Why Do Pots Need Drain Holes? … Plants in pots without drainage holes are prone to becoming overwatered. Even if the soil surface appears dry, the soil at the bottom of the pot may be sopping wet. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can easily kill your plants.
Simply so, are drainage holes in pots necessary?
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.
Considering this, what can I use for drainage in a large planter?
If you have an especially big planter to fill, light, bulky materials are your best bet. Examples include plastic drink containers, milk jugs, crushed soda cans, foam packing materials and plastic or foam take-out containers.
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.
Why do some pots have holes in the sides?
Why Do Plant Pots Need Holes and What Size is Ideal? Drainage holes are a way for water to go through the soil and essentially escape through the bottom. Drainage holes help your soil dry out faster. They will prevent root rot from happening which is really important for your plant’s health.
How do you ensure proper drainage in potted plants?
So, at most, the gravel or clay shards simply prevent bits of soil from exiting through the holes. The best way to ensure good drainage is to use a good-quality potting soil. Never use garden soil, because it’s too dense for potting.
