Steragram . Turn the planter over so the bottom is facing up, and use a power drill to make holes along the outside edges of the bottom of the pot. Alternately, you may place gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the decorative pot and place the functional pot with drainage on top of it. But a new study has debunked the tradition, writes Tom de Castella. Comment Was this helpful? Many people like to add pebbles and activated charcoal at the bottom 1-2 inches to create a drainage layer for excess water to escape into. Questions. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn’t aid drainage or improve air circulation. However, if the soil is still leaking from the bottom of the pot, try the above-mentioned tips to help. Some types of plants require drainage materials be mixed in with their potting soil to keep even a small amount of excess water from remaining in the potting soil after watering. It's kind of like a siphon swallowing a bubble of air: it breaks the "capillary suction". We all know that excess water kills more plants than drought and therefore the common advice to help solve this problem is to put some gravel or pot shards in the bottom of the pot. I have many plants that are perfectly happy with no drainage, you just need to make sure to use a well-draining soil, build some drainage into the bottom (see the post I linked above! So, at most, the gravel or clay shards simply prevent bits of soil from exiting through the holes. ), and not over water. Creating a Drainage Layer? Empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Written by: Hannah Wahlig. 12 Jun, 2015; Answers . I know that some people use broken up clay pots but I dont have enough for 10 big pots. Some people put gravel and sand in the bottom of a pot, thinking that improves drainage downward. Then add your soil over this drainage material. 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. However, decorative containers made of ceramic, wood, copper or brass are constructed without drainage holes. She put a coffee filter in the bottom of the pot then we went around the yard picking up little twigs and leaves. Your planter should come with drainage holes at the bottom, but if it doesn’t, be sure to create some using a drill. This tip is especially nice if you want to mount a plant on a plant stand like this one I’m working on: Solutions. If you don't want to make holes in the washtub, you can plant a slightly smaller container with your flowers and insert the pot inside the washtub, first putting a brick or a layer of gravel in the bottom of the washtub to stand the container on. 1: Landscape Fiber. Should I put rocks in the bottom of my planter? Assuming that it has a drainage hole and you stand it on something to raise it a little from the ground it shouldn't really need anything else. While various kinds of plants have differing drainage needs, few can tolerate sitting in stagnate water. If only using a pot without a well-designed saucer underneath of it, the drainage hole can become blocked by the ground beneath it. In general, it’s not necessary to put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. Yet, life in containers can be tough for plants, so choose the right compost and carry out regular maintenance to ensure they put on a good show. Such materials are not suitable for proper drainage of the planter for a considerably long time. The container can also be used for small alpine plants as its deep enough to not dry out too quickly. To be precise, it’s ineffective. Promise. Healthy roots mean healthier plants. Fortunately, clay or plastic planting containers usually come with at least one drainage hole in the bottom. What do you put on the bottom of a metal planter for drainage ? This explains why very few of them succeed in container gardening. Less drainage can be used if growing herbs that require a more moisture retaining soil. Drainage is crucial for potted plants. If water pools around plant roots too long, root rot will damage and possibly even kill the plant. Without good drainage in pots with healthy plants, roots can suffocate, root rot (see my fixes) can become an issue and salt can accumulate to levels high enough to burn plants.Suffice to say, it’s essential that any potted plants, either indoor plants or container plants in your garden, must have sufficient drainage for best growth, health and ultimately, be able to live longer. Like I … Undrained pots collect water in the bottom that causes soggy soil and root problems on the plant. Containers filled with seasonal or permanent plants are extremely versatile. This makes complete sense. Rocks added to the bottom of large pots will reduce the volume of potting soil required to fill a container. However, being popular doesn’t mean it’s effective. They have got drainage holes at the bottom but I want to know what is the best thing to put in first before I add the compost. In fact, this is the most popular tactic used by gardeners to improve the drainage of their potted plants. You are wise to be aware that lack of drainage is harmful to most plants in containers. By all means try this, but I personally don’t bother as I like to fill the pot with as much growing medium for future plant growth. Drainage Is Critical to Plant Health. Rocks aren’t all bad. Nearly all potted plants require good drainage to grow well. ... it can be a nuisance to find some pebbles to place over the drainage holes of a plant pot. Good drainage is crucial for the survival of any type of potted plant. When the soil is saturated, water will drain into the sand, fill the reservoir, and drain out the side when the reservoir is full. Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. A hole at the bottom of the container is critical. What is best for drainage in pots? It allows water in the soil to drain freely so adequate air is available for the roots. Furthermore, this setup allows for ambient humidity, which is a boon to many plants. Gravel or rocks at the bottom of the container doesn’t necessarily help. Drainage for Potted Plants and What to Put in Planters By firmly rooting your plants in big containers, they’ll grow more healthy over time and look amazing flanking your porch or deck. Adding a Drainage Layer in the Bottom Causes Root Rot. This fiber has numerous holes in it for drainage and water transportation. University of California’s Master Gardener, Sue McDavid write this– “Plants like good drainage, especially those in containers. In this scenario, gravel can function to keep the plant’s roots away from sitting water. Cover the drainage hole with something to prevent the soil washing out - a piece of broken pot, an old piece of J-cloth, a bit of broken slate etc. It is not helpful for plant growth. If you want a water reservoir to protect the plant from drying out, put some sand in the bottom of a pot (with no bottom holes) and make drainage holes in the side of the pot near the top of the sand. Potted plants are a way to bring nature indoors or to organise an outdoor garden. pot plant image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com. While various kinds of plants have differing drainage needs, few can tolerate sitting in stagnate water. I have heard of packaging peanuts (styrofoam). The drainage holes of your planter or flower pot can be loosely fitted with cheesecloth. Who is right and who is wrong? Do not put rocks in the bottom of your pot if: you do not need the extra weight ; you do have adequate drainage; you have common pot shape designs ; if you have drainage holes and none of the reason why you want rocks in your planter; If you ask 10 different gardeners that question, you will likely get 10 different answers. I'm not a fan of this method. Below, we have listed the best materials you can use to aid drainage at the bottom of your planter: Cheesecloth. The drainage holes about 9" apart across the bottom, but avoid where you think the supports will be placed, and approx 3/4" in diameter. For centuries, gardeners have put shards of pottery - "crocks" - at the bottom of plant pots to increase drainage. Written on: July 14, 2020 . It allows water in the soil to drain freely so adequate air is available for the roots. Drill drainage holes if the planter doesn’t already have some. If you're moving your favorite houseplant or cubicle-friendly companion to a new, larger planter, try adding some packing peanuts to the bottom of the planter. They can brighten up a corner of the garden, provide handy herbs by the kitchen or make the entrance look welcoming. What to Put in the Bottom of a Large Planter. Drainage is critical for many plants because you don’t want the water puddling in the bottom of your planter, causing problems and making for some unhappy, water-logged plant roots. I'm giving my garden a makeover and have bought 15 big plastic barrel planters. Extra-large containers are decorative and many larger plants with heavy trunks or expansive root systems require larger planters to provide adequate support. But the key point to remember: gravel in the bottom of a pot with holes does absolutely no good in ensuring good drainage. We’ve got four easy ways to help you fill out the bottom of your containers with materials you probably never thought of. So be sure there are holes for drainage. Many plant containers have multiple small drainage holes at the bottom to limit the chances of dirt washing out during the watering process.