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.

Are pots without drainage holes bad?

If water does not have a way to drain freely, it gets trapped inside the pot and eventually deprives the roots of oxygen, creating roots rot, which is fatal to plants.

Should you drill holes in flower pots?

Drilling holes in resin planters allows plants to grow and stay healthy. … Inadequate drainage in a planter can make plant roots die because they are not receiving the oxygen they need. To prevent this from happening, drill holes in the bottom of your planter if there aren’t any already.

Why do IKEA pots not have holes?

In addition to what others have said about these being decorative, the lack of a hole prevents any water from damaging your furniture. IKEA sells furniture, and accessories. These pots can be thought of as a furniture protection accessory.

What to plant in pots without holes?

1. Snake Plant. One of the best indoor plants for beginners, the Snake plant is one of our top choices when it comes to plants that do not require drainage holes. …
2. Oleander Plant. …
3. Chinese Evergreen. …
4. Kupukupu Fern. …
5. Crotons. …
6. Dumbcane. …
7. Schefflera. …
8. Pothos.

Should I repot plants from Ikea?

In general, plants don’t need to be repotted within the first year. So leave them as they are or put them in outer pots for extra color or style.

Can succulents live in pots without holes?

A container without any drainage holes is possible to use, however it should not be left where it may be rained on or drowned. Watering should also be closely monitored in these type of pots. Succulents have shallow roots, so a shallow bowl or pot works well.

How do you use a planter without drainage hole?

How to Use Pots with No Drainage Holes. Some experts suggest using a layer of pebbles as a sort of drainage layer in those pots without drainage holes. This technique allows excess water to flow into the space with the pebbles, away from the the soil and therefore the roots of your plant.

How do drainage holes work?

A drainage hole at the base of a plant container allows water to drain freely, which provides air circulation to the plant. But as water drains out, potting soil often washes out with it, creating a mess with every routine watering.

Do outdoor planters need drainage holes?

If you don’t have a drainage hole in your pot, you probably shouldn’t use it for an outdoor plant, unless the plant will be sheltered from rain. You need to micromanage the amount of water going into your pot; if it get’s drenched in a downpour, all could be lost. More soil means more moisture for longer.

Article first time published on

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.

Does my snake plant need drainage holes?

Snake plants are more resilient and don’t require drainage holes to thrive. You can easily grow a snake plant indoors by simply offering it a pot with a proper potting soil mixture. Offering it water and fertilizer periodically will help it grow well and maintain its beautiful green color.

Why are IKEA plants so cheap?

Ikea keeps prices low by trying to source plants as locally as possible, because plants are expensive to transport and spoil easily, which adds to costs.

Can I return a dead plant to Walmart?

Plants sold and shipped by Walmart are returnable within 365 days from purchase or the delivery date. To return a plant to Walmart, customers will need to bring in the plant (either dead or alive) with a receipt to receive a full refund. If no receipt if provided, customers may receive a store credit.

What does water moderately mean?

If the plant’s tag says, “Water steadily or evenly,” then water whenever the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. If the tag says, “Water moderately,” allow the top inch or so to dry out between waterings.

Can you drill drainage holes in ceramic pots?

The key to properly drill drainage holes is using the correct drill bit. … Both can be drilled – though pottery in it natural state is by far the easiest. For unglazed terra cotta pottery & ceramics – Masonry Drill Bits are used. For harder, glazed surfaces – Glass and Tile Drill Bits are used.

Do Chinese money plants need drainage holes?

The Chinese money plant prefers a well-draining potting soil, and a pot with drainage holes is necessary. The soil needs to mostly dry out between waterings, with more watering required in warmer, sunnier weather. If the leaves start to look slightly droopy, that’s a sign that the plant needs water.

Does basil need drainage holes?

Basil likes water, but too much H2O stresses it out. The pot needs some kind of drainage. … This will drain excess water. If you don’t have a hole, but love a pot, drill small holes in the bottom.

What is the easiest houseplant to take care of?

• monstera. Adaptable to almost all light conditions, and somewhat drought tolerant, the Monstera is a low maintenance, stunning tropical plant. …
• sansevieria. …
• zz plant. …
• spider plant. …
• philodendron heartleaf. …
• hedgehog aloe.

Can you leave a plant in the container it came in?

The suggested solution: Keep your houseplants in their plastic nursery pots for at least the first year. You can still use your pretty pot by slipping the new plant in its original plastic pot and dirt into the decorative pot and cover the top with Spanish moss or rocks to cover any gaps.

What is a Palmmix?

Not quite as large as the 12″ pot offerings, IKEA’s PALMMIX is an assortment of palm plants that live in a 9 1/2″ pot. Palm trees prefer bright, indirect light and don’t like to be over watered. These palms are pretty tolerant of several temperatures, as long as they’re not too extreme.