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do indoor plants need drainage holes

by Keeley Hessel Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Whether your potted plants are indoors or outdoors, proper drainage is an essential element to ensure they stay healthy. This process keeps water from pooling at the base of the pot, which can cause bacteria, fungus and root rot.

Full Answer

Do houseplants need drainage holes?

These plants simply need to be placed in a pot without a drainage hole. Do All Plants Need Drainage Holes? All plants need water to survive, but excess water can rot the roots. That’s why most pots have a drainage hole to allow excess water to seep out of the pots. However, there are exceptions.

What happens if you don’t have a drainage hole in a pot?

If the pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, then there is a likelihood that most owners will end up with a wilting plant. Some indoor plants like succulents, cactuses, and other small plants can survive in a pot with no drainage holes. But one needs to be careful with the soil mix and water to ensure their plants remain healthy and don’t die off.

Can indoor plants survive in a pot without drainage?

Depending upon the type of plant you choose and how well you water them, your indoor plant will thrive or wilt in a pot with no drainage. If you can figure out the perfect watering frequency and water them just right so that the roots of the plant don’t stay soaked, then your plant may survive in a pot without any drainage.

What are drainage holes and why do you need them?

This is where drainage holes come into play. They are located on the underside of a pot. Their sole purpose is to prevent the water from settling at the bottom of the container. In this article, we will explore why you should have them, what will happen if they aren’t present, and which plants need drainage holes.

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Can indoor plants survive without drainage?

Plants in pots without drainage holes are prone to becoming overwatered. Even if the soil surface appears dry, the soil at the bottom of the pot may be sopping wet. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can easily kill your plants.

What plants can grow in pots without drainage holes?

13 Amazing Plants That Do Not Need Drainage HolesSnake Plant.Oleander Plant.Chinese Evergreen.Kupukupu Fern.Crotons.Dumbcane.Schefflera.Pothos.More items...

What can I put in the bottom of my indoor planter for drainage?

Perlite is a soil amendment that improves drainage and encourages root growth. It can also help keep the soil from getting compacted in a container. Some potting soil already includes perlite, but it can be purchased separately and then mixed into soil.

How do you water indoor plants without drainage?

Instead of drenching the potting mix – like you would if there were drain holes – you'll need to carefully add just enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil around the roots, but not so much that you waterlog the potting mix and leave water sitting in the bottom of the container.

Why do some plant pots have no drainage holes?

Plant pots without drainage holes are known as cachepots, and they are commonly used to aesthetically hide grow pots that hold houseplants. Planting directly into decorative containers increases the risk of overwatering.

Should I put anything in the bottom of my planter?

Planter Filler: Empty Water Bottles or Milk Jugs To keep larger planters (24 inches or more) easy to move, try filling them with lightweight, bulky items like capped empty water bottles or milk jugs. They take up space without adding weight.

What do you put in the bottom of a planter?

Natural Materials Pine cones, wood chips, leaves, and sticks can all be used but will break down over time—a sustainable choice for seasonal planters who repot regularly.

What succulents dont need drainage?

0:502:36How To Water Succulents In No Drainage Pots | Easy and Simple TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd plant. Your. Succulents our last set of tips are for watering your succulent watering in a noMoreAnd plant. Your. Succulents our last set of tips are for watering your succulent watering in a no drainage pot is trickier than usual. So you may want to invest in a moisture meter.

Why Do Some Plant Pots Have No Drainage Holes?

Though it sounds like it would be most logical for all plant pots to have drainage holes, there are two primary reasons why you may find some that do not.

What to do with a pot that doesn't have drainage holes?

The easiest way to use a pot that does not have drainage holes is to use it for decoration only, especially if you really like the pot.

How Many Drainage Holes Are Enough?

Although most plant pots come with a standard one-hole right in the middle, it is better if a pot has at least two to four drainage holes. Having more drainage holes insures better drainage and helps the water drain even if one drainage hole gets clogged.

What can you use as pots but are not originally designed as pots?

Some things that could be used as pots but are not originally designed as pots include mason jars, vases, and buckets. Just because they weren’t designed as pots does not mean you cannot use them, but you may have to make some modifications.

Why do my sage plants die?

If they are planted in pots without proper drainage, it can cause them to die or rot from overwatering.

How do you know if a peace lily needs more water?

The best sign of when a Peace Lily needs more water is when the leaves start drooping slightly.

Can you add drain holes to pots?

Drainage holes can be added to most pots with the proper tools.

What are drainage holes?

We briefly touched upon drainage holes, but let’s dive in a bit deeper. Typically, the average container will have at least three or four holes on the bottom.

What is the factor that people don't consider when watering plants?

But, one factor that people don’t consider is container in which your plant is kept. Sure, the soil inside it is equally important, but what happens to the water when you give your plant a thorough watering session?

What causes cracks in pots?

Creating your own drainage holes can cause cracks that will eventually break the container. There should be enough to spread out over the bottom of the pot evenly.

What happens if you don't put a pot in a pot?

If they aren’t placed in these pots, then the container will have to have a built-in drainage system. This can be through the use of stones being underneath the bottom layer of soil. You’ll also have to take note of how quickly you pour the water. Disturbing the soil will render this solution quite useless.

How do sycamores survive?

They can survive when settled in a container that has built-in hydro stones. These help to absorb the water so that the roots don’t simply sit in the water and become soggy.

How to prevent root rot on Chinese Evergreen?

In the case of the Chinese Evergreen, monitoring the amount of water that you give it is the best way to avoid root rot.

What is the purpose of a water spout?

Their sole purpose is to prevent the water from settling at the bottom of the container.

What is the easiest indoor plant to care for?

Spider plants are generally easy to care which makes them great first plants for people who are brand new to caring for plants as well as people who struggle with keeping plants alive.

How to grow a snake plant from a cutting?

You can even plunk your snake plant cuttings into a small bowl of water and the cuttings will slowly grow up into a healthy snake plant. Just make sure to tie the base of the snake plant together when growing it in water to encourage the leaves to remain upright.

What is cordyline plant?

The cordyline, a type of monocotyledonous plant with a woody texture, has more than 20 other species in its genus. These pretty flowering plants belong to the Lomandroideae subfamily and the Asparagaceae family. They’re known for their lengthy deep red leaves with lighter red/pink details. Some are even dark green with a mix of pink or red within, making them a standout in any indoor garden.

Where does the snake plant come from?

If you don’t, I’ll recap for you now. The snake plant or Dracaena trifasciata hails from West Africa’s tropics, including parts of the Congo and Nigeria. It’s in the Asparagaceae family and is known for its long, blade-like leaves that stand straight up.

Can you grow coleus in water?

While in the water, avoid growing coleus in fluoride or chlorine, both of which often come from tap water.

Why do houseplants need drainage holes?

It's best to choose a pot with a drainage hole that lets water drain from the soil after each watering, allowing the soil to dry and reducing the risk of plant diseases that grow under wet conditions. If your favorite container doesn't have a drain hole, you'll need to make a few adjustments to avoid problems with your plant.

How to keep plants healthy in a nondrained container?

Another approach to keeping a plant healthy in a nondrained container is to use a double potting method. For this, the plant grows in a thin pot or liner, usually made of plastic, that has one or more drainage holes and is slightly smaller than the nondrained container and placed inside of it. Each time you water, first remove the liner pot from the outer pot, allow the plant to drain after watering and then replace it into the outer pot. You could also add gravel to the bottom of the larger pot to catch any water that drains over time from the inner pot.

How do roots take up oxygen?

Roots also take up oxygen from air in the soil, a process that doesn't proceed well in waterlogged soil. Although different plant types have slightly different water requirements, the best way to support root function for most plants is to allow soil to drain freely after watering and dry slightly between waterings.

Why do plants need water?

Plants need water on a regular basis to help their cells use nutrients from the soil. A plant's roots take up nutrient-containing water, which moves through the plant's circulation system to reach all its parts. Roots also take up oxygen from air in the soil, a process that doesn't proceed well in waterlogged soil.

Can you put a hole in a pot?

Add a Drainage Hole. If you already own a pot without a drain hole that you'd like to use, it may be possible to add a hole. Some pots made of resin or plastic have pre-marked spots in the pot's bottom that you can easily punch out of the pot using a screwdriver or other tool.

How to Plant in Pots Without Drainage Holes?

Now that you know there’s a whole bunch of plants that don’t need drainage holes to survive, you must be ready to discuss the next thing. “How to plant in a pot without drainage hole?”

When does a sage plant need water?

It mostly needs water during spring and summer to grow. The soil doesn’t need to be soaked with water.

What is the simplest houseplant to grow?

Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) is one of the simplest houseplants to care for. This gorgeous plant has heart-shaped leaves. It grows fast and it can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Its vine can reach 10 inches and even longer.

Do Croton plants need wet soil?

Since it belongs to a tropical environment, it thrives in a humid environment. It needs wet soil during spring and summer to grow. If you can’t find a humid location for the plant, you must mist the leaves for creating artificial humidity. Croton requires frequent watering but it’s important not to over-water the plant.

Do anthuriums need water?

However, this plant doesn’t like continuously moist soil either so, you have to be careful and create the right balance. You will only have to water it weekly. Anthurium doesn’t need excess water to grow so don’t make it too wet.

Can you put house plants in a pot?

Lucky for us, there’s are a plethora of plants that can grow with minimal watering and maintenance. Yes, these are the plants that don’ t create the water mess. These plants simply need to be placed in a pot without a drainage hole.

Can you grow succulents indoors?

Yes, you can. However, the roots of the Succulent plant need to dry out immediately. If you are growing them indoor, a pot without a drainage hole would be a better option since you won’t have to worry that water will seep from the drainage hole.

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