What Are Terra-cotta Pots?
Baked clay is used to make terra-cotta pots. This earth-based medium’s porous nature allows air and water to enter through the pot’s walls, promoting healthy plants by preventing root rot and disease caused by overwatering. However, this may lead the soil to dry up fast, necessitating additional watering. The terra-cotta pots are the favorite for most gardeners especially for their houseplants, include snake plants. You should know how to taking care this and how to clean it properly.
Cleaning Terra-cotta Pots
Terracotta pots allow you better plant care and a healthier atmosphere for your plants. However, they must be cleaned and maintained properly in order to do so. Clean garden pots and containers imply that your prized plants are off to a good start. To avoid the risk of spreading fungus or mold that might infect fresh plants and harm the pots, I recommend cleaning and sterilizing them at the conclusion of each season.
To Remind
Unless there is a white residue or fungus growth, terra-cotta pots do not need to be cleaned on a regular basis. To avoid fungus and algae growth, thoroughly clean your clay pots. Remove all of the dry dirt with a strong cleaning brush. If you use severe chemicals to kill the fungus, the poisons may stay in the pores and contaminate the plants when you replant. To disinfect and clean the terracotta pots correctly, use any of the procedures listed below.
Use A Vinegar
You can follow these steps:
- 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water by volume Cleaning vinegar or plain white vinegar can be used. Cleaning vinegar contains a higher acidity than regular vinegar, which will aid in breaking up the crusty buildup.
- Soak the clay pots for 30 minutes in the white vinegar solution.
- After that, use the pot brush to scrub away any loose residue.
Use A Bleach
Another method utilizes bleach instead of white vinegar and follows the same steps. However, be cautious because bleach can harm clay pots!
- Bleach and water should be mixed in a 1:10 ratio. Soak the pots for 30 minutes in the mixture. Any fungus or dirt layers on the pot will be removed by soaking it in bleach.
- To finish the cleaning process, mix baking soda and water together. Using both, make a paste and apply it to the pot with a toothbrush.
- It will also clean the pot of any residue or debris. Finally, use dish soap and water to scrub the pot clean of any leftover bacteria or chemicals. Rinse the dish well.
Easy Methods, Right?
Regardless of the method you use for deep cleaning, let the pots out in the open for a few days. It allows the pot to dry completely and remove any remaining chemicals. If you’re intending to keep the cleaned terra-cotta pots for later use, keep them in a garage, shed, or any other dry, above-freezing location. When you plant in terra-cotta pots, you’ll notice that after a while, a white residue forms on the clay pots. Because the terra-cotta pot absorbs the minerals in the soil, this happens.
Care Routine
Hard or salty water deposits can contribute to the formation of the hard white crust. The darkening on the pot’s surface is caused by this process. Although the white residue is not toxic or detrimental to plants, it should be removed because it might act as a breeding ground for fungus, pests, and diseases. Remove the white crust with a toothbrush or fine steel wool after spraying the terracotta pot with hydrogen peroxide. Repeat the method on a regular basis to avoid white residue. Reduce the amount of water you use and set the pot in direct sunshine.