Is it ok to leave a nice unused bonsai pot outside in the elements ?

[davetree]

I have several nice pots that are empty now. I like the look and patina of pots as they age. Is it ok to leave these pots exposed to the elements or should they be stored ? Thanks for your replies.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I moved nearly all of my pots outside this year for that very reason...and to make some space in the garage. My only worry is the kids or dog knocking a stack over. Coincidentally, I did find one with the corner knocked in last night. Glad it was a cheaper one, and not the nice big glazed Tokoname pot next to it. It has me rethinking where I keep them outside, but do like that they're out in the elements.

I still keep a few favorites inside on shelves in my office.

 

[jkd2572]

If you have a place in your yard that is hidden out of view this would work to get them out of harms way. Out of site for the eye sore.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZb9pd/h_d2/Navigation?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

 

[davetree]

I want the sun rain and snow on them. The good pots I have that are old have for sure changed over the years. One of my Sara Raynor pots has a completely different tone and has patina forming in just three or four years on my bench.

 

[Eric Schrader]

Interesting to note that in Japan many growers put the cheap and/or newer pots under the benches outside. But they seem to keep the old/expensive pots inside.....probably because they already have enough patina and because they want to look at them.

 

[TheDarkHorseOne]

Sadly, for 10 years, my pots have garnered nothing but a patina of dust. I think they're primed and ready for action now, though. All I need is the trees to grace them with their beauty, and my conviction to create them so. Looking forward to it. My little Boxwood experiment may be going into one today!(note the AM)

After the Mid-Ohio IndyCar race, of course... One has priorities, heheh.

 

[Ang3lfir3]

we have a shelf under out benches for this purpose ... not all of our benches mind you but I store several larger pots out there so they will gain patina .... as I water they get wet every day and the sun, snow and rain also get to them its a relatively easy addition to the benches and also makes a nice home for small shade loving accents ...

 

[rockm]

I leave most of my newer bonsai pots outside, most under the bonsai benches where water, dripping fertilizer and weather gets at them. It can help a bit with the patina, not a lot, but some.

I also display some of those pots on shelves inside from time to time.

I have had some casualities with people stepping on pots and breaking them outside though, so make sure you put them out of the way of errant footsteps.