6 Terracotta Pot Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Plants, According to Gardening Experts

Terracotta pots bring a beautifully rustic look to your plants, and they're incredibly durable. However, before planting your favorite blooms in these vessels, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of. Otherwise, you'll be faced with wilting plants before you know it.

Ahead, we spoke with experts about what issues typically arise when gardening with terracotta pots—and the best ways to fix them. 

Forgetting to Soak the Pots

Terracotta is an incredibly porous material and can quickly zap moisture from new potting soil.

“This shift in moisture can significantly stress a new plant during transplant,” says Adrian Aviles, owner of Athletic Club Flower Shop. “At the shop, we soak new pots in water before using them. We recommend this small but crucial step to prevent initial shock to plants.”

Not Lining the Pots

In addition to pre-soaking pots, line them to prevent the potting soil from drying out. “Use either a plastic bag, pond liner, or a landscaping fabric,” says Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist and gardening expert with Online Turf. “This will keep the soil moist for longer, and only takes a few minutes.”

If you don’t want to use a bag or fabric, then you can keep your plant in its plastic planter and pop that into the terracotta pot. Just make sure any liner you use has drainage holes.

Growing the Wrong Plant

Some plants need consistently moist soil to thrive; you probably shouldn’t plant these in a terracotta pot.

“One of the most common mistakes with terracotta is pairing it with the wrong plant,” says Chris Gravatt, an outdoor gardening merchant with The Home Depot. “Because unglazed clay is highly porous, it pulls moisture directly out of the soil. That means moisture-loving plants, like ferns, can dry out quickly and suffer root stress.”

Stick to planting drought-tolerant plants, like succulents, cacti, or even Mediterranean herbs. Don't forget to check on them during extremely hot weather—even drought-tolerant varieties may need more water when housed in terracotta during the summer.

Leaving Terracotta Outside in the Cold

Terracotta is prone to cracking in freezing temperatures. “The best way to prevent this is to simply move the pots indoors or into your greenhouse,” says Zaber. “If this isn't an option, insulate your pots by wrapping them in bubble wrap, burlap, or horticultural fleece.”

Not Removing Mineral Buildup

While not harmful to the plants inside, it’s not uncommon to see mineral residue buildup on your terracotta pots. “The evaporating hard water or fertilizer can sometimes cause your terracotta pots to develop a white, powdery residue on the outside,” says Zaber.

Zaber recommends wiping the pot down with a damp cloth. If it’s empty, she suggests a mixture of white vinegar and water—use a coarse brush to remove the residue. 

Improper Drainage

If your terracotta pot doesn’t have drainage holes, then don’t plant anything directly into it.

“Some people mistakenly believe that because terracotta is porous, this will help water evaporate,” Aviles says. “However, water will still collect at the bottom, and roots will sit in this water if there is no drainage hole.”

If your terracotta pot doesn’t have drainage holes, use it as a decorative cover and keep your plant in a liner with drainage.