Terra cotta pots - Knowledgebase Question

Wells, Ma
Avatar for storitall
Question by storitall
June 14, 2008
The top edge,approx. the top inch, of my indoor houseplants in terra cotta pots have a white, flaky something on them. Do you know what it could be? Is it a fungus? Does it have to do with my water? I do have hard water, but we have a water softner system. Thank you.


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Answer from NGA
June 14, 2008
What you describe is just the natural reaction of the clay in terra cotta pots to the minerals in the water that you use. Terra cotta pots wick moisture out of the potting soil to the surface of the pot where it evaporates. What's left is a concentration of the minerals in the water. It won't hurt your plants or the pot. Many gardeners like to see such discoloration on their terra cotta pots - it gives them character. If you find it unattractive you can scrub it off with a brush.

Best wishes with your plants!

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