Photo: Clay or plastic — Annie Spratt · CC0.
Pot and soil
Clay or plastic
MYTH
A clay pot is better than a plastic one for every plant.
FACT
Clay lets water out through its walls, so the soil in it dries faster than in plastic. Both work – it depends on the plant.
What actually matters
- Clay for drier soilClay suits plants that like their soil on the dry side, such as cacti and succulents. It's also the safer pick if you tend to overwater.
- Plastic for moisture loversPlastic holds water longer, so it suits plants that like steady moisture – and anyone who forgets to water. Glazed ceramic behaves like plastic.
- Orchids: match your habitsIndoors, a plastic pot usually suits an orchid: it stays moist longer. Pick a slotted clay pot if you love to water.
- Soak new clay firstLeave a new clay pot in water overnight before planting. Dry clay pulls water out of fresh potting mix.
- White crust means saltsSalts from the soil seep through clay as a white film and build up on the rim. Leaf stalks resting on the rim can dry out.
Sources: Iowa State Extension, Penn State Extension, NC State Extension, Clemson Extension, Illinois Extension, WSU Extension, American Orchid Society.