How to use Pots Without Drainage Holes

Indoor plants bring a splash of greenery inside, purifying the air whilst supporting tranquillity. The rise of popularity in designer pots has created a market for elegant, stylish modern plant pot designs, including no-drainage hole pots. These can be beautiful and easy to use, but may require a different approach to be mindful of.

Benefits of No-Drainage Pots

Some indoor pots for plants have no drainage holes to offer a leak-free alternative that are suitable for a range of plants. This decreases the risk of overflowing water damaging the floor, allowing indoor plants to be used stress-free in offices, lobbies and the home.

These modern indoor plant pots also stop the need to deal with unappealing saucers that might ruin your design. When used as cover pots, the interior pot can be conveniently removed when watering is needed.

The Importance of Drainage in Plant Pots

When growing plants in pots without drainage holes, it’s important to understand how you can create adequate water flow. Keep in mind the following conditions to help your plants thrive.

Allows Water to Drain

Water that is unable to drain properly from the soil causes water logging, leading to root rot in some plants.

Provides Airflow

Waterlogged soil can close off the air pockets and prevent plants from exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Flushes Salt Out

Tap water and fertilisers can contain salt which gets left behind after the roots have soaked up the water. Water that cannot drain may lead to a buildup of salt over time. Excess salt exposure can stunt plant growth and cause wilting.

Tips for Using Pots Without Drainage Holes

Being considerate of the optimal plant conditions can inform you on how to get drainage in a pot without holes, depending on the plant you have.

Create Drainage Layers

You can create better drainage by adding layers that allow water to flow more easily. Add a bottom layer of small rocks, followed by a layer of activated charcoal, before filling the rest with your soil mix.

The activated charcoal can help soak up water and has natural microbial properties which may help prevent fungus disease.

Use the Double Potting Method

Cachepots refer to decorative pots that growing pots with drainage holes, like the ones that come with plants from the nursery, are placed inside of. This allows water to effectively drain and can make watering easier, as you simply remove the lightweight growing pot inside.

Consider the Size of Cachepots

Allow room between the growing pot and the cachepot so that air is able to circulate through the soil. You can hide a growing pot inside a larger cachepot or, alternatively, create interesting shapes by using something taller that is the same colour as the decorative pot. Pot sets like our REMY line are ideal if you wish to maintain your aesthetic as your plants grow.

Utilise Light

Avoid positioning in dark spaces with abundant moisture like the bathroom. Bright, indirect light can help to evaporate excess water.

Avoid Overwatering

Different plants will require different watering schedules. Pay close attention to the water your plant needs to prevent overwatering and waterlogging. Consider investing in a soil metre, which can let you accurately measure the moisture of the soil near the roots.

Use Organic Fertilisers

You can prevent the build up of salts by choosing the best fertiliser. Opt for a low salt fertiliser to minimise the amount of salt that moves through your soil, and reduce the water flow needed to flush these out.

Choose Lightweight Pots

Designer plant pots made out of lightweight materials like fibreglass can be easily moved to remove excess water as needed.

Find the Right Plant

When planting directly into a no-drainage hole pot, it is best to choose hardy water-loving plants. Some of the best plants for pots without drainage include:

Spider Plant
Chinese Evergreen
Snake Plant
Money Plant
Spanish Moss

These plants don’t mind a lot of water, and a pot without drainage holes may even help maintain the moisture needed for them to grow.

The Benefits of Simply Good Pots

Indoor plant pots without drainage can be a mess-free way to introduce plants into your home or office. Coming in a stylish range of colours, they can easily broaden your interior design options while rejuvenating your space.

Simply Good Pots’ fibreglass products are an ideal choice for indoor plant care, providing modern designs that are equally durable and lightweight. Browse the collection online to find the perfect pot to enhance your plant’s natural beauty today.

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