Why we sell unglazed terracotta
Most houseplants die of kindness. They are watered on a schedule rather than when they need it, and a glazed or plastic pot holds every drop.
Unglazed terracotta is porous. Water moves through the wall and evaporates, so the soil dries more evenly and roots get air. You can see when a pot is wet — it darkens — which is a better guide than any calendar.
The white bloom that appears after a few months is mineral salt from tap water and fertiliser. It is harmless. Scrub it off with a stiff brush and a little vinegar, or leave it; we think it looks right.
The trade-off is that terracotta dries out faster in summer. Thirsty plants on a sunny sill will want checking twice a week.