In recent years, terracotta pellets have become one of the indispensable materials in planting trees, especially in planting methods. kiểng lá, hydroponics, bonsai, or succulents. So what are terracotta balls? Why are they so popular?
Let's learn about this type of substrate and the common types of terracotta pellets that should be used in the article below.
What is terracotta?
Terracotta is a type of growing medium made from clay fired at high temperatures, usually from 1,200 - 1,400 degrees Celsius. After firing, the clay becomes round or oval shaped particles, with a porous and light surface. Inside the fired clay pellets there is a honeycomb structure, which helps retain water and has good ventilation, making it very suitable for growing plants or as a hydroponic substrate.
Advantages and disadvantages of terracotta pellets compared to other substrates
Terracotta pellets are known for their water retention and ventilation, but they also have some limitations. Below is a comparison table of the advantages and disadvantages of terracotta pellets and other types of substrates like coir, perlite, peat moss and pumice, help you choose the right one for your plants.
SFARM Clay Pellets – Dang Gia Trang (Vietnam)
Characteristic: The size of the soil pellets is uneven (from 5-20mm), the surface is rough, the color is gray or light brown, and quite heavy.
Advantage:
- The rough surface helps the roots to adhere better, suitable for many types of plants such as orchids and vegetables.
- High durability, can be reused many times.
- The price is much cheaper than imported terracotta pellets, suitable for many people's budget.
- Available in a variety of sizes and types to suit your decorative and planting needs.
Disadvantages:
- The design is not as beautiful as Thai terracotta.
- Uneven size can affect the aesthetics and uniformity of the substrate.
Application: Suitable for beginners in growing plants, as well as for use in aquaponics models, covering pots or mixing substrates to increase drainage.
Seramis premium clay pellets (Germany)
Characteristic: SERAMIS clay pellets The size is about 8-16mm, durable, lightweight and has optimal water retention and ventilation. The color of the terracotta pellets can be a characteristic reddish brown, creating a beautiful and aesthetic coating.
Advantage:
- High quality, produced from natural clay with high purity and few impurities.
- The porous, rough shape of the clay pellets helps the roots to grip firmly and breathe.
- Uniform size, light weight, durable and has very good water retention and ventilation.
Disadvantages:
The price is much higher than other types of clay pellets, not suitable for many people's budget.
Application: Ideal for hydroponics and as a mulch for ornamental plants. This is a premium choice with a relatively high price but outstanding quality, providing the perfect living environment for plants.
Currently there are 3 types of Seramis clay exclusively distributed by SFARM company in Seramis Vietnam.
Xuan Nong terracotta pellets (Europe)
Characteristic: European terracotta is a type of terracotta that is round and uniform in shape. European terracotta usually ranges in size from 4-10mm, with a grey or pink colour.
Advantage:
- Good water retention and drainage.
- Various sizes, attractive colors.
- Suitable for bonsai, ornamental flower and hydroponic models.
Disadvantages: High cost compared to other popular types of clay pellets.
Application: European terracotta pellets are commonly used in orchid, bonsai, and aquatic plant cultivation, helping to provide a stable and airy growing environment for plant roots.
Popper Clay Balls (Thailand)
Characteristic: Available in various sizes (small, medium, large), smooth surface and round shape, lightweight compared to other types of terracotta pellets.
Advantage:
- Beautiful design, smooth, creating high aesthetics when decorating the surface of the flower pot.
- High durability.
- Good moisture retention, suitable for some crops that require high humidity.
Disadvantages:
- The smooth round pellets make it difficult for plant roots to adhere to the substrate, limiting the plant's ability to grow.
- Poor ventilation can lead to lack of oxygen to plant roots.
- The price is higher than other types of clay pellets on the market.
Application: Thai terracotta balls are an ideal choice for growing hydroponic vegetables, orchids, succulents, and cacti. Although very light, these balls are aesthetically pleasing and are often used to cover the surface of pots.
What types of plants should use clay pellets?
Clay pellets are a good choice for ornamental plants, drought-tolerant plants, hydroponic or semi-hydroponic plants, and bonsai. Clay pellets help provide an airy, well-drained environment and maintain adequate moisture, preventing root rot.
However, clay pellets are not suitable for plants with small roots or plants that need a lot of humus. The reason is that clay pellets do not provide nutrients directly to the plant, so additional solution or fertilizer is needed.
4 ways to use clay pellets
Terracotta balls are an incredibly versatile planting material. We can use them in many different ways to create beautiful and healthy planters.
- Making drainage lining: Terracotta pellets are ideal for lining pots, planters or rooftop gardens. Placing a layer of terracotta pellets about 5–10 cm thick at the bottom of a pot or under the soil helps prevent water from pooling, keeping just enough water for the plants without adding to the weight of the structure.
- Ground cover and decoration: Spread a layer of clay pellets over the surface of the soil (about 10 cm thick) in pots, flower beds, or outdoor gardens. This layer of clay helps retain moisture, prevent weed growth, reduce evaporation, and protect plants from sudden temperature changes. At the same time, it creates a neat and clean beauty for the garden.
- Mixing: You can mix terracotta pellets with other materials such as coconut fiber or compost to improve the soil's aeration and moisture retention. Terracotta pellets are often mixed into growing media or placed as a liner at the bottom of pots to increase durability and prevent water stagnation.
- Aquaponics: Terracotta pellets are an excellent growing medium for hydroponics or aquaponics due to their neutral pH, good aeration, and effective water retention. When used, terracotta pellets are usually placed throughout the entire growing area, including the roots, to maximize plant growth.
In short, terracotta pellets are a versatile growing medium, ideal for a wide variety of plants. Learn more about Other premixed substrates for more suitable options!
