Terracotta Pot

Terracotta pots make for interesting decorative pieces both outdoors and indoors. They can also be used for practical purposes like cooking.

What is a terracotta pot?

The word terracotta or terra-cotta is the Italian term for baked earth or any kind of fired clay. A terracotta pot is, therefore, a pot or any kind of container that starts life as a lump of clay which is then molded into shape. After the potter (or machine) achieves the desired form, the pot is placed into a kiln or oven, baked at a few thousand degrees Fahrenheit, then left to cool down. The product is then sold as-is as if it were intended to be displayed as an unglazed terracotta pot. If it were intended to be offered as painted clay pots or painted terracotta, then it goes through the extra steps of coating, painting, and drying. Terracotta pots have wide usage as decorative pieces in gardens and backyards all over the world. Clay flower pots and other such terracotta plant pots are the guilty pleasure among gardeners due to their beauty, non-toxicity, and ability to hold and transmit moisture.

Some examples and types of terracotta pots

Terracotta pots are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Expansive gardens, malls, and parks may want to display relatively large plants, such as palms and olives, then place them in large clay pots for maximum visual effect. Gardening enthusiasts may opt to employ large terracotta planters as well to group multiple plants into a single space. The size of these planters means that the plant's roots are not crowding each other out, thereby promoting better plant health. Gardeners can buy clay pots in different sizes, with the 10-inch terracotta pot and 12-inch clay pots popular options. Because of their non-toxicity and relative inertness, clay pots can be used as a decorative enhancement for aquariums. Fish find these pots to be ideal breeding grounds and shelter. Finally, terracotta pots are used for cooking and storing water. The way these pots retain heat is ideal for cooking large pots of stews and soups.