What plants are OK without drainage holes?

When selecting houseplants, most gardeners know that drainage holes in pots are important to prevent roots from sitting in water. However, some very hardy plants can tolerate a lack of drainage. With the right soil mix and watering technique, it is possible to grow certain plants in pots without holes. This article will explore some of the best options for plants that don’t require drainage as well as provide tips for keeping them healthy.

How Drainage Holes Help Plants

Before getting into the specific plants, let’s review why drainage holes are so useful. When the soil in a pot becomes saturated with water, the excess has nowhere to go if there are no holes. It just sits at the bottom leading to several issues:

Roots suffocate from lack of oxygen

Soil stays damp, encouraging fungal diseases
Mineral salts build up over time
Roots rot from being constantly wet

Drainage allows excess water to exit the bottom of the pot. This helps refresh the soil with air again once it becomes soaked. It also washes out built up mineral deposits over time. For most plants, a lack of drainage will lead to yellowing leaves, root rot, and eventual death from these issues.

However, some plants can tolerate staying moist for longer periods. As long as the soil mix and watering is controlled, it is possible to grow these select hardy plants without holes. The key is using a very fast draining soil that allows excess moisture to evaporate out of the top. And avoiding overwatering is crucial.

Best Plants for Pots Without Drainage

If you want to try growing plants without drainage holes, here are some great options to try:

Snake Plant

One of the most popular and hardy houseplants is the dramatic snake plant. With stiff, upright leaves in shades of green, yellow, and variegated patterns, these tropical plants tolerate low light and infrequent watering quite well. They store moisture in their thick foliage and roots and can handle soggy soil better than most. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Chinese Evergreen

These tropical beauties come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors ranging from silver to dark green with pretty variegations. Slow but steady growers, these plants do fine in low light and can wait longer between waterings. Be sure to use a fast draining soil and let the potting mix dry out before adding more water.

Cast Iron Plant

Named for its nearly indestructible nature, cast iron plants have been passed down through families for generations. With strappy green leaves emerging from the rhizomes, these plants grow well in very low light. Their roots hold moisture well for longer periods. Allow at least the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Peace Lily

A common gift plant, peace lilies produce graceful green leaves and pure white flowers that rise above the foliage. They tolerate low humidity and occasional neglect well. Allow the soil to become nearly dry before adding more water. The leaves will wilt dramatically to let you know when it needs a drink.

Pothos

With its trailing vine-like stems and heart-shaped leaves, golden pothos or devil’s ivy is simple to grow. It tolerates low light and inconsistent watering quite well. The thick waxy leaves hold moisture better than thinner foliage. Allow the soil to dry out before watering to prevent root rot.

ZZ Plant

If you have a brown thumb and struggle to keep plants alive, ZZ plants are nearly impossible to kill once established. Their thick potato-like rhizomes store water well. The waxy leaves remain turgid even with infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before adding more water.

Choosing the Right Soil Mix

To grow plants without drainage holes, the soil mix is critical. You need a blend that drains quickly to prevent roots from sitting in wet soil. Here are some great options:

Half potting soil, half perlite or coarse sand
One-third potting mix, one-third perlite or sand, one-third peat or coco coir

Equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark
Two parts potting soil, one part bark or charcoal, one part perlite or pumice

Avoid regular garden soil or any mixes with water-retentive peat moss. Blends with perlite, sand, bark, charcoal, pumice, or stones offer the best drainage. Always use containers with large drain holes for these mixes.

Watering Without Drainage Holes

When caring for plants without drainage holes, watering requires extra care and observation. Here are some tips:

Always add water slowly and carefully to prevent it accumulating in the bottom of the pot
Pour off any water that comes out the bottom after watering to remove excess

Wait until the top few inches of soil are nearly dry before watering again
Lift the pot periodically to get a feel for how light it becomes when dry
Check the plant’s foliage as most will show signs of drought with wilting or folding

Use your finger to probe the top layer of soil and only water when it’s dry to the touch
Consider using a moisture meter if struggling to get the watering right

When in doubt, wait longer between watering. It is better for the plants to be too dry than become waterlogged. Add just enough water for it to moisten through the pot and drain any excess immediately.

Choosing the Right Pot for No Drainage

While any type of container will work, some are better choices for growing drainage-free plants:

Unglazed terra-cotta – absorbs moisture from the soil which helps it dry faster
Unglazed concrete or ceramic – acts similar to terra-cotta

Plastic nursery pots – avoid decorative pots which slow drying
Cache pots – use nursery pots inside decorative cache pots to easily lift and check soil

Avoid glazed pots which keep moisture in and small containers that require more frequent watering. For plants prone to rot, starting them in plastic nursery pots allows you to provide adequate drainage initially before transitioning them to a drainage-free decorative container.

Transitioning Plants to No Drainage

When transitioning a plant that likes drainage to a pot without holes, take it slowly. Follow these steps over several months:

Repot into a fast-draining soil mix as described above
Continue growing in a pot with holes for a few months to acclimate it

Provide thorough drainage each watering during the transition
Slowly increase the duration between waterings
Once the plant has adjusted, you can move it into a hole-less pot

Initially use a plastic nursery pot inside a cache pot in case you need to move it back to a pot with holes

Monitor the plant closely as you transition it to make sure it is tolerating the change. Not all plants can adapt to lack of drainage long-term.

Tips for Growing Plants Without Drainage Holes

Follow these tips to have the most success with plants in pots without holes:

Always use containers with drainage holes for plants prone to rot like ferns and palms
Start plants in pots with holes and transplant to hole-less pots once established
Select hardy, drought-tolerant plants that store water well like succulents

Use a very fast draining cactus/succulent mix or create your own blend
Water less frequently but thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Lift pots periodically to tell when they are drying out

Pour off excess water to keep it from accumulating in the bottom of the pot
Never allow plants to sit in a drainage saucer with water

Pay close attention to your plants and adjust your watering and potting mix as needed. Drainage-free pots can work but require a bit more observation and care to prevent soggy soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are drainage holes important for most plants?

Drainage holes allow excess water to flow out of the bottom of pots. Without them, water can accumulate at the bottom leading to wet soil. Constant moisture can cause root rot and other problems for many plants.

What types of plants tolerate no drainage?

Plants that store water well in their leaves, stems, or roots can better tolerate being potted without drainage holes. Examples include succulents like cacti and snake plants as well as pothos, zz plants, peace lilies, and Chinese evergreens.

How can I water plants in pots without holes?

Water slowly and carefully without oversaturating the soil which can lead to excess accumulating in the bottom. Allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. Check by lifting the pot and using your finger to probe the top few inches of soil before adding water.

What soil mix should I use for a pot without drainage?

Use a fast draining potting mix with at least 30-50% aggregate material such as perlite, gravel, bark chips, or sand. Avoid regular potting soil or anything with water-retentive peat moss which will stay too wet.

What are the signs my plant is getting too much water?

Wilting, yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, spots on foliage, sudden leaf drop, and rotten roots or stems can all indicate overwatering. Lift the plant to feel its weight and check soil moisture before adding more water.

The Top 5 Plants for Pots Without Drainage Holes

If you want to try growing plants in a container without holes, focus on these 5 hardy options:

Plant	Key Features
Snake Plant	Tolerates low light and infrequent watering. Stores water in thick leaves.
Cast Iron Plant	Nearly indestructible, handles low light and occasional neglect.
ZZ Plant	Easy to grow, waxy leaves hold moisture well with infrequent watering.
Pothos	Trailing vine, heart-shaped leaves. Withstands occasional drought.
Chinese Evergreen	Pretty foliage, handles low light. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

Conclusion

While drainage holes are recommended for most potted plants, it is possible to grow certain hardy, drought-tolerant varieties in containers without holes. Choose options like succulents, pothos, zz plants, or Chinese evergreens. Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent mix and water carefully to prevent wet soil. With the right potting mix and watering technique, you can successfully grow plants without drainage.