Saucers & Water Protection
A saucer is more than a practical addition to a plant pot. Paired with a drainage hole, it allows excess water to escape from the soil while helping protect the surface beneath the pot – making healthy drainage practical indoors. Saucers can also be used for bottom watering, allowing the soil to absorb water gradually through the drainage hole.
Why Use a Saucer with a Plant Pot?
Good drainage is important for healthy plant roots. A drainage hole allows excess water to leave the soil, while the saucer collects the water beneath the pot. This makes it possible to use pots with proper drainage throughout the home without water running directly onto furniture, windowsills or floors.
A saucer can also be used for bottom watering. Add water to the saucer and allow the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage hole. Once the soil has absorbed what it needs, any remaining water should be emptied from the saucer, as most plants should not be left standing in water for extended periods.
Why Our Terracotta Saucers Are Silicone-Treated
Our terracotta saucers in both Rosa and Grey are treated with a diluted silicone solution. The treatment helps prevent moisture from passing through the porous terracotta while preserving its natural appearance and texture.
The terracotta pots themselves remain untreated and porous, allowing the material to breathe as intended.
Why Glazed Saucers Are Watertight
Our glazed saucers do not require silicone treatment. The glazed surface makes the saucer watertight while adding colour and a different expression to the pot-and-saucer combination.
How to Protect Indoor Surfaces
Although our terracotta saucers are silicone-treated and our glazed saucers are watertight, we recommend taking extra care on delicate surfaces.
Moisture and condensation can collect underneath a saucer, particularly when there is little airflow between the saucer and the surface below. Saucers with a raised ring or small feet already allow some air to circulate underneath.
For flat saucers, consider using protective pads or small pot feet, particularly on sensitive surfaces such as wooden floors and furniture. This also helps protect the surface from scratches.
How to Use Large Pots Indoors
Not all of our larger pots are available with a matching saucer. For these pots, a waterliner provides a practical alternative, allowing large planters to be used indoors while helping protect the surface beneath them. For larger pots with a matching saucer, we recommend using pot feet beneath the saucer to create airflow and help prevent condensation marks on the floor.
Waterliners are sold separately. Please contact your local sales representative for information about available sizes and suitable options for your pot.
Should You Use a Saucer Outdoors?
Saucers can be used outdoors during the frost-free months, but we recommend removing them before winter and freezing temperatures.
A saucer can prevent excess water from draining freely from the pot. If water collects in the saucer and freezes, the expansion can cause the saucer itself to crack or break and may also increase the risk of frost damage to the pot. Before winter, remove the saucer and make sure the pot’s drainage hole remains clear so water can escape freely.
For more information about preparing your pots for colder weather, visit our Pot Feet & Winter Care guide.
Learn More About Planting in Terracotta
How you plant and water your pot plays an important role in creating healthy growing conditions for your plants. For more advice on drainage, watering and planting in terracotta, visit our Planting Guide.
