waterproofing clay pots

I purchased two clay pots for indoor use. They are glazed except at the bottom and I am concerned about water wicking out and staining my flooring. Does anyone have a suggestion for waterproofing? Home Depot recommended a waterproof paint which just happened to have a color which i did not like. I would like some kind of glaze or clear coat, but am worried about hydrostatic pressure causing the coating to peel. Any ideas?

 

just set the pots on dishes. or the clear plastic things that are made for using with the clay pots.

 

I have placed the pots on cork rounds but do not want to use saucers, clay or plastic. I want to waterproof the inside bottom of the pots before I plant them.

 

you don't want to do that if you've got some type of succulent planted. most definitely don't want to do that if you've got a cactus planted.

those types of plants (and some others that aren't succulent) need the soil to dry out and the soil won't dry if it's in a container that's waterproofed (painted).

what are you planning to plant in the containers?

 

I am planting ficus fig trees in the pots. The pots are large and i was planning on putting stone in the bottom for drainage.

 

you really don't need to do the stones in the bottom - does more harm than good. someone else w/come along who can explain the reasons why...has something to do with the difference in the textures causing some issue.

plus, with ficus you'll want to actually have the water draining out the bottom (just a little) when you water and with the stones in there, it'll give you a false sense of security about the soil and you might not water the soil enough or you'll end up doing too much because the water is going through too fast.

ficus grow very well and the roots will fill up the pot quickly enough - much better to have it completely full of soil (rocks don't provide too many nutrients) as it will save you from having to repot it sooner.

 

I'm with Joclyn - don't glaze the inside of your pots. It's more trouble than it's worth. If you really hate the look of the trays, which can absolutely be glazed, then you can always pop the whole shebang into a decorative pot that's a bit bigger than the one the tree is in. This ornamental pot can be completely waterproof, and serve to catch the water that drains out of the practical pot.

And I'll second the no rocks thing as well.

 

i bought the plastic liners as recommended....thank you...

 

i understood you're resistance to them...i felt the same and would either use nothing or try to find something flat. and always ended up with moisture where i just didn't want it...

finally resorted to the clear plastic things and have been very happy with them! they're really not noticeable (like i thought they'd be) either.

 

....a local orchid supplies outfit sells plastic peanuts for pot-filling.

 

I am completely with Joslyn and Lorax. Preventing bottom drainage is always a bad idea. It prevents you from properly monitoring the water at the bottom of the pot and will very likely lead to root rot or under watering. There are only very few plants, which can take water saturated soil for any period of time.

If the appearance of the saucer bothers you, have you ever thought to go to your nearest 2nd hand store and buy an attractive dinner plate, providing, of course, that the pots are not too big for that? If they are not part of a set, such plates can usually be had for peanuts. Just make sure, they are attractive on their rim, and not only on that part of the plate, which will be covered by the pot.