Terracotta Pots vs Plastic Planters?
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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INGOFIN 12" Terracotta Pot with Saucer
A classic breathable terracotta pot with saucer that's the natural choice for herbs, succulents and any plant prone to root rot, as long as you accept faster drying and the frost/breakage fragility of clay.
| Type | Terracotta (clay) plant pot |
|---|---|
| Material | Natural fired clay / terra cotta |
| Size | 12" diameter, includes matching saucer |
| Drainage | Bottom drainage hole + porous walls that wick moisture |
| Best for | Herbs, succulents and other plants that hate soggy roots |
Bloem Ariana 20" Self-Watering Resin Patio Planter
An affordable, big-capacity resin patio planter with a simple self-watering disk, best for filling a patio with large plants on a budget without the weight of ceramic.
| Type | Large resin patio planter with self-watering disk |
|---|---|
| Material | UV-protected durable plastic resin |
| Size | 21.5" top dia x 17" H, ~11 gallon capacity |
| Drainage | Sealed bottom with knock-out holes; includes self-watering disk |
| Best for | Big patio container plants and small shrubs/trees |
Our verdict
Terracotta's porous clay walls breathe and wick away excess moisture, making it the safest choice for drainage-sensitive plants like succulents, herbs and cacti, and its weight resists tipping. The downsides are fragility, faster soil drying and more weight to move. Plastic and resin planters hold moisture longer, are far lighter and cheaper, and won't crack in frost, but they don't breathe and can keep roots too wet for dry-loving plants. Choose terracotta for plants that hate soggy roots; choose plastic/resin for thirsty plants, big sizes, and anywhere you need to move pots or worry about breakage.