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.
Similarly, how do I provide drainage for indoor potted plants?
Place a layer of drainage material e.g. small pebbles or hydrogranules on the base of the liner. Hydrogranules are baked, expanded clay granules that absorb excess water. Sit the plant in the grow pot on the drainage layer.
Then, what do you put under plant pots indoors?
Line a drainage saucer with a layer of pebbles, gravel or sand, which allows the container to drain freely and prevents the bottom of the pot from standing in water.
Why do pots not have drainage holes?
Why Do Pots Need Drain Holes? With the exception of a few aquatic plants, plant roots don’t like to sit in water. They need to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the air, and excess water closes off the air pockets in soil. Plants in pots without drainage holes are prone to becoming overwatered.
How can I water my indoor plants without leaking?
You can use non-draining pots, drip trays or you can water your indoor plants in a sink to avoid any mess. You could also use a controlled watering method such as a self-watering pot, watering spike or watering with ice cubes.
Do I need to put rocks in the bottom of a planter?
This is false. Putting gravel, rocks, or other layers of material in your plant pots, planters, or containers with drainage holes does NOT improve potting soil drainage, it instead increases the water saturation level that leads to root rot.
What is the best way to water indoor plants?
How to Properly Water Indoor Plants
- DO Use a Watering Can. …
- DON’T Use Softened Water. …
- DO Water Indoor Plants as Needed. …
- DON’T Follow a Watering Schedule. …
- DO Soak the Soil Thoroughly. …
- DON’T Let Indoor Plants Sit in Water.
Should you put stones in the bottom of plant 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.
How do you ensure good drainage in pots?
How to Improve Drainage in Potted Plants [5 UPDATED Strategies for 2021]
- If you’re using the soil add plenty of compost. …
- Improve the texture of the soil. …
- Choose the right container or planter. …
- Instead of the soil, use potting mix. …
- Drill Drainage Holes in your Container.
