Terracotta is porous and absorbent. As such, it allows plants to breathe more than what other materials would allow, such as fibreglass. It also absorbs water from the soil, which dries out the soil quicker, making it an ideal container for plants that thrive in dry conditions. Succulents like aloe vera and haworthia are drought-resistant and an excellent choice for terracotta containers.

Terracotta pots are great at creating the perfect environment for your plant to be healthy. As the nature of clay is porous, it allows air and moisture to penetrate it while removing excess moisture from the soil.

So, if you tend to overwater your plants, or have plants that prefer drier soil, terracotta could be more suited to you and your watering habits.

If you tend to wait for your plant to signal to you that they're thirsty, or have plants that like hydrated soil, you might be better off with plastic plant pots. Plastic planters are thinner than clay, offering less insulation and less protection against temperature change.

For a more comprehensive list of materials available for planters, have a look at our planter materials guide.

As we’ve mentioned, clay plant pots are porous and essentially breathe, which means they allow air to pass in and out. The natural salts and minerals from fertiliser and water escape to the outside which causes this white residue to appear on the outside. But don't worry, it is harmless and extremely easy to clean.

Easily, that’s how. Terracotta plants can get white residue over time, however, it is very easy to remove.

Using a simple mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 20 parts water is a cheap and easy way to clean terracotta planters. You can soak your planters for around 30 minutes and then scrub them clean.

Alternatively, you can use warm soapy water. Just remove the excess dirt first so you can focus on getting them spotless.