crumbling terracotta

Hello All:
 
I am wondering if anyone can tell me why one of the terracotta pots on my deck is beginning to deteriorate on the outside near the bottom.  I have two such large pots on the back deck from different origins.  The crumbling one has a somewhat more porous surface, and about 2 or 3 inches around the bottom of the pot, the outer layer of clay is puffing up and then crumbling off.  The pot is elevated on a sturdy little rolling palate my husband built for all my pots, so it always drains well. 
 
I have two suspicions: 1 is that the large amount of fertilizer that I give this greedy plant to keep it happy is somehow concentrating near the bottom and adversely affecting it.  I'm not completely happy with this hypothesis, however, as the pot next to it, granted from a different pottery, which receives the same fertilizer regimen is fine, and because there is a layer of rock at the bottom that should keep the water from standing.  I suppose it is possible that the salts are coming out of solution as they work their way to the bottom and clinging to the rock layer.  My second thought is that the nasty little mites (or some other offensive pest) that have been a bane to this plant's existence, and a constant source of work to keep in check, are somehow laying eggs beneath the surface and heaving it up.  I'm not convinced of this either, though, as I can't see why they would travel to the bottom of the pot!  I only put this much work into these two plants as I love them so!
 
Oh well, anyone had this experience and care to comment?
 

Karrie Reid

Folsom Foothill Gardener

Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index