Everything you
wanted to ask.
How Ollas work, which to choose, how to care for them, and what to expect once they're in the soil.
Your answers change depending on what you're growing. Pick one to see the questions that apply.
You're viewing Olla Pots — for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and outdoor containers.
Getting Started
What is an Olla and how does it water my plants?
An Olla (pronounced OY-yah) is a porous terracotta pot you bury in your garden soil, up to its neck. You fill it with water, and the clay walls let that water seep out slowly, right into the surrounding root zone.
The reason it self-regulates is a natural process called soil moisture tension: when the soil around the Olla dries out, it draws water through the clay toward the roots. When the soil is already moist, the flow slows on its own. Your plants take what they need, when they need it — there's no schedule to keep.
Is it true Ollas use less water?
Yes. Because the water is delivered underground, straight to the roots, very little is lost to surface evaporation, runoff, or overspray. In practice, Ollas can use 50–70% less water than watering by hand — and you'll refill far less often, usually once or twice a week.
Water-savings figure: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.
Which plants do best with an Olla?
Almost anything that likes steady moisture at the roots. Think of the list below as a starting point, not a boundary:
- Vegetables — tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, beans, corn, leafy greens like lettuce and kale, and more
- Herbs — basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and more
- Fruit — strawberries and other fruiting plants that reward consistent hydration
- Flowers — roses, dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias, and more
- Ornamental shrubs and young trees — a real help while new plantings get established
Are Ollas safe for vegetable and herb gardens?
They are. Our Ollas are made from natural, unglazed clay, lightly kiln-fired — the same traditional process potters have used for centuries. They're made for the garden, food crops included.
Each one is slip-cast, lightly kiln-fired, and hand-finished, so small variations in color and texture are normal, and part of what makes each piece its own. The packaging is 100% recyclable, compostable, and worm-bin friendly — no plastic, no Styrofoam.
Using Ollas
How do I set up my Olla?
- Soak the Olla in water for 15 minutes before its first use, to saturate the clay.
- Bury it in the soil up to its neck, near the root zone of your plants.
- Fill it with water and set the lid on top to slow evaporation.
- Refill when the level runs low — just lift the lid and peek inside.
How often will I need to refill it?
In most gardens, once or twice a week. The exact rhythm depends on your heat, plant size, and soil type. During peak summer you may top it up every few days; after rain, you might find it still full. You'll learn your garden's pace within a couple of weeks.
Can I leave it while I'm on vacation?
That's one of the main reasons people reach for Ollas. Fill it before you go and your plants draw what they need while you're away. For a longer trip, set an inverted upcycled water or wine bottle into the neck of the Pot to extend the supply.
My Olla doesn't seem to be releasing water. What's going on?
Usually it's one of a few simple things — run through these:
- Did you soak it first? A brand-new, dry Olla needs 15 minutes in water before its first use. Dry clay resists water at first.
- Is the soil already moist? The Olla releases less when the surrounding soil is wet. That's it working correctly, not failing.
- Is the soil making good contact? Air gaps limit water transfer. Gently firm the soil around the Olla and water the surrounding bed thoroughly once to close any gaps.
- Any mineral buildup? Clean the exterior with a 1:1 vinegar-and-water solution to clear the pores.
Sizing & Quantity
Which size should I choose?
| Size | Dimensions | Capacity | Waters up to | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini (2-pack) | 3" × 6" | 12 oz (0.35L) | 1 ft diameter | Small pots, narrow beds, herbs |
| Small | 5" × 7" | 1 qt (1L) | 2 ft diameter | Raised beds, containers, medium plants |
| Large | 7" × 9" | 3.17 qt (3L) | 3 ft diameter | Large beds, in-ground gardens, big plants |
How many will I need for my garden?
The simple rule is one Olla per plant for individual specimens. For beds, space them so their watering zones overlap slightly, so no patch dries out. Common configurations:
| Garden size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Single tomato or pepper plant | 1 Large |
| 2' × 4' raised bed | 2 Small |
| 2' × 8' raised bed | 4 Small |
| 3' × 4' raised bed | 1–2 Large |
| 3' × 6' raised bed | 2 Large |
| 4' × 8' raised bed | 3 Large |
How many do I need for containers and grow bags?
Containers & pots
| Pot diameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Up to 12" | 1 Mini |
| Up to 24" | 1 Small |
| Up to 36" | 1 Large |
Grow bags
| Grow bag size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 5–15 gallon | 1 Small |
| 15–30 gallon | 1 Large |
| 30+ gallon | 1–2 Large |
Do Ollas work in every soil type?
They work best in well-draining soil — loamy, sandy, or a good potting mix — where water can move freely to the root zone.
Heavy clay is the exception. Dense clay doesn't let water disperse easily from the Olla walls, which limits how well it works. If your soil is very clay-heavy, amending it with compost or switching to a quality raised-bed mix makes a real difference.
Care & Maintenance
How do I clean it between seasons?
- Mix a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar.
- Scrub the outside with a brush to lift any roots that attached to the clay.
- Rinse well and store somewhere dry.
The vinegar dissolves the mineral deposits that tap water leaves behind in the pores over time.
Will it crack in cold weather?
Terracotta can crack if the water inside freezes and expands. Before the first hard freeze:
- Lift the Olla out of the ground.
- Empty any water still inside.
- Store it somewhere dry and frost-free — a garage, shed, or basement is perfect.
How long will an Olla last?
Cared for well, many growing seasons. Terracotta is one of the most durable, low-maintenance materials in the garden — which is exactly why Ollas have been used for thousands of years.
You're viewing Olla Spikes — for houseplants, herbs, and potted plants indoors or on the patio.
Getting Started
What is an Olla Spike and how does it water my plants?
An Olla Spike (pronounced OY-yah) is a small porous terracotta spike made for potted and indoor plants. You press it into the potting mix near the roots and fill it through the top — or add an upcycled bottle that fits snugly in the neck for a larger reservoir. Water seeps through the clay walls into the soil around the roots, at the pace your plant actually needs.
Like our garden Ollas, Spikes rely on soil moisture tension: the clay releases more as the soil dries, and less when it's already moist. No overwatering, no underwatering.
Which houseplants do best with a Spike?
Most potted plants that appreciate steady, gentle moisture. They're especially good for:
- Popular houseplants — pothos, monsteras, peace lilies, philodendrons, calatheas, and more
- Herbs in pots — basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, rosemary, and more
- Fruiting plants in containers — peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and more
- Larger floor plants — fiddle-leaf figs, birds of paradise, rubber plants, and more
- Succulents and cacti — with less frequent refilling, a Spike offers the slow, occasional moisture they prefer
What are the Spikes made of?
Natural, unglazed clay — the same traditional process used for centuries. Each piece is slip-cast, lightly kiln-fired, and hand-finished, so small variations in color and texture are normal. Our packaging is 100% recyclable, compostable, and worm-bin friendly — no plastic, no Styrofoam.
Using Spikes
How do I set up my Spike?
- Soak the spike in water for 15 minutes before its first use, to saturate the clay.
- Insert it — dig a small hole in the potting mix near the roots and gently press the spike in, pointed end down. Don't twist or force it.
- Fill the spike with water and set the lid on top.
- Optional: fill an upcycled bottle that fits snugly in the neck of the Spike, flip it upside down, and set it into the opening to extend watering time.
- Refill the spike or bottle when empty — your plant draws water as it needs it.
How often will I need to refill?
It depends on the plant, the pot size, and the room. Larger plants in brighter, warmer spots drink faster. Just check the lid or bottle and top it up when it's empty — there's no strict schedule.
Can I use Spikes while I travel?
Keeping plants happy during a trip is one of the main reasons people love them. The lid alone covers short absences. For longer trips, set an inverted upcycled bottle that fits snugly into the neck of the Spike before you leave — your plants sip at their own pace while you're gone.
My Spike doesn't seem to be releasing water. What's going on?
A few quick things to check:
- Did you soak it first? A dry spike needs 15 minutes in water before its first use.
- Is the soil already moist? It releases less when the soil is wet — that's it working correctly.
- Is the soil making good contact? Air gaps limit water transfer. Gently firm the potting mix around the spike and water the pot thoroughly once to close them.
- Is the bottle seated properly? The bottle should fit snugly in the neck of the spike so no air leaks in from the sides. Not every bottle fits every size — try another if it sits loose.
- Any mineral buildup? Clean with a 1:1 vinegar-and-water solution and gently scrub to clear the pores.
Sizing & Quantity
Which Spike size should I choose?
Unlike brands that offer a single size, our Spikes come in three — so you can match the spike to the pot for the steadiest results, right where the roots are.
| Size | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1.2" × 1.2" × 3.9" | Pots 4"–6" in diameter |
| Medium | 1.6" × 1.6" × 4.9" | Pots 5"–9" in diameter |
| Large | 2" × 2" × 6.8" | Pots 8"–12" in diameter |
How many Spikes do I need?
One spike per pot is usually plenty.
A set of 4 covers most of a main plant collection.
For pots over 12" across, use two spikes on opposite sides of the root zone.
Plants vary in size, light, and thirst — adjust as you get to know your collection's rhythm.
Care & Maintenance
How do I clean my Spike?
- Mix a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar.
- Soak or scrub the spike to remove mineral deposits and any roots that attached to the clay.
- Rinse thoroughly before reuse.
A clean between repottings keeps the pores clear and the flow steady.
How long will a Spike last?
Cared for well, many years. Terracotta is naturally durable — keep the spike moist while it's in use and store it dry when it isn't, and it'll serve your plants season after season.
Shipping & Replacements
Where do you ship, and how fast?
We ship anywhere in the United States. Most orders go out the same day they're placed; all orders ship within 1–2 business days (holidays aside). Discounted expedited options are available at checkout.
Is shipping free?
Free shipping is available on orders of $99 or more. Many customers also qualify for reduced-rate shipping at checkout — the exact cost is based on your location.
What if my order arrives damaged or something's missing?
Reach out and we'll make it right. Everything we make is backed by our satisfaction guarantee — if anything arrives damaged, defective, or missing, we'll replace it.
Contact us with your order number and we'll respond quickly. For the full details, see our Refund & Exchange Policy.