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Why Are My Terra Cotta Pots Turning White?
Author: Verity Webb Date Posted:18 May 2016
If you love your terra cotta pots half as much as we do, then your veranda is most likely covered in them!
Every now and then though, we notice a build up of white powdery residue on the out sides of these pots.
After a little research we discovered what this is and how to best treat it.
Turns out, the clay material that these pots are made from is porous and actually breathes. It allows the natural salts and minerals from our water, to seep through to the outside causing a white powdery build up on the outsides of the pot.
This residue is not harmful and it can easily be removed. Hoorah!
Here are some simple solutions to this residue build up:
1. Simply wipe down regularly with a damp cloth
2. Treat empty pots with a vinegar and water solution, scrubbing white residue with a coarse brush
3. Treat empty pots with a bleach and water solution, scrubbing white residue with a coarse brush
4. Water your plants with rain water or distilled water
There is a beautiful article from our friends at Garden Therapy with some helpful tips on how to keep those terra cotta pots spick and span.
Good luck guys and don't forget to share your feedback! We love to hear from our fellow Green Thumbs.
