Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
What’s new in pots Find the container for any plant, from terracotta to terrazzo
TERRACOTTA PROS Being porous, the potting mix dries out very fast, making them suitable for succulents or Mediterranean plants. They age beautifully, developing a rustic tone over time.
CONS For water-loving plants, it means you need to water more often. Or, seal the inside of the pot with a purpose-designed product from a garden centre. They crack and break easily, either by being knocked over or by heavy frosts. Larger pots are very heavy.
GLAZED CLAY
PROS Moisture loss is reduced. You can introduce a range of colours and patterns to your indoors.
CONS They crack and break easily, but can weather heavy frosts.
PLASTIC
PROS They’re affordable, lightweight, retain moisture and are unbreakable.
CONS They degrade quickly, especially in the sun. Dark-coloured pots get very hot and can damage roots.
TERRAZZO
PROS Made from a composite of marble, quartz, granite and glass bound together with a cement or epoxy material, their light weight enables them to be made into large troughs and containers. They’re available in many colours and patterns.
CONS Can be expensive.
CONCRETE
PROS This good insulator is suitable for extreme climate conditions. Being porous the pots suit succulent or Mediterranean plants. They come in large sizes so can fit small trees and large shrubs.
CONS They have a high lime content so not suited to plants requiring acidic conditions. Larger planters are heavy.
COMPOSITE
PROS Made of crushed glass, cement, stone, clay or other materials held together with resin, they’re weatherresistant, lightweight and durable. Pots can be glazed or dull and come in a range of patterns and colours.
CONS Can be expensive.
METAL
PROS They’re stylish, light and durable.
CONS Prone to overheating, which can damage roots. Best put where they’re not exposed to direct sunlight, which limits you to shade-loving plants. ■