What’s the scoop on drainage holes?
Do plants need that drainage hole at the base of your pot? Well, not necessarily - it depends on the plant and your care habits. Some houseplants fair quite well without drainage: Succulents, Snake Plants, Oleander Plants, Chinese Evergreens, Kupukupu Ferns, and Spider Plants are among them. Honestly, who doesn’t appreciate the clean lines and simplicity of a beautiful pot sans saucer? Who wouldn’t want to guarantee against water damage on fine floors, tables or window sills? These plants are a great choice for the many people who prefer a pot without drainage holes. A more detailed resource can be found via this link (13 Amazing Plants).
That being said, over watering is a very common way we love our plants to death. And drainage holes are a great way to counter this risk. Drainage allows excess water to move away from the root system, reducing the ability of bacteria or fungus to take hold and cause root-rot. Drainage holes are especially important for outdoor potted plants that may be exposed to bouts of heavy rain. So outdoors, definitely look for pots with drainage holes.
For houseplants however, there are, other methods to provide adequate drainage beyond the drainage hole. An equally effective option is to nest a lightweight nursery container within your chosen ceramic pot. No saucer needed if your ceramic pot has a solid base. This has the added perk of allowing for easy “transplanting” when updating your favorite pot’s green occupant. Another method is to include a small drainage layer (of activated charcoal, pumice, pebbles, etc) at the base of your pot prior to adding soil. This allows for a barrier between the root system and any standing water. Activated charcoal, in particular, is a great choice for a drainage medium. It is highly porous and can absorb more excess water, as well as having anti-microbial properties that help against unwanted bacteria and fungi.
On a related note, when transplanting a plant into your beautiful new pot, be sure to choose a plant of compatible size. It is somewhat obvious that we don’t want to put a large plant in a small pot, but conversely, and maybe less obviously, we shouldn’t go too big. Upsizing more than a couple inches in diameter can lead to water retention in the excess soil and thus, inadvertent overwatering.
At AM Pottery Pros, we list whether or not there is a drainage hole in our product descriptions so that you can choose accordingly. Of course we welcome feedback as to your preferences (Contact Us)! Happy potting and water sparingly!