For plant lovers, it is always a sad scenario when you encounter a broken pot, whether it houses a favorite plant or is just sitting in the corner for when you finally decide what to plant in it. These accidents can happen especially if you have pets or children that can be running all around your yard and send your pots toppling to the ground. In any case, you most likely find it expensive to buy new pots, especially if the “victim” happens to be a very large pot. Thankfully there is a way to repair these pots.


Step 1. If the pot is cracked but not completely broken, get some rustproof wire and wrap it around the pot, just below its rim, and twist the two ends together using a pair of pliers. If the pot is broken to several pieces, brush off all soil from each broken piece, clean the edges, and make sure these edges are dry.

Step 2. Put on protective gloves and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Use a waterproof epoxy resin to apply to the broken portions, either the cracked parts or the edges between the two broken pieces. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging, and find the one that is suited for the material of which your pot is made, whether it is terracotta or any other material. If needed, you can mix the epoxy glue with powdered clay of a color that matches your pot. Alternatively, you can also sprinkle the colored powder after you apply the glue.

Step 3. Press the pieces tightly together and wipe off any epoxy that drips out. If any glue drips out, remove it using acetone. Be sure you are in a well-ventilated area, as acetone has a very strong smell that can affect you negatively when you use it in an enclosed area.

Step 4. Wrap twine around your pot and tighten it by putting newspaper or rags in between the twine and your pot. Follow the directions as to how long to leave the epoxy to dry. Do not add any soil or plants just yet.

Step 5. When you are sure the epoxy has completely dried, you can use very fine sandpaper to sand the pot and enhance the finish of he surface. Alternatively, you can proceed to take off the twine without sanding.

Step 6. Once you are sure the epoxy has put your flowerpot back in shape, you can now put soil and plants in it. Just be sure to give the repaired pots added protection, particularly from freezing. As such, be sure to transfer repaired pots to a covered shelter when wintertime comes. You can even opt to wrap unused pots in bubble wrap or fleece to protect decorative elements from frost during the winter months, too.