What To Do If You Forgot to Soak Your Terracotta Pots

Terracotta pots are extremely popular for indoor and outdoor planting. Their natural rustic look and excellent drainage make them a go-to choice for many gardeners However, you may have heard that it’s crucial to soak new terracotta pots before using them So what should you do if you forgot this important step?

While pre-soaking is often recommended, there are ways to remedy the situation if you’ve already filled those dry terracotta pots with soil and plants. With a few simple fixes, your plants can still thrive.

Understanding Why Soaking is Advised

The reason soaking terracotta pots is typically suggested is that the porous clay material readily absorbs water. If the pots are dry when you start planting, the recommendation is that they’ll wick away moisture from the soil and new roots before the plant becomes established.

However many experts agree that this really isn’t a major concern. The pots only absorb water for a short time before becoming saturated And well-watered new plantings won’t suffer long-term harm even if the terra cotta does initially draw some moisture away.

While pre-soaking is not mandatory, it can help reduce the risk of dry soil and give you some wiggle room if you forget to water right after potting. But with attentive care, your plants can do just fine in unsoaked pots.

What to Do if Pots Are Already Filled

If your terra cotta pots are already filled and planted, don’t panic. Here are some simple tips to make sure your plants get the moisture they need:

• Water thoroughly – When watering newly planted pots, water until it runs from the drainage holes at the bottom This will saturate the terra cotta Repeat daily for the first few days.

• Add moisture-retention amendments – Mixing materials like coir, peat moss, worm castings, or water absorbing polymers into the soil will help it hold onto more moisture between waterings. Replenish these regularly.

• Use a humidifier – Run a humidifier nearby to add moisture to the surrounding air. This will help offset any moisture lost through the terra cotta while new roots establish.

• Mist frequently – Light misting of plant leaves and soil surface will reduce evaporation and add a bit of supplemental water between deep waterings.

• Mulch – Top off pots with an organic mulch like bark chips to cover the soil surface. This will slow evaporation from the soil while new roots grow.

• Move plants out of sun – Keep new plantings out of direct sun for a few days while the new root system gets its footing. This will reduce drying.

With extra diligence regarding water and soil moisture, your plants should settle in just fine even if those terracotta pots didn’t get pre-soaked before planting.

Should You Soak Pots Before Planting?

While pre-soaking terracotta isn’t strictly necessary, it can be beneficial. Here are some reasons you may want to soak new pots before using them:

• It prevents roots from drying out if you forget to water right after planting.
• Soaking allows you to easily rehydrate any pots that have been sitting empty and completely dried out.
• It helps leach any accumulated salts, dust, or debris out of used pots before reuse.
• The water absorption reaches the entire thickness of the terra cotta evenly.
• Pre-soaking makes the first few waterings more efficient since the pot won’t absorb as much.

If you want to soak terracotta pots before planting, follow these simple steps:

1. Fill pots with water – Place new or used pots in a tub, sink, or bucket and fill with room temperature water so it covers the entire inside and outside of the pot.

2. Let soak – Allow pots to soak for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours. Overnight is ideal if possible.

3. Rinse and drain – Once pots have soaked, rinse off any debris under running water. Turn upside down and allow to fully drain and air out before planting.

4. Plant as normal – Pots are now ready for planting! Soaked terra cotta will be less likely to draw moisture away from fresh soil and roots.

While pre-soaking terracotta pots is often advised, the truth is, it usually makes little difference in the long run. As long as you properly water and care for new plantings in dry pots, your plants should settle in and thrive. So don’t stress too much if you forgot to soak those pots ahead of time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Soaking Pots

How long should you soak new terracotta pots?

Most recommendations are to soak new terracotta pots for 1-24 hours before using. This allows time for the porous clay to become completely saturated. Overnight is ideal, but even one hour offers some benefit.

Do you need to soak used terracotta pots too?

It’s a good idea to soak used terra cotta pots too before replanting. This helps leach any built up salts and debris and allows the pot to fully rehydrate if it was stored dry.

Is it okay if my plants are already planted in dry pots?

Don’t worry if your pots are already planted without soaking first. Just be extra diligent about watering thoroughly each day for the first week until roots establish. The plants will be fine!

Do you have to soak terra cotta pots for outdoor plants?

Soaking before planting in terra cotta is mainly advised for indoor pots. Outdoor plantings have less risk of drying out since rain and ground moisture can permeate the sides and bottom of pots.

Can I soak plastic nursery pots too before planting?

Unlike porous terra cotta, plastic nursery pots do not need any pre-soaking. The plastic does not absorb any meaningful amount of moisture away from the soil.

What Plants Shouldn’t Go In Terracotta Pots?

Plants that like their soil to stay moist might not do well in porous containers because the soil will dry out much faster. Try to avoid putting these plants in terracotta pots:

• Ferns
• Irises
• Cardinal Flowers
• Cannas
• Elephants Ears (Colocasia)
• Calla Lilies
• Creeping Jenny

What Plants Do Well in Terracotta Pots?

Plants that prefer their soil to dry out before watering are best-suited to this natural baked clay material. Some good contenders include:

• Succulents
• Cacti
• Spider Plants
• Pothos
• Snake Plants
• Jade Plants
• Ponytail Palms
• Orchids
• Crotons
• Peperomia
• ZZ Plants

The porous terra cotta allows excess moisture to evaporate, helping keep these plants from getting overwatered. Just be sure to water thoroughly when the soil dries out.

Tips for Caring for Terracotta Pots

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your terracotta pots:

• Allow the pots to fully dry between waterings. Terracotta wicks moisture away, so don’t leave plants sitting in wet soil.

• Add sand, perlite, or gravel to the potting mix to improve drainage. Avoid heavy potting soil blends.

• During hot, dry weather you may need to water more frequently as moisture evaporates through the terra cotta.

• To help retain moisture longer, paint the INSIDE of pots with a food-safe sealant. Never seal the outside.

• Avoid dramatic temperature shifts to prevent cracking. Bring outdoor pots in gradually.

• Clean mineral deposits regularly with white vinegar or lemon juice. Use a plastic scrub brush.

• Disinfect used pots by scrubbing with a 10% bleach solution before re-planting. Rinse well.

• Protect outdoor pots from freezing temperatures by storing in a garage or shed over winter.

With proper care, quality terracotta pots can last for years and provide an excellent growing environment for many popular indoor and outdoor plants. Don’t stress too much if you forget to pre-soak new pots – just be sure to water them thoroughly once planted.