Nature and Gardening @beehaw.org BlueSquid0741 @lemmy.sdf.org 1w ago

Ceramic pots with no drainage holes

We have a bunch of these ceramic pots which often come as gifts when people give us plants.

No drainage holes. What use are they? They’re so small I think only succulents would be an option, but wouldn’t they just rot in water?

12 comments

I like to drill holes in mine, it's not always safe to do and you should run a bit of water where you intend to drill to stop the dust, but I've saved many pots that way
- What kind of bit do you use to drill?
  
  For harder ceramics like these a diamand coated bit (they aren't as expensive as the name makes the seem), always use water and drill through super slow so it doesn't crack (a minute or longer). Good luck!!
  
  You should use a masonry bit, wear an N95 and safety glasses and spray water on it while you drill to mitigate dust.
  
  I agree with the other commenter, I tend to use a cheaper steel bit but drill slow with water running over it. If you need support for the bit, you can put a piece of tape over where you're drilling. It keeps the bit on target and the hole a bit more stable.
I usually put a smaller container with drainage holes into pots like these. Enjoy the decorative look without worrying about root rot.
- I think this is probably the way I’ll try before going to a drill.
  
  I didn’t think something like this would be effective. Do you put anything in around the plastic pot?
  
  I sometimes prop mine up on something, so the pot isn't sitting in the drained water. But even if not, the exposure to air usually means it dries out pretty quick.
I can't see any picture, but you could try using LECA.

With soil, and missing drainage, you always have the high chance of waterlogging. With expanded clay on the other hand, it is supposed to stand a few centimetres in water (nutrient solution).

But I think the better route would be to get a few inner pots.

Or, completely other route, use them for candles or other DIY projects that are good gifts for others :)
I either drill holes or for round ones put a smaller plastic draining pot inside

12 comments