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Seal terracotta plant pot

#1 · 10th August 2024, 11:38 am

I want to stop moisture wicking through a terracotta plant pot.

What can I paint inside to seal it?
Would marine varnish work?
cheap easy options please.

#2 · 13th August 2024, 10:27 am

Hi @newmanhard

Thanks for getting in touch. The first thing I'd ask is why you need to seal the pot?

The benefits of terracotta pots for planting is that they are breathable, which helps with both plant roots development and the growing media's bacteria lifecycle which helps plants take up nutrients.

Terracotta pots "breathe" because of their porous nature. Made from natural clay, terracotta undergoes a firing process that leaves tiny pores in the material. These pores allow air and moisture to pass through the walls of the pot, which is what gives terracotta its breathable quality.

This breathability has several benefits for plants:

Aeration The porous structure of terracotta allows air to circulate around the roots, which helps prevent root rot and supports healthy root development.
Moisture Regulation Terracotta pots naturally absorb and release moisture through their walls. This helps to prevent overwatering by allowing excess water to evaporate, making it harder for the soil to become waterlogged.
Temperature Control The porous nature of terracotta also means it can help moderate soil temperature. On hot days, the moisture within the pot can cool the soil as it evaporates, while on cooler days, it can retain warmth.

These properties make terracotta pots a popular choice for gardeners, especially for plants that prefer well-drained soil and good air circulation around their roots.

Hope that helps

Lee Garden Ninja