The Proper Method for Planting Succulents

The Proper Method for Planting Succulents in Pots with No Drainage Holes

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never learnt about succulent planting before (you can easily check out a website like DPG to help you figure out how to look after your succulent plants). If you are an expert on succulent plants though or maybe just know a thing or two about them, you’ll probably know that the subject related to drainage holes is a common one. So, what is the reason behind the importance of drainage holes for planting succulents? Well, the reason they are important is that they allow excess water to leak out from the container, which helps in preventing moisture to collect at the bottom of the pot. That is extremely important for succulents since they hold a lot of water in their stems, tissues, and leaves.

So, if succulent plants are sitting in excess water for lengthy periods their roots are going to start rotting. Most people are very serious about the need for drainage holes for their plants, but others don’t pay much attention to it. If you’re thinking about planting succulents in a container, but you’ve got no clue about drainage problems, then this post by Harddy can help you out. We are going to provide you with the proper method for planting succulents in pots that have no drainage holes.

Is Drilling a Hole Suitable?

One option most people come up with for their planters is to drill a hole in it, which is simple to do, as there are plenty of video tutorials online that will show you how it’s done. However, there are certain things you must know before you think about drilling holes, which are:

· The Cost

Are you curious about the cost of drilling a hole in your planter? Most people wonder if it will cost them more if they start drilling holes or if they just go and buy a pot that has drainage. Everyone has a drill kept at their home, and the only thing you’ll need to spend money on is a couple of diamond drill bits, and they aren’t expensive. You can still go ahead and buy a drill if you don’t own one since it’s a handy tool and you’ll get a lot of other uses out of it.

· The Value

This essentially comes down to whether you place more value on the plant or the pot. You may want to rethink drilling a hole in your pot if it’s an antique or if it’s an expensive one because it’s very easy to damage a pot with a drill machine. Apart from that, if you have drilled a hole in your pot, it will be there permanently, and you can easily make a mistake. The good news is that succulent plants don’t cost a lot of money and can be replaced easily.

Can Succulents Thrive in Pots with No Drainage?

Once, you’ve made the decision to plant succulents in a pot with no holes, there is no turning back. The question you will be asking yourself is whether they’ll survive, and the answer is, YES, they will. It comes down to how you take care of the plant, and the main issue people face is watering the plant. It is extremely easy to overwater a succulent, and that can easily damage the plant. Therefore, its important you learn how to properly water succulents that are growing in pots with no drainage.

So, to help you out, we are going to discuss the proper method for planting succulents in pots that have no drainage holes. Here is how you should go about it:

1.Use a Layer of Rocks

The first thing you should do is add a layer of rocks, pebbles or stones at the base of the pot, to create a layer that will help with drainage. Doing this, prevents rotting of the root, as excess water will drain from the soil and go into the rocks that are at the base of the pot. The water will drain faster from the soil, and the roots won’t be sitting in soil that is wet for extended periods.

When using rocks to create a layer, you should think about the size of the pot. If it’s small, you should use smaller rocks and pebbles.

2.Use Activated Charcoal

If you want excess water to be absorbed quickly, you need to use activated charcoal, which has natural antimicrobial properties that prevent fungal and bacterial growth. Using activated charcoal to form a layer over the rocks at the base of the pot is also a great idea. You don’t need to use activated charcoal, but if you want great absorption and extra drainage, it is the best option. Keep in mind that you won’t manage to use activated charcoal if you’re using a small pot.

3.Ensure the Pot is the Right Size

Remember, the bigger your pot, the more soil you will need for it, which means the soil will hold more water in it. Ensure that you get the right pot size for the plants you are planning to grow. You don’t need large pots for small plants, and succulents don’t need extra room to grow.

The Proper Way to Water Succulents with No Drainage

The best way to ensure that your succulent survives in a pot with no holes is to use proper watering techniques. Keep in mind that excess water won’t drain out of the pot, so you shouldn’t over water your plant. You should pay extra attention when you’re watering your plant, so you don’t overdo it. It is advised to let your plant dry out before you water it again, and if you want to check for moisture, just feel the soil with your hand.

1.Use a Spray Bottle or Syringe

To control how much water, you’re putting into the pot, you should use a spray bottle or a syringe. When you’re using a spray bottle, you should look to spray water on the soil, instead of on the leaves of the plant, since the goal is to get water to the roots, so the plant can absorb it.

2.How Frequently Should You Water?

How frequently you water your succulent depends on the climate you’re living in, the size of the pot, and the growing season. In the growing or dry season, plants will need more water, and in they won’t need much water in the cooler months.