‘Terracotta’ comes from the Italian words for ‘baked earth’ and pots made from this clay come in all shapes and sizes, making a great way to bring plants all together for a cohesive display. With the emerging trend of the arts and craft movement of interior design, we’ve enjoyed seeing trends unfold on Instagram - including the renaissance of macramé hangers, which work beautifully with terracotta pots, whether with a succulent, bushy or trailing plant inside.
Terracotta gives an earthy, organic look to your collection of indoor plants and the best part? They’re so affordable!
Here's some eye candy from Instagram:
Why we love terracotta pots:
1. They’re natural – like plants themselves
2. They’re affordable – pick up at any nursery or hardware store for as little as $1.50 for small pots
3. They come in a plastic version for larger pots or with self-watering systems that you can incorporate in the mix – making it easier to lift and move your plants or take them with your when you move
4. They match with anything – mix and match with one another or with coloured pots for a textural display and an earthy touch to your interiors
Display tips
Group an odd number together in various shapes and sizes for an eye-catching display. You can swap plants out of your vignette from time to time for visits outside in the sun, or for a good drenching with the hose. Have a grouping of terracotta pots on your balcony or patio where plants can rotate to and from.
Water wise
Terracotta is a porous substance so water leaches through the clay and allows airflow to the soil within, creating a desirable natural environment for your plant. The natural minerals and salts in the clay often leave a residue on the outside of the pot, creating a lovely patina as the pot ages.
Watering is required with this in mind however, as water will evaporate away from your plant more quickly than in a pot made from plastic or fiberglass, or from a terracotta or ceramic pot that has been sealed with a glazed finish.
Related:
Outdoor decorating: How to choose pots for your garden
