As a rule, flower pots should be made of porous material so that they can absorb water and release it to the plants. The hole in the bottom of the pot is also used to drain excess water. However, pots can also be sealed, for example to prevent lime efflorescence.
A flower pot can be easily impregnated with water glass
Waterproof flower pots
If you don't want to plant the flower pot at all, but use it as a flower vase, it is of course important that the pot is waterproof. With little effort you can seal your pot. Proceed as follows:
- First, buy a liquid called "water glass" at the drugstore. Water glass consists of powdered glass to which chemicals (potash or baking soda) are added and then dissolved in water. Water glass is also available as a solid or gel-like mass.
- Apply the liquid to the surface of the flowerpot (outside and inside) with a brush.
- Let the whole thing dry well.
The following happens during the drying process:
The water in the liquid evaporates as soon as it comes into contact with air and the water glass hardens. The surface it is applied to gets a smooth, glass-like finish and becomes waterproof.
Impregnate flower pots
Beautifully designed clay and terracotta pots are eye-catchers on the terrace and balcony. However, white edges appear on the pots after a short time. This is unsightly lime efflorescence caused by the irrigation water.
Such deposits can be prevented by impregnating the pot. However, then no more water is absorbed and stored by the walls. If you make your flower pots waterproof in this way, you have to make sure that your plants always get enough water.
impregnation options
Treat your pots with a commercial impregnation. Apply the solution to the inside and outside of the pot. The pot should be clean and absolutely dry. It is best to paint the pots immediately after purchase, because then they have not yet come into contact with water.
You can also use normal linseed oil instead of the impregnating liquid. The oil penetrates the pores of the pot and makes it waterproof and also frost-proof. However, since the oil breaks down into its components over the course of the year, the impregnation with oil must be renewed every spring.