Plants & Pets
TreeTake Network
Some pots have drainage holes, but others, like plastic or ceramic containers, do not. It may not amount to much for a layman, but the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot makes a lot of difference when it comes to potting a plant and caring for it. There is a difference of opinion about potting in a pot without drainage holes. Some people believe this should not be done at all, because drainage holes are very important to drain off excess water to keep plants healthy. So, is it possible to keep a plant in a pot without drainage holes? Yes, it is, but with due care and precautions.
Why do pots have a drainage hole? All plants need water to survive. Yet, over-watering is the most common (and perhaps quickest) way to kill an indoor plant. Drainage holes allow excess water to seep out of pots after watering, ensuring that water does not get pooled at the base of a pot. So, they protect sensitive roots from rot, fungus, and bacteria. However, a few things should be remembered before planting in pots without drainage holes.
Normally, a plant is fully saturated and excess water is allowed to flow out of the drainage hole, but when a plant is in a pot without drainage, it should be watered sparingly and slowly because each drop of water is going to stay there. If the plant is watered slowly, the water is evenly distributed through the soil and does not pool up at the bottom. Soil additives also keep houseplants’ soil from being compacted and repelling water. They provide aeration and also help water disperse more evenly through the soil. Perlite, pumice, vermiculite, orchid bark, and horticultural charcoal are common soil additives that can be used.
When soil without amendments dries up, it often repels water and makes houseplant care more difficult. The little bits of porous rock and bark help give water more passageways to hydrate the plant’s roots. Activated charcoal is heated at high temperatures, increasing its naturally absorptive properties. This means that a shallow layer of activated charcoal at the bottom of your pot is actually able to remove some of that excess water, which makes your plant very happy in the case of over-watering. Another issue that arises from over-watering is fungal and bacterial disease. Activated charcoal has natural microbial properties and can help deter harmful bugs.
Plants that thrive in pots without drainage holes:
Snake plant: It can live without much water for quite some time, and it is easy to grow in pots without holes, though overwatering should be avoided. This plant takes in water slowly, so it does not need frequent watering. Let the soil dry between waterings.
Oleander plant: This is a shrubby species that can grow up to 19 feet, but can be kept under control in a pot. This shrub often grows near water sources and is drought-tolerant.
Chinese evergreen plant: This houseplant also does not need drainage, and its water requirement is low. It should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.
Rough horsetail: This is a non-flowering sedge that enjoys wet conditions. It can be placed in up to 4 inches of standing water, so there is never any fear of overwatering.
The Philippine evergreen plant: This houseplant grows in any kind of container, but there should not be excess watering.
Spanish moss: It is an epiphytic plant that does not need soil to grow. It can be grown in pots without drainage holes as it can simply sit on top and be misted.
Spider plant: This, too, has very low water requirements and can go a long time without water.
Schefflera: Also called umbrella tree, it grows very tall but can be kept in check if grown as a houseplant with an eye on how much water it is receiving.
Aloe vera: This, too, is easy to grow but again needs a careful eye on watering. If it is placed in shade, watering should be minimal.
Pothos: Pothos prefer soil that is neither too dry to soil that is too wet, and they can grow in very dry soil for some time before they start to wither.
Philodendron: For this plant, the soil should be kept moist, and it should be given less water when it is dormant in the winter. With good care, it should thrive, even if its container doesn't drain.
Kupukupu fern: Also called sword fern, it can thrive in dry, moist, or wet conditions in soil that is made up of clay, sand, or organic materials. It can also grow in full sun or full shade, or indirect sun. The soil should be kept moist but not wet.
Bird of Paradise: This plant is usually tall, so it is grown outdoors. It also loves sunshine. But in colder regions, it is grown as a houseplant in containers that can be kept consistently warm and moist. Though it loves water, it is drought-tolerant and can live in dry soil for a while.
Pineapple plant: Pineapple plants grown in containers need consistently moist soil and high humidity levels.
Asparagus fern: This plant should be watered slowly and carefully. The potting medium should be dry before it is watered again.
Croton: This plant needs high humidity and moist soil. It should be watered once the top inch of soil has dried.
Venus fly trap: This plant needs moist and boggy soil as well as high humidity to survive indoors or outdoors, so it will thrive in containers that retain as much water as possible. It should be grown near a window in indirect sunlight, but the water in the soil may evaporate faster, so you should ensure that the soil is consistently moist or wet.
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