How to Grow Thriving Plants in Terracotta Pots

A guide to care for your Terracotta planters.

Words and Images courtesy of Bergs Potter

Since Bergs Potter was founded, we’ve been dedicated to discovering the best ways to care for plants and help them thrive. An effective drainage system is essential for the well-being of potted plants, allowing them to reach their full potential. If you’ve chosen a high-quality Bergs Potter pot with a drainage hole and crafted from premium clay, you’re already off to a great start. Here’s a list of tips to help you create the best conditions for your plants as they settle into their new home.

#1 Soak your terracotta pot

Soak the inside and outside of your pot before planting. Your terracotta pot’s colour should gradually change from light to dark. If the colour of your terracotta pot changes when wet, it means it can breathe. It also means that your pot will be able to allow moisture and air into the roots of your plant, resulting in the best growing conditions possible.

#2 Prevent clogging

Before adding soil to your pot, cover the hole in the bottom with a large piece of curved pottery shard to prevent clogging once the pot is filled with soil.

#3 Space to breathe

If you are using a large pot, it’s a good idea to fill a quarter of the pot with a layer of drainage stones (they can be LECA, broken pottery pieces, crocks, or small rocks), which should be placed at the bottom of the pot. This will give the plant’s roots space to breathe.

#4 Preparing for quality soil

Cover the drainage stones with a piece of non-woven fabric to keep the soil from running out when you water your plant. You are now ready to add quality soil.

#5 Soaking the roots

Place the roots in water until they are fully soaked before potting your plant. This ensures they start off well-hydrated, allowing them to focus their energy on settling into their new home.

Èt Voila!

Your potted plant is now ready to move in with you. It will thrive, breathe and grow with its roots solidly grounded in a healthy, beautiful, and durable terracotta pot.

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