Clay Pot Vs Ceramic Pot

Newer higher grade plastic pots rival clay in terms of variety durability and appearance.

Clay pot vs ceramic pot.

Clay can be thought of in terms of geological raw material which is the foundation product for the firing in the kiln which produces terra cotta and ceramics. The versatility availability economical and reusable nature of clay pots appeal to those with tree hugging sentiments and somewhat tight with a dollar. The debate regarding plastic versus ceramic pots is long standing. That should give us a clue.

Ceramic pots that are often curved in shape at the top make it difficult to repot or change the potting mix. Terra cotta ceramic concrete and other moisture absorbing materials are prone to cracking when the temperature dips. Still clay has a lot of drawbacks. Though they are easier to maintain than cast iron ceramic pots can chip or break more easily.

The word terra cotta itself means baked earth in italian. They are also coated with chemical glazes and enamels. The commercially popular clay pot cooking sets are nowhere close to this one. At a glance you may think a ceramic pot is simply a terracotta pot with a good paint job.

For example clay has chemically bonded water in it which will cause it to slake down disintegrate when a dried clay object is put in water. That s because clay makes a great environment for plants that prefer moderate to dry soil as the porous makeup of clay allows moisture to move in and out of soil through the walls of the planter. Terracotta is widely available there are a large variety of shapes and sizes to choose from and the basic unglazed clay pots are not expensive. However ceramic pots are typically glazed with a coat of lacquer that prevents the soil from drying out at the same speed as it would in an unglazed clay or terracotta planter.

Once heated fired to between 660 and 1470 f 350 and 800 c the clay is converted to ceramic and will never dissolve again. Some gardeners love plastic pots others will only use ceramic or clay. Advertisement this happens when water absorbed into the pot turns to ice. All clay is a ceramic material but there are other ceramic materials as well.

Clay pots have been used for centuries to house plants. For one clay is a heavy material with very little. But as clay is fired at high temperatures silica inclusions align and becomes glass like. Glazed ceramic pots tend to be heavy and are waterproof so hold moisture better.

These go through a mechanized manufacturing process which necessarily uses chemicals. Small delicate pots are often favored by connoisseurs for precise pours and good balance but can look dainty and fragile to the uninitiated. Each type of flower pot has advantages and disadvantages.