Best Terracotta Pots

Unglazed clay is porous, and that single physical fact should decide whether terracotta is right for what you are growing. Water moves out through the pot wall as well as the surface, so compost dries faster and air reaches the roots, which is exactly what succulents, cacti, Mediterranean herbs and cuttings want. The same property makes terracotta a poor choice for anything thirsty on a hot balcony, where a small pot can dry out within a day. Size follows from that: the small sizes these pots come in, commonly 2, 4 and 6 inches, are potting-on increments rather than final homes, and stepping up an inch or two at a time keeps the root ball from sitting in more compost than it can use. Multi-packs of twenty or thirty small pots make sense for seed sowing and propagation, while a handful of 6-inch pots with saucers suits finished plants on a shelf. Confirm there is a drainage hole, since decorative clay is sometimes sold sealed, and check whether saucers are included because unglazed bases will mark a wooden floor or leave rings on tiles. The real weakness is frost: clay that has absorbed water expands when it freezes and flakes or cracks, so unglazed pots should be emptied or brought in over winter in a cold climate. Colour variation between batches is normal.

Sort byOur scoreValueBuild and materialsFeaturesFit for the jobTick up to 3 picks to compare them side by side.

Compare

#1

Orceler 6 inch Terracotta & Clay Pots with Saucer 4 Pack

Our score8.4/10

See on Amazon

Orceler's 4 Pack of 6 inch terracotta and clay pots with saucers for herbs and succulents.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

• + Terracotta breathes, helping prevent overwatering
• + Saucers included for indoor or balcony use
• + 6 inch size suits herbs and small plants

• - Porous clay dries out faster in summer heat than glazed pots
• - Terracotta can crack in freezing weather

Check price on AmazonSave

Compare

#2

Orceler 4 Inch Terracotta Pots with Saucer 6 Pack

Our score8.4/10

See on Amazon

Orceler's 6 Pack of 4 Inch terracotta pots with saucers for tidy herb displays.

Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10

• + Saucers are included for every pot, keeping shelves dry
• + 6 Pack of 4 Inch pots fits neatly along kitchen windowsills
• + Terracotta clay breathes, which supports healthy roots in herbs

• - Small 4 Inch pots need frequent watering in warm weather
• - Unglazed clay saucers can seep and stain wooden surfaces

Check price on AmazonSave

Compare

#3

CFKJ 26 Pack 4" Terracotta Clay Nursery Pots with Drainage

Our score7.8/10

See on Amazon

CFKJ's 26 Pack of 4" terracotta clay nursery pots with drainage for starting plants.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10

• + 26 Pack supplies many small pots at low cost
• + 4" size suits herb starts and succulents
• + Classic clay nursery pots breathe well, helping roots avoid rot

• - No saucers are included, so water drains straight onto the surface below
• - Thin nursery clay can chip at the rim during handling

Check price on AmazonSave

Compare

#4

26 Pack 4" Terracotta Clay Planter Nursery Pots with Drainage

Our score7.8/10

See on Amazon

A 26 Pack of 4" terracotta clay planter nursery pots with drainage for bulk planting.

Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10

• + 26 Pack is useful for propagation projects
• + Drainage holes prevent soggy soil in succulents and herbs
• + Classic terracotta look works for rustic displays and gifts

• - Terracotta walls vary slightly in thickness pot to pot
• - Saucers are not part of this pack, so use a shared tray indoors

Check price on AmazonSave

Compare

#5

32pcs Small Mini 2" Terracotta Clay Pots with Drainage

Our score7.4/10

See on Amazon

A 32pcs set of small mini 2" terracotta clay pots with drainage for seedlings and crafts.

Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10

• + 32pcs set is great for crafts, favors and seedlings
• + 2" mini size fits tiny succulents, cactus pups and seedlings
• + Drainage holes keep soil from waterlogging

• - Too small for most mature plants, so plan to repot as they grow
• - Tiny pots dry out very quickly, especially outdoors in wind

Check price on AmazonSave

Balcony Garden Picks independently selects every product; we may earn a commission from links above.