Rocks in the bottom of containers do not contribute to better draining soils and healthier plants. Instead plant roots encounter saturated soils that don’t drain efficiently. It all has to do with something called a perched water table. … And it doesn’t have to be rocks that are placed at the bottom of the pot.
Also, what can I use for drainage in pots?
A drainage layer is created by adding a medium such as pebbles, stones or pumace to the bottom of a pot before adding soil. Soil particles are very small and tightly packed together, which means that water moves through them quite slowly.
In respect to this, should you put rocks at the bottom of pots?
In general, it’s not necessary to put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. One rock to cover the drainage hole is enough – just enough so that the soil doesn’t leach out of the bottom but water can flow freely through the pot. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn’t aid drainage or improve air circulation.
Why do people put rocks at the bottom of pots?
Most people will place a stone or pebble over drainage holes in pots, especially the large central ones at the base of terracotta pots, to prevent the potting mix falling out and making a mess.
Do rocks help drainage?
One of the benefits of using rocks for yard drainage is that they not only serve a practical purpose, but they can make your yard aesthetically pleasing as well. … Because rocks do not compact or degrade with time, they make excellent components to a yard’s drainage system and do not require constant upkeep.
Can you use stones for drainage?
Rocks aren’t all bad. Rocks added to the bottom of large pots will reduce the volume of potting soil required to fill a container. So, while they won’t increase drainage they will help to save a few bucks on soil.
