Clay Vs. Redwood Pots

How do you know if you should use a redwood container or a clay pot for that Ficus tree?

When choosing a container to grow any kind of plant you need to look at what it is going to do for you on a short term and long term basis.  Redwood containers, for instance, come in rectangular, square, and octagonal like shapes.  Redwood lasts for a long time but has a tendency to bleed and stain.  In addition, they aren't the best containers to transplant to or from year after year.  The bands will loosen and will fall apart.  However, you can't beat a redwood container for that rustic look.  

Clay pots, on the other hand, seem to be a gardener's staple item.  Problem is, if not coated on the inside or protected with a sealer on the outside the clay pot breathes too much drying your plants out.  Clay pots are much less expensive than redwood containers and most need to be drilled on the bottom to allow proper drainage, most nurseries provide this service - but, you have to ask for it.