Deep South Concepts

When using the Bayou Botany Board, it’s important that you choose the right type of pots for its intended purpose. You will notice in the Display Instructions section that Clay or Terracotta (Terra Cotta) type pots are recommended.  Here I will go a little further into detail because Terracotta is a type of clay pot and there are a couple of other common ones such ceramic.

A) Shape:  We use the reddish-brown clay or terracotta pots for demonstration purposes because everyone can relate to its very common look and shape with a larger diameter at the top, smaller diameter at the bottom and the 1-1/4 to 1-3/8 inch high straight vertical rim.  This is the only shape pot that will hang on a Bayou Botany Board correctly and safely.

B) Size:  Clay pots are some of the heaviest types and they are breakable.  For hanging, it’s important to use the smaller to medium size pots and be careful of the weight inside the pots.  4” to 6” pots are recommended.

C) Design:  Different types of clay flowerpots have different looks, textures and beneficial factors.  Besides having the correct shape and size, the rest of the features are up to you.

Terracotta Clay Pots:   Benefits – 1) They are porous or gas permeable, so gases and water vapors can migrate through the container walls and bottom.  This allows your plants to drain better and provide better fresh air circulation to promote healthier root and plant growth.  2) It keeps the roots cool as water evaporates from the surface.  3) They are very inexpensive.  4) Great for outdoor use.  5) They are perfect for “decorate-it-yourself” projects.  Downfalls – 1) Because these pots are porous, it may be necessary to water the plants more often.  2) If the pots are kept constantly wet, they will deteriorate over time and become more fragile.  3) In the winter, if you allow the water in the pots to freeze, the pots may split.  4) They are not the best for indoor use because of water leakage.  Flowerpot saucers do not fit on the Bayou Botany Board.  So if you are using this type of pot indoors, please consider using a plastic insert to plug the bottom hole and maybe even adding a light layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot before potting the plant to keep the roots from being saturated.  5) These pots are classic with their reddish-brown color and unfinished/unpolished look.  However, they may not be colorful, refined or attractive enough for some palates.  If you decide to paint them, it’s a great idea but the paint will cause the pots to lose its permeability factor.  I wouldn’t recommend painting the bottom or inside surfaces.    

Ceramic and Other Clay Pots:   Benefits – 1) Ceramic and other similar type clay flowerpots offer the greatest selection of colors and designs to brighten up your displays.  2) They are great for indoor use because their walls are waterproof due to them being fired at higher temperatures and then glazed.  That also makes the pots last longer.  3) Ceramic is also a good insulator that will protect the roots from high temperatures.  Downfalls – 1) They are not porous and will lack some degree of O2 circulation to the roots as well as CO2 release.  2) Ceramic pots are known for non-existent or insufficient drain holes.  For outdoor use, please consider having a bottom hole professionally drilled, or try placing a light layer of gravel/pebbles at the bottom of the pot before planting to act as a filter for access water.  Another option is to use the pot as a drip pan for a smaller plastic potted plant insert.  If you choose the latter option, remember to occasionally pour out the access water from the ceramic pot.  3) Pots of this type tend to be a little more expensive than terracotta but very understandable considering the finished product. 

Porcelain and Stoneware:

I don’t know if you will find a porcelain or stoneware flowerpot to fit the Bayou Botany Board but in case you do, both are very impermeable (water proof), more durable, expensive, and designed mostly for indoor displays.  

My opinion on flowerpot types has no relevance to the well-being of your plants.  Different plants grow fuller and healthier in different type pots and environments.  For further information on plants, please consult your local nursery for their expertise.