GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Clay Pots

songbird[_2_] · 18-08-2013, 06:00 PM posted to rec.gardens

wrote:
On Monday, 15 July 1996 03:00:00 UTC-4, Usenet wrote:

July 15, 1996?

Is there a method to remove the whitish buildup from clay flower pots? Is
the residue a problem or is only that it 'looks' as if it is a problem?
Thanks....

I had always thought that the white reside that accumulates on clay pots was the results of fertilizer leaching out, and therefore tending to burn any leaves contacting it. I don't think the the calcium carbonate residue that you might get poses any real risk to plants, but the fertilizer residue is so caustic as to burn leaves, etc. Similar to over fertilizing one's lawn, and ending up with a desert. This answer is, of course, subject to further review. I frequently forget to be correct, it would seem---rick
BTW, I have actually been looking into this rather carefully, as I intend to use some old clay pots in my aquariums, some fish like to lay eggs in a pseudo cave,or seek shelter in one and after the algae covers them, they actually look ok. I'll likely start with a vinegar scrub, and assuming that that does not work ( my mechanical skills would be considered first rate, were I a brightish gerbil), try the high pressure approach suggested above.---rick

as the most common remedy is to soak the pots in a
solution suitable to dissolve the problem deposits
for most salts simple water will do fine. scrub them
if needed after they've soaked a while. i've used
wire brushes or plastic scrubbies depending upon how
crusty the coating is.

i've also used old clay pots and pieces of pots in
in aquariums (fresh water and salt) to good effect, but
i do not use anything glazed or that looks to have
been made from cinders if i'm uncertain about the
material. hate to poison an expensive setup...

songbird