Sorry for being a moron in my original post. Here is what it SHOULD have said:

I’ve noticed with very similar plants (same sowing date, same growing conditions, even same variety) that those in clay pots have roots shooting out the bottom hole while those in plastic do not. Thoughts? I don’t love the appearance of my plastic pots (I bought a lot of the typical black ones) but I also don’t love the thought of repeatedly moving the plants into larger pots within a short time frame.

https://themicrogardener.com/choosing-a-container-the-pros-and-cons-2/

Dain, so the theory is that the clay dries out quicker, causing the roots to come out the hole in search of moisture?

Not quite, Ariel. Clay pots "breathe" and provide aeration at the root level. This allows for better root development. Clay pots are better overall, but they do dry out faster, so need to be watered more often.

Maria Elena

Ariel, I agree with Maria Elena, clay/terracotta pots breathe better and dry out faster then most plastic pots. The heat from the sun warms the clay which i believe also helps with better root development and less incidences of root rot, particularly in cold/wet weather. We’ve also found in our climate, that Adeniums in clay pots have less issues with water/soil borne fungal diseases.

It doesn’t actually get cold here. My issue is with plants that otherwise appropriately fit their pots, but have roots shooting out the drain holes. I’ll take some comparison photos (probably tomorrow, because it looks like it is about to storm).

How about concrete/cement pots? Im thinking to make my own cement pots.

Agartta, I might consider that for some.

Sown same date, same conditions other than pot, roughly same size plants, same size pots.

Ariel, better aeration, better root system. You'll always have that and can't get around it. The roots coming out the bottom is not an issue as long as they're not the fat roots and the plant is wanting to bust out its pot. Then you WILL have to repot because if you don't, it will literally bust out.

What's the main difference in clay pots and ceramic? The glaze? I have one "cursed" ceramic pot that every time I've used it, the plant doesn't do well. It has good drainage holes. I've never tried regular clay pots though.

Clay pots breathe. Ceramic pots bake your plant if outdoors. It's like putting them against glass. They are best used indoors where the heat doesn't get to them.

Ahhh, makes so much sense! Thank you!

Yes, I completely agree with the hot root zone. I prefer clay pots at best. Most of these plants can take a good heat above the soil level. Put them into a pot and have the sun beat down on the pots, heats up the root zone way too much. If these plants where growing in the ground, the soil would keep them cooler as well as the plants foliage shading the soil.

Sometimes it is worth putting a shade barrier across the front of the pots w an air space between to keep the roots cooler.

So much is trial and error. Finding what works from on year to the next.

Rick

I wonder if the plants would benefit from the chromium, manganese, iron compounds in the gray cement pots?

Agartta

If you are going to make cement pots, or even hypertufa (which have cement) the pots will have to be cured and aged before you can put anything in them. I let them set outside in the weather, wetting them down occasionally, for several months. The lime from the cement can do a nasty on plants ...

Yes. Any newly made pot using cement as bragu mentions will kill off roots. Been there many years ago, because too anxious to use a new pot.

Rick

Agartta they also produce BIG pink flowers just kidding:×) Bunnings has a special on terracotta pots now there is pallets full " $1.00 for 8" not worth mucking around.

Lol Peter, nothing wrong with a nice white cement pot full of Adenium pink flowers. I seen the ones at Bunnings, quite small. Pots are so expensive, I thought I can make my own. I would cure them in a water bath for 48 hours.

Beautiful Adenium deserve beautiful pots :-)

Agartta,

Some Gardenweb links I've saved:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/a-couple-papercrete-pots-i-made-for-my-adeniums-dsvw-vd~1644377

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/a-couple-papercrete-pots-i-made-for-my-adeniums-dsvw-vd~1644377#4931402

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-are-some-recipes-or-mix-designs-for-making-hypertufa-dsvw-vd~2766179

Maria Elena

A note on using the hypertufa mixes ...

RULE 1: wear a mask, and use gloves (the kind labs or cooks use is okay). Wear that mask! The dust from the cement is far from healthy, and if it can burn your hands (and it can) think what it will do to your lungs.

RULE 2: let your creativity flow.

I have used painted on the inside clay pots. My area is very hot and dry so the plants dry to fast.