was using them because I wanted to dote on it more 😂 but I have transitioned most of my plants out of terra cotta
I agree I phased terracotta pots out of my house plant collection and only use them for my cactus and succulents outside they do well and it weighs them down so the wind doesn't send them miles away lol
Oh Amen!!! I use absolutely nothing unglazed on the inside. Everything I plant is in a plastic planter that sits in a pretty catchpot. Plastic I can lift up throughout my week and feel the weight to know if something needs water as I walk through the rooms. I do not mess with the terra cotta nightmares or ceramic pots with a unglazed inside that leach out all the moisture in my soil mix. As long as my mix is well draining , not with the huge perlite chunks, and everything thrives. I live in North America and I have Crotons yes I said CROTONS lol that THRIVE simply from planting in plastic and not other media. I just check those chic's in plastic every 4 days to see they dont get too dry and they are having a plant dance party from happiness from not being put in the wrong planters. Also I bottom water my plants in a rubbermaid under the bed storage container. I put it in the tub add water and my fert. give it a stir and let them sit and soak for a while.
Exactly!! You have cracked the code! Plastic really is the best at the end of the day and very versatile! And what you said about the soil mix is very important
Terracotta pots are excellent for cuttings and plants that need to dry out. I used a glazed terracotta pot and it rotted two monsteras and a Fiddle fig leaf. Never use a glazed pot.
Do you have an indoor jungle? No not very many maybe pushing 60 lol I love the effects in your videos 😂
I do believe terracotta has a time and place but my environment ain’t it sis. For most of my plants I have made the switch to plastic after my irrational fear of anything but terracotta killing my plants. Years later and they are still doing fine.
As always, love the energy you bring and the info you share!
Omg🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️now I gotta change my pots😂😂😂😂😂Thank you for this info and I’m thinking it’s me all the time😂😂😂😂😂
Oops oh dear well I’m glad now you know what the problem is
I must agree, I placed the majority of my plants outside for the spring and the summer. There has been downpours at least4 days of every week since April. My outdoor plants are soaked and they look beautiful. They are mostly in plastic and glazed pots.
The only plants I'd keep in terra cotta is certain hoyas but I wouldn't use for anything else. I find it's better to use deeper plastic deli cups or containers with no drainage holes. Deli cups are cheap and see through so you can see root development and keep an eye on water reservoir. I fill the bottom third with leca for reservoir then the rest with fast draining soil mix. I water until reservoir is filled and don't water again until reservoir depletes. The soil mix I use allows for evaporated water to create a humid environment in the soil with plenty of air pockets so the plants roots stay moist but the moisture to air ratio is ideal. I've found this saves water and allows for the roots to naturally reach downward as the water reservoir depletes.
I only have plants in terracotta if it is a desert type of plant. Most of my other plants are in self watering pots and I use pon, lecca or a chunky mix with water retention medium. I don’t care to water often and doing what do helps so much. It is overwhelming to water often. I even can just enjoy their beauty more and I’m not stressed out.
Thank you for sharing very good advice have a great day happy planting ♥♥😎😎🌹🌹
Thank you ☺️
Babes don’t be judging me!! lol
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chunky mix! yep, you got us! I'd love a ceramic video, I recently got mold with them.
Hi Ebuka ❤ I kind of understood some time ago about what you’re saying; I moved many of my plants to plastic because many of the were in my terracotta pots 🌵 only I’ve left the cactus in them but still I do not water them much as here where I live it is very humid 😅
I love your ideas 😊 thank you so much, this is so real !
Smart of you to do so! Terracotta pots are great outdoors in very humid and rainy areas , anything outside of that will prove daunting
I only use terracotta as a makeshift olla or a terraplanter. I prefer keeping my plants in plastic, terracotta looks unsightly after a while. Also, I love that you emphasize that water is not the enemy.
I had several plants in pots outdoors when it rained very frequently for a couple of weeks. My babies were thriving. I was worried of the scary monster that is root rot. Even my succulents are still doing great! Even though I was hoping some would just keel over and die!
You make my day. ❤❤ I'm in Texas and it's hot as the devil's breath. 🥵
Thank you ! Oh dear I can imagine!! Certainly not wise to use terracotta pots in those conditions
This Canadian girlie (it's not hot here LOL) uses terra cotta for true desert cacti, a COUPLE jungle cacti (not most of them), a COUPLE hoya (very thick leaved ones in large pots), and Peperomia. I do find the Peperomia need a quick wet/dry cycle to thrive, but that means more frequent watering. I've lost some succulents due to underwatering so I keep them in plastic only now. And when I use a chunky mix, it's still at least 1/2 to 2/3 soil.
We love a smart and practical Canadian girlie 👏👏👏👏
It's always the iconic notepad for me.
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Totally agree! Plus they are heavy, easy to crack and dirty.
I have many Calathea plastic pots for the win 💪 I would add to your list that they are difficult to disinfect (changing plants or unwanted ones). The roots stick to the pot and are pulled out when repotting the plant 🫠
Thank to say the true 🙌💛🇨🇦
I only grow cacti and succulents in terracotta, so mostly I agree with you!
This was some really great information ❤❤
I loooooooove watering plants multiple times a week, so I put them in terracotta so they don’t drown 😂 I do top and bottom water for my terracotta though. Essentially watering the plant and the terracotta so it doesn’t pull too much from the soil. Then as the terracotta dries and lightens in color I know it’s time to water
Oh well terracotta was definitely made for the girlies like you! Not for the rest of us 😅😅
Thank you for the video Ebuka, it’s really really refreshing and interesting to get an opinion that is somewhat different from the formula everyone repeats like a prayer these days 😅 it’s funny, only earlier today, while watering my outside garden, I was pondering on how lack of water is what will surely kill a plant outside, but inside we dread overwatering 🤔 can we talk about the root rot and overwatering though? Does it all come down to the lack of light inside our homes then, and as long as you’re able to provide adequate light for your plants, you don’t have to obsess about overwatering them? And what about all of ‘insert plant name’ likes to dry out in between waterings advice we get online? It’s so confusing 😬 it would be so nice to have your opinion (and maybe a video?) on light and watering, actually 😬
Also, I’ve been loving your content lately, thank you so much for your work ❤
Thank you for this ! Oh let me grab my notepad, I definitely need to get to scripting a video on understanding root rot better ! Will definitely be helpful to a lot of people
Omg you are too funny I love it! “Too chunky “.. us Americana girlies 😂😂
Total in agreement 😊
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When I just started with plants, I was such an overwaterer terracotta was the only way my plants survived 😅
Oh that are certainly great for overwaterers !
I started with terracotta pots as a beginner's owner plan, and I will say this - never again. My plants were chronically dry because the pots drank all the water, and when I overwatered them, I had to wipe the pots non-stop of moisture and mould.
Besides, looking at the terracotta I have left for the cacti and succulents, there is a terracotta and a terracotta. One pot is heavier and smoother to the touch and the other is light, rough and makes a hollow sound - this pot drinks all the water until it squeaks 😂
I find these rules do not apply as a whole in your plant collection, but vary plant to plant. For example unless kept hydroponic I cannot keep Dracaena alive except in terra cotta 🤷♀️
The rest of my collection is in plastic. So yes I agree with you there
I grow mostly Hoyas and I notice most of the plant influencers except for HakunaLaPlanta have tiny stunted Hoyas. I think they have too many and don’t water them enough. I don’t agree that Hoya like to dry out. They grow in the rainforest too 💁♀️
I have never used them coz I hate the way they look. They’re so hard to fit into any aesthetic. Very unsightly things, this video has given me more reasons to hate terracotta pots. Love your content ❤️
lol I do love the way they look actually. That’s what got me hooked on them at first . But yeah certainly should be used with caution and experience
I’ve got over 100 plants and I totally agree with you!
OMG.... Ebuka is so extra.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.Now that was a sermon
I only use terracotta pots on succulents or if the plant is prone to root rot. Recently though, I’ve been switching to granite clay pots or basalt clay pots; they’re still porous, looks better & and doesn’t develop the yucky white residue on the outside.
Drainage is key no matter what pot you use. And it also depends on your climate and plant type. Extended life in plastic or non breathable ceramic for succulents and cactus, nope. Thank you Plant Dad for clarifying that. 😎🌵🪴But, if you’re a plant whisperer and your plant babies grow and flourish no matter what you do, do you!
Me who just repotted my new monstera into a chunky aroid mix and a terracotta pot: 👁 👄 👁
But seriously i think you underestimate how long it takes soil to dry in other climates. I live in a northern temperate climate and even in the summer, with chunky aroid soil, AND in a small teracotta pot, it still takes almost a week for the soil to dry out.
I cant even do a normal chunky aroid mix because they have too much coir that holds onto too much water. I literally plant them in large bark chunks and giant perlite. And some of them like my flamingo anthurium sometimes i forget to water for months at a time.
Does it make a difference whether the house plants are pot bound or over potted? How about pots for calatheas?
Calatheas will definitely prefer ceremic or good ole plastic !! Those girlies are thirsty! Not sure I understand the first part of your comment but pot bound plants will dry out a lot faster in any type of pot
@@TheMillennialPlantDad Pot bound means that the plant is too big for the pot. Over potted means that the pot is too big for the plant.
I laughed through this whole video😂🤣. How can i not follow you cause my plants are struggling
As a lover of terracotta, i was scandalized🤣 but!! I know there's going to be peeps willfully not hearing you because what you're saying makes sense! You have to correct a lot for terra cotta if you're a chunky mix girlie and there's nuances that get lost. Loved this vid babes!
I grow my tropicals in terracota, because terracota breaths and removes excess water by itself by "sweating it out", creating higher humidity levels this way around the plant itself also. It also keeps roots cool, which is an important aspect when growing tropicals coming from high elevations. The important part is what kind of mix you use. If you recreate soil mixes based on soil information avilable through reserch institutes, terracota is the best choice, because it does not have influence on your mix that you recreate. Plastic does influence your mix. It evaporates slower, it has almost non exsitent aeration and therefore water does not come out through it's walls but stays inside on it's walls and goes back to the already wet soil.
In epiphytes terracota pots(if you are adamant to grow them in pots, that is) has the closest similarity to how bark/trees behave during rain and tropical winter season. Also, again, aeration.
If you experince problems with your tropical plants that are known to be adaptable to house conditions it is not because of a pot of any kind but soil mix used in your surrounding conditions (temeprature, humidity level, your watering schedule, etc.)
P.S. Terracota, similar to soil, is a natural filtrate too. It filtrates your water.
I'm a more than 10 plant inside girlie, so I use plastic pots for my sanity lol.
I grow orchids and a very "well regarded" plant influncer who has a large orchid channel recommended terracotta orchid pots, I was determined to give my plants the best and purchased a few of these pots. I tried one orchid in a teracotta orchid pot and it wicked so much water away from the plant it almost died, it has taken 2 whole years for that plant to recover enough fo put out a flower spike.
Yikes!!
I live in Michigan it is cold here a lot of the year.
I have a west facing window, and yes a mini indoor jungle haha but even my cactii don't like the terracotta. The most porous pot I have is concrete. It tends to store the moisture though, so as a catch pot it's been nice for more sensitive plants. Still, you can't beat glazed ceramic pots. They come in such a beautiful variety and elevate your plants so much! I love your video!
Thanks for watching babes !!
If you're not growing a cactus garden he is right, so reuse those yogurt, cottage cheese containers as a liner. Oh yeah I have 28 -30 plants spread out in my home, some are in terra cotta lined with plastic nursery pots thank you for the info on plants rooted in water😊
The DOGS!!! 😂 😂 😂 I thought some poor lady was being kidnapped!
I learned the hard way- have to find glazed terra cotta pots fr my precious plants to survive
Yes !! Glazed is the way to go
I don’t own one plant because I don’t like Nats. I couldn’t stop watching from laughing at all the shade 😎😂
I agree to an extent because terracotta pots are amazing for philonopsis orchids and cat die. Ever since I changed my Philenopses orchids to terricotta pots I'd never Worry about overwatering again and I live In the tropics.
Sir I live in the pacific north west RH is 75% at average 50F my soul moulds without chunky soil and shallow pots.
I live in a very dry climate so the only plants that I grow in terra cotta are cactus. I grow my houseplants in ceramic pots and use a well draining (but not chunky)soil. None of my houseplants are allowed to be continuously moist, I let the soil get a little more on the dry side and then water very thoroughly. I don’t like a super chunky soil mix, it just doesn’t hold enough moisture or nutrients.
I just switched mine back to plastic clay pots were killing my plants roots
I DIG your outfit 🤙🤙🤙
0:46 right! 0:56
I use terracotta in my aquariums, small pots make nice (and cheap) hides for timid fishies. After terracotta almost killed my favorite plant I quit using it for plants lol. Ceramic looks prettier anyway imo.
That’s such a cute idea
I agree. I think clay pots would be OK for my hoyas and cactus, but I don't use them.
The more I learn the more I realize there are so many factors to consider. I love the look of terracotta, but my plants do better in glazed cermanic or well draining nursery pots. In terracotta, my soil either stays soaked or quickly gets bone dry. No inbetween. it might be my climate combned with my watering habits but man...
I'm in the Caribbean and I'm feeling so judged right now..😂😂😂
“terms & conditions”. 😂😂😂I love terracotta pots and how the pots patina. However when I switched to terra they all died. I was so upset! The ones in plastic and ceramic stayed alive and are thriving. So I must say I’m not the real reason they died. My self esteem returned. LOL. So I’m using them as cover pots. Unless it’s a succulent. I think lighting in your home is a big factor as well I’m learning. 😮
Sober Plant Guy gave you a shout out in his latest video, “skip the trendy divas.”I had to let you know! Time stamp around 20:20! He just started plant videos!
Can I glaze my Terracotta Pots and then still use them?
Absolutely! You can even paint them too . That also helps to seal the pores
I'm an overwaterer so my thinking was clay pots would balance it out🤔
I had 2 prayer plants in terra cotta.. one died, one is back in plastic and thriving!
Gnats like moist conditions, doesn’t this approach encourage gnats?
I don’t have an issue with gnats at all , I’ve only encountered them when I used a popular branded soil mix. If your soil is free from gnat eggs they wont suddenly appear on moist soil. Also aeration and drainage certainly helps.
I got more gnats in terracotta believe it or not. I think it may have had to do with fungus. Mold needs oxygen to grow and my terracotta pots always have more mold than glazed pots. I know this is contrary to what we hear, but that was my experience.
@TheMillennialPlantDad Ah, I see. When I began my indoor plant journey, I had such a gnat infestation that I considered throwing away plants. I didn't know about gnats so by the time I realised these things flying around were not fruit flies, I was over taken by gnats.
I stopped buying plants so I could get a hang of watering the collection I had. Letting the soil dry up between waterings solved the problem. It's been 4yrs and I have had no problem with gnats. I've learned that there's many variables I need to pay attention to. My collection has only increased by propagation as I have not added to what I have.
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I love terracotta pots and 90% of my houseplants are in terracotta. There is far too much plastic in the world so I try and avoid it. If you’re really worried about the porous nature of terracotta pots you can seal them quite easily.
Facts
Purrr 💅
I'm lazy, everything is in self watering pots 🤣
lol i would do that too for all my plants if they weren’t so darn expensive here
@@TheMillennialPlantDad I just use pumice as substrate, it's cheap here since we're next to Indonesia (land of the volcanoes) 😁
Oh that’s true ! Y’all are lucky !