EWW! What's that White Stuff on my Terra Cotta Pots!? - Ep. 206

If you grow your plants in terra cotta planters, then you will likely see a white, calcareous build-up over time on your planters. In this video, we discuss what it is and how to get rid of it.
Oh and please note your eyesight is not going downhill! The main video camera was not locked on my face and was going in-and-out of focus. Sorry about that!
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[@summerrayneoakes]

Oh and please note your eyesight is not going downhill! The main video camera was not locked on my face and was going in-and-out of focus. Sorry about that!

[@nicekiyoung]

It’s ok 👌🏻 No problem 😊

[@Alexander196210]

I thought you just wanted to do something artistic. It looked quite good.

[@mr_shultz]

Thank you for making this video. I have about 90 plants in terra-cotta pots. I have been getting that white stuff all over because we have hi calcium well water. I thought it was mold too. This makes so much sense now. But also I read that black oil coming out of pots is actually from the clay itself. Some terra-cotta pots with lower quality apparently spew out black oil. I don’t know if it’s true or not. I have one pot that does this and I’m growing a lemon tree out of it. At first I thought it was stink bug poop.

[@user-ue6jr7zw1f]

You look wonderful! No one will mind the in-and-out focus.❤️

[@channelclosingastrollshave9447]

@@user-ue6jr7zw1f yeah more pls 😁🤣

[@oishd6077]

I am in the "love the patina on the pots" squad. It really does add character to the planter.

[@GlasshouseandGarden]

Me too!

[@Seattlegal2]

Me three.

[@kellyhenry4507]

I actually like a "mossy" patina on my pots. That usually comes from the shade loving plants. But that's just me!

[@elbertharmstrong8880]

I think it looks beautiful with the white thing aged

[@nancyplants757]

Me too. I don't like my terra cotta pots to look too pristine.

[@lolo90pmit]

100% agree ❤️

[@thaaung3849]

Me too

[@JackOfAllTrades0404]

When I first got into plant keeping I was all about “minimalism”: all my planters were glossy white, my plants had to have a perfect space in mind before I’d buy them. Now I have a house FULL of terra cotta and vintage pots😂 so this video came just in time for me

[@ramiroparra9588]

😂 You just describe my plant keeping crazyness in a paragraph

[@wilob9]

Noooooooo! That's one of the reasons why i love getting terracotas lol. Cheap and they age beautifully.

[@mrparts]

Lol was this ever a problem ? It’s just the normal look of used clay pots.

[@joannak1803]

The more mineral deposit the better for me 👌🏼❤️

[@ryanjaycruz7871]

Man that main camera was really focused on the planter on the left. Look at the detail on that leaf 🥰

[@michellechapman8738]

I actually like the salt and minerals on the pot because it looks more unique and worn!! My plants are doing good!!

[@tmsvlog8563]

Nice video, Thanks for sharing.

[@ozzycalle]

Hi from Stockholm! Thank you so much for teaching me so much about plants, it’s so interesting!

[@desertplantsofavalon]

Fantastic video Summer, I notice this on my terracotta pots, thanks so much for sharing all about it and how to get rid of it, XXXX

[@Lara-so9gl]

Hello Summer! I've been watching your channel for a while now and wanted to tell you not only thank you but also thanks and I appreciate you for sharing care tips but also for making sure we find out when special plant changes it's scientific name. You're a true jewell and do keep it up but also take care and stay safe!

[@x.i_il_l1_1.x]

Oh god! I've been thinking what exactly is this white stuff and how to get rid of them on my pots. Thanks Summer!!!

[@donnamari4259]

I have been thinking about this for such a long time. I wipe it off then it comes back . Great video idea!

[@MirandaArchibald]

Its absolutely astounding how I am looking up why my terracotta pot is disintegrating and then you come out with a video right after to answer all my questions.thank you for the information

[@sami-yc3xj]

I’m here to figure out how to get the white stuff on my terracotta pots. My pots are so clean they look fake, and I much rather prefer the grungy patina look.

[@user-pc9yb9vi5k]

If you buy some garden lime and mix it with water, you can paint it onto the pot, wait til it dries and then brush off the excess. I did with all brand-new my pots and I love it!

[@Piemesan]

I get it on my pots from just wetting the pots with sink water that's been filtered once. If you committed to repeating that process a few times you might get the look you want?

[@QueenXKnit]

Bottom watering^^

[@theneuroreport]

I’ve also noticed that my plants that get fertilized more frequently get the patina look faster

[@wisemanindisguise]

i actually love the look of it and thought it couldn't harm the plant inside, but now i know it could! thank you for this!!

[@hnelson5609]

I like to spray clear sealant over the top edge to keep the mineral deposits from burning stems but that's it. I love the natural look, whatever it turns out like.

[@prabodhjadhav2167]

I have been binge watching all your videos. They are so informative and it's so fun to watch different beautiful plants. I am newbie with plants, wish me luck 😁

[@wandashaw3551]

Hi Summer Rayne!! I have to say that I LOVE THE MINERAL DEPOSIT BATTINA on my terra cotta pots. :). And sometimes, I even brush them with buttermilk and place them outside in the sunlight for a few days and get some moss on them!! No mold has happened when I use this method, so far!! Happy Growing and stay safe!!!

[@johnmckay999]

This white stuff was a mystery to me, thought it was a strange fungus. Thanks for answering my longtime question. Great Vids Summer. Like and appreciate your videos now that I found you.

[@iamjograd]

Most of my older terra planters have those powdery stuff.. Good thing none of the plant parts are touching those areas. Guess I'll be cleaning those pretty soon. Thanks, Summer :)

[@cherylyeo25]

thanks summer! much love from SG - very useful and answering some of my own qs as my plant collection is growing and nr of terracotta pots having! ;)

[@virginiaoxford1917]

This is so helpful. I was thinking the white stuff was mildew. I have a few vintage pots where the powder keeps coming back time and time again and because I thought it was mildew, they're all sitting empty in my potting area. :) Thanks for the info!

[@TheAdhdGardener]

I've learned to embrace terracotta after the plants dying became too much. I like the white patina, it gives it a cool look🌱

[@jasontheroman3886]

Yah I really love the way it makes the pot look. I think it gives the generic, everyday terracotta pot into a unique pot.

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

I love it when my terra cotta finally starts getting that. It looks so earthy and rustic. When they're all new and flawless and matchy matchy it's too...Idk...artificial looking.

[@elparaisodedenis]

Hi Summer, nice informations, great video, a lot of greetings from Serbia !

[@pavelmedbery3055]

This was interesting. I always thought the white stuff on the outside of my terra cotta pots was fungus and I always avoided touching it cuz ew fungus. But it is nice to know that this is a possible explanation for the white buildup on my pots.

[@aclementine9928]

always wondered what that was, sometimes they go a dusty pink because of the white, so pretty! i love the patterns

[@feelspecial9084]

I just thought it was pretty

[@zoickn]

I kinda like having those white powdery stuff there. It gives some character to the pot.

[@dyrcosis]

Nice, short video with good information. Since I like how the build-up looks on my pots, I probably won't try to clean most of them off (especially considering I probably have 200+ pots). I was not aware that leaves could be damaged, although it makes sense, and will make sure none are touching the sides on the affected pots.

[@rociocenteno7169]

Hello!! And here in Washington it can be also for the humidity and we have to clean really often but if I put a plate under the pot it help , but the good thing it’s we have a lot of rain and we can use to water or plants 🌷💚

[@anita3907]

I quite like the character and detail that the white deposits add but cheers for the tip of not letting the leaves press against them too much

[@debs_boho_jungle]

I love the batons on my TC pots. I Keep insides clean, and only keep plants that have trailing leaves in the newer ones. Good video, though. Informative and simple. Ty, SR

[@proudkaafir2072]

You can easily make them look new by applying terracotta colour, time to time 🍀🌿🌱🏵🌸🌻

[@lisastreasures]

Very helpful. Thank you 😊

[@devildog4805]

I stumbled across your videos a few weeks ago--delightful! The white stuff is called efflorescence.

[@jesnoggle13]

That is minerals leaching out from soil … and it looks AWESOME. I don’t get why you would clean it off.

[@ToxxicEater]

I kinda like it, it gave that vintage aesthetic look

[@kwahanui]

Lol to each their own.I thought they look quite rustic.I've been😁💜 hoping to achieve that look with some of my terracotta pots. However I don't plant my plants directly into them but keep them in their nursery plastic pots.So I might need to reassess that.Great to know my plants will be ok if that does develop though. .Thanks Summer.💜

[@goddess131]

hi Summer, good to know , thank you for this video. I feel lucky because I use only filtered water on my plants and have a very small streak of white around the outside rim of my terra cotta pots, and for me that's ok.

[@weronikajakubczak115]

Can we get a quick update on sansevieria seeds you have planted recently? I'm so curious if they made it! :)

[@gwendolynflanagan8823]

I always felt that getting that excess salt accumulation away from the roots was a good thing. If you are fond of glazed pottery, like me, you will still see salty , crusty buildup if you do not repot very often. It will just be that crusty layer of soil on the top. Good to get rid of that too. At that point though, I feel like new soil is in order!

[@marvinarizo9942]

I love clay pot! Thank you Mis. Summer! #fanPhilippines!💚

[@mysterious7215]

Your videos are wonderful summer

[@tovekaellander3197]

Ilove the look with white on the pots!

[@theonghantan862]

Thanks for sharing..sooo usefull to us Cheers

[@margotl9756]

Do you have a new chicken friend? Thank you for the informative video =)

[@ellietobe]

I use half vinegar and half water on stained pots. If it is really badly stained I use an even stronger mixture of vinegar. Usually half and half will work though. Let the pot soak for an hour and then scrub the pot with your brush. Have not found anything that works as well as vinegar on mineral deposits.

[@annetted5794]

Yeah...needed this vlog.

[@suburbanhomestead]

It one of the things I like about terra cotta look

[@marjxowisno]

Woah. I didn’t know it could burn the plant if the touch the build up. I’m going to start cleaning my terra cotta and my other pots 🙂

[@hennesseyme9112]

I have only seen green, not white and it is beautiful.

[@lgarden7086]

🙏 I always learn something new ... love the look but never thought about plants touching it. I have a small pot with that brown goo and it’s in rough shape so it may hit the stack of cotta chips outside this spring. I was wondering about the high fired pot shape...what plant do you think would compliment that? I have one similar shape in a rustic looking glazed ceramic. It has small handles on each side and makes me think about hanging it. I have a tradescantia in it but I don’t like the look...I want to see the pot. Can’t wait to see your next video ... Congrats on your new baby🐓

[@happyfrancis]

I like the look of the white. I would also mention that if you "paint" the pots with buttermilk you can get a little green moss going on the outside of the pot too.

[@nancyplants757]

Who's the chicken? Is this a new chicken? Did I miss something? She's so CUTE 😍

[@ralphchristianson]

Yes, the other one passed away and this is her new rescue chicken..she talked about the chicken coming about a month ago in a video where she talked about a move.

[@Nelson_Nicholson]

A chicken just hanging out, sweeeeet. Very informative post.

[@bryghian]

I love it when my terracotta takes on patina

[@urlocalplantgay]

I love pots that look like this 💛💛

[@triplethreatmatt]

😍 Vita the hen 🐓😍

[@denisepeppe2550]

Thanks for the info & sharing🪴🪴🪴

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

back in the days you left those with the white residue outside during winter ... and the acid rain washed the calcium away .. fresh pots in spring

[@tams7411]

For reference, if the white/grey stuff rubs off and/or is fluffy, it’s mould, in that case disinfect/anti fungal and get rid of it, you don’t want mould spores in your house! If you rub it and nothing comes off, it’s mineral deposits (beautiful and harmless).

[@amoramisplantasmamaplantil6436]

Perfec me encsntan tus videos 😉😁💚🌱❤🌷

[@myshanamakisi6063]

What...😳. I love the patina on terra cotta. 🥰🥰🥰

[@dylxnchn]

*I love the look of aged pots fot plants*

[@greenrevolution3816]

Very important information

[@anushalande1217]

My Terracot be like ewwwwww Yours terracota be like WOW Great job Summer you coverded a really important topic in gardening . Happy greens 😁😁😁

[@TheYukiPanda]

The camera was focused on that beautiful Philodendron, not gonna lie my eyes were also glued to it.

[@peterjansen1712]

It also helps to soak the pot in warm water for a few hours or over night. The build-up become so soft that there isn't even need for serious scrubbing.

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I’m not too annoyed by it but if I can I’ll wash the minerals out. Best think I’ve found is to soak the pot in the vinegar solution and then distilled water if possible. That basically cleans it out

[@justjp83]

It’s the abs for me! The outfit is 🔥 and I love this video #patina #teamterracotta

[@immatureradical]

The dark sticky stuff that seems to be dripping occured on a clay pot of where I planted an alocasia portodora in the summer. I remember I cleaned it off in December only to find it there again after a week. The plant has died back for the winter so I cannot be sure it was not due to some pest but having seen this go on for the whole summer when it was growing well, I thought it was nothing worrisome like that.

[@littleminna]

Just the question I used to wonder about. I stopped using clay pots years ago because I didn't like the white deposits on the side, besides I don't like how they feel to the touch. Unless they're glazed ones.

[@cartwheelsinthezendo]

New to your channel and loving the content. I am trying to learn how to be a better plant parent, but my main problem is my 3 cats and how very toxic many plants are for cats. I have searched your site and see nothing about guiding plant parents through the toxicity issue since so many of us have fur babies in our homes. Am I just missing this or is this issue not covered yet in your videos? There are so many wonderful plants that I would love to have but they are just so toxic for my kitties. Help!

[@Jerix000]

I just leave them in fully submerged in water for a day or 2 with a bit of added vinegar and a small amount of bleach. After then i put them in clean water for another day. After that with just a light scrub you get a planter as it was when it was new. Ps that black stuff comes out of the top of the pot, happen to me with 2 pots (no plant sap or insects) i suspect it is from the pot itself or it defuses from the soil.

[@ThePlantUtopia]

I like it, the grungier the better. I even like some moss on it.

[@Al-mq1pr]

I have a pot that has those drips from the top of the pot, too. For my pot, it happens whenever I water my pant. I used to be really confused by it. But now, I just figure it's from the terra cotta color of the pot. Or has to do with how the pot was made. None of my other pots do that.

[@jerryheng7434]

I think we need a video of you to introduce us to your new planting assistant!

[@schmoopieschmoop3383]

love it

[@derendathieke8947]

Here's an old lady saying "I have been growing plants for 50 years ..." and it's true. I also have some really old terra cotta pots and I love the patina they get. I also have some high fired (ceramic glazed) pots and ceramic pots. The only time I clean it off is in spring, and I'll take steel wool or a steel or brass brush and brush some of the buildup off if it gets too thick. Over the years I've broken a few pots, but have never lost a plant because of the buildup, and only have had one pot disintegrate because it had a flaw when I purchased it with a small split in the very top of the rim. I put some daylilies in it and it sluffs off more layers every year. It's never been moved and eventually it will completely break apart, but for over 20 years it keeps growing those daylilies. I love my old pots! By the way, ceramic and glass (which I was convinced to use way back in the 70s so I wouldn't have that nasty buildup) will also collect that residue. It just takes longer, but it can also etch into the glass or ceramic, and that really looks messy!

[@gibranahmad6570]

what are your thoughts on grow bags? Grow bags air prune roots compared to the root balls that form in terra cotta pots. Do you think grow bags are a better way to keep house plants compared to pots?

[@anumonu7822]

You are really good also your plants are. actually how many plants you have in your collection? I think that will be huge number ☺

[@RevoltsRevelation]

I love pottery that looks aged and can tell a story, but I know some people who threw away the whole plant because of this... 🙄

[@sarahmo6785]

How sad ...

[@RevoltsRevelation]

@@sarahmo6785 yeah... But after someone tells me a story like that, I correct them and try to convince them that ut's actually pretty nice to have - at least some understand and from now on, I can link them to Summers video :)

[@cherylhe3897]

Hi Summer, why have you not tried semi hydroponics? Love to hear your thoughts on it!

[@ShookHomemade]

And here I was thinking it was mold and would spray it with my mold killer (non toxic). Also if my planter dries out it seems to go away which made me think mold as well. Thoughts?

[@popescuvictoria347]

On my ceramic pot with dracaena is white mold, no salt deposit. What should I do? in the pot I have coconut peat and vermiculite 50%.

[@diversitylove5460]

I want to use terra-cotta for my cute little compost worms. Are there cleaning concerns to keep pot clean and the little guys healthy?

[@victoriaberngard588]

How often are you supposed to flush the pots? Once, twice a year? What about plants that you can't move to the shower ? :)

[@emilielorraine]

I had that weird drippy sap staining on my philodendron brandiatum terra cotta pot! I could never find pets and actually just repotted it into a plastic nursery pot. 🤷‍♀️

[@Lia-zg1iq]

what about the fuzzy buildup? Does anyone know what I'm referring to. The fluffy, mouldy looking stuff. I tried soap and/or vinegar. But it keeps coming back very fast. Thanks for your tips :)

[@billybones956]

Ha, I jut got a new hyacinth and there's this exact issue on the pot. Can this buildup happen below the soil? It seems like in your pots there's a cut off in the deposits where the soil line would be so I'm guessing no?

[@maureendiederich4571]

One more question. How about leaving the mold and just placing the pot in a basket?

[@maureendiederich4571]

I'm using a new, clean terracotta for my thanksgiving cactus. white fuzz is on the pot. I can clean it like you said. Is it bad to paint a terracotta pot inside and out, then repot the plant? I will definately clean the pot first. There is no mold in the soil. I did use perilite in the soil. Any tips? Thank for this video. If I paint the pot will the mold come back?

[@lizzm3036]

I need help identifying some of my plants and trees on our property . Any suggestions?

[@alexeyer3828]

that plant on the left said "i am the main character. sorry girl, but camera loves me more"