This may allow the plant to become infected by organisms that breed in moist soil. Soil in a container dries out partly because the plant uses the water.the smallest container that is consistent with their needs. Ideally, the soil should completely dry out in about a week's time. Clay pots dry out quicker than plastic ones. They also allow fresh air to diffuse into the root zone.
Soil remains somewhat cooler in clay pots due both to insulation and evaporation through the clay.
More rapid growth of succulents can occur in plastic pots due to the root temperature differential. Better aeration can be achieved by adding perlite to plastic pots than by using clay pots alone. Plastic pots require much less labor in the form of watering. Some succulents which are difficult to grow do best in clay pots with abundant perlite and sterilized soil. Watering Most cacti and other succulents thrive with ample intermittent watering.