Do terracota pots hold more heat than plastic pots?

7 answers 7 · Maintenance & Repairs
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Terracotta pots hold A LOT more heat than plastic ones. For one, they are lots heavier. For another, they contain water and hydrated salts that have large specific heats. Also, they radiate quite inefficiently. Check it out for yourself, get a terracotta pot and a plastic pot of similar size and leave them out in the sun. Hours after sunset, the terracotta pot will still be quite warm to the touch while the plastic pot will be ambient temperature.
callipygenous · 7 years ago
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I think they do just by virtue of what they are made from. And terracotta pots are hot to the feel while plastic isn't. The problem with terracotta... show more I think they do just by virtue of what they are made from. And terracotta pots are hot to the feel while plastic isn't. The problem with terracotta pots is that they are porous and so the moisture evaporates much quicker.
Towanda · 7 years ago
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I think the terracotta pots hold more heat. We use them as space heaters in our camper. (invert the pot over an very low burning open flame. The pot... show more I think the terracotta pots hold more heat. We use them as space heaters in our camper. (invert the pot over an very low burning open flame. The pot radiates the heat really well!)

The terracotta pots are also thicker so I think that would help them hold the heat better.
c c · 7 years ago
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No, Because they are made of earthen clay. As long as you place them in an area that has ambient room temperature they're fine. They will crack in... show more No, Because they are made of earthen clay. As long as you place them in an area that has ambient room temperature they're fine. They will crack in excessive heat & cold however.
Plastic pots are not very good for plants. They trap heat & cold. They also are much more likely to breed bacteria which can kill plants. I suppose if you want longer lasting plants, you'd more than likely use terracotta rather than plastic for these reasons.
Source(s): I garden to produce fresh herbs.
Carole · 7 years ago
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Terracota is an insulator. It will keep cooler inside when the sun is glaring on the outside and keep the inside warmer when its cold outside. Plastic has... show more Terracota is an insulator. It will keep cooler inside when the sun is glaring on the outside and keep the inside warmer when its cold outside. Plastic has no thermal insulating properties
David firth · 7 years ago
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