Terracotta or plastic pot?

Got a new plant to go into Egon's cage. I'm debating repotting it into a terracotta or a plastic pot. Currently we use plastic pots, but I've heard an advantage of terracotta is that it will absorb/wick away some of the excess moisture. I need all the help I can get with that! My only concern with the terracotta is the potential for mold or mildew buildup since it's a more porus material. However I've seen threads where people mention using them. Anyone have any experience? Any opinions are appreciated.

werecat said:

Got a new plant to go into Egon's cage. I'm debating repotting it into a terracotta or a plastic pot. Currently we use plastic pots, but I've heard an advantage of terracotta is that it will absorb/wick away some of the excess moisture. I need all the help I can get with that! My only concern with the terracotta is the potential for mold or mildew buildup since it's a more porus material. However I've seen threads where people mention using them. Anyone have any experience? Any opinions are appreciated.

Click to expand...

Hi,
I actually use both in my cages. I have noticed a little growth on the Terracotta pot but it does not look like anything that will bother the Chams. I also pick out what I think looks the best ;-)

werecat said:

Got a new plant to go into Egon's cage. I'm debating repotting it into a terracotta or a plastic pot. Currently we use plastic pots, but I've heard an advantage of terracotta is that it will absorb/wick away some of the excess moisture. I need all the help I can get with that! My only concern with the terracotta is the potential for mold or mildew buildup since it's a more porus material. However I've seen threads where people mention using them. Anyone have any experience? Any opinions are appreciated.

Click to expand...

Terra cotta will help the plant roots dry out but they will also contribute a bit of humidity to the cage as the moisture evaporates. I use them. Soil and water minerals and any plant food you use will eventually stain the surface and they can also grow algae/molds, but that's pretty easy to get rid of. Before potting the plants rinse the pots in hot water and scrub them down. Then as they discolor you can scrub and rinse them again. If you spray any cleaners in the cage be aware that the pots will absorb the chemicals and this might bother your plants.

Great, thanks both of you. I was leaning toward terracotta but wanted a little reassurance that it was a good idea.