So, you’ve decided to care for a succulent? Good choice. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can survive even when planted in the smallest containers. These include old teapots, cups, and more.
Since most of the pots we usually see on social media posts look like they’re repurposed, it can make you wonder whether they’re actually good pots with drainage holes or they’re the same regular containers everyone has at home. This makes choosing the right pot for your succulents quite a puzzle at times.
Can Succulents Live In Pots Without Holes?
Is it possible for succulents to survive in pots without holes? Those who see succulents planted in repurposed tableware, toolboxes, and other household items ask this common question.
The short answer is yes; succulents can survive in a container without drainage holes. However, they will require proper watering techniques. Otherwise, your plants will simply die after a few days or weeks.
The Problem Lies in Overwatering
As mentioned, succulents are drought-tolerant. That’s because they naturally live in deserts and other areas that experience high temperatures and low rainfall. This also means they don’t like prolonged moisture that well. They just need the minimum amount of water to survive, and that’s it.
Overwatering can cause succulent roots to rot, which can then lead to plant death. This is usually not an issue if you choose a container with a lot of drainage holes.
As long as you plant your succulents in well-draining soil and you water them only when necessary, you’ll have nothing to worry about. In case you watered them too much, all the excess water will simply seep out. That won’t happen when your pot has no holes.
Planting Succulents in Pots Without Holes
What if your gardening project requires you to plant your succulents in such a container? Or, what if you really need to pot newly propagated plantlets but don’t have a good pot handy? Fortunately, there are various ways to still let your succulent thrive. Here are some of them:
Put Rocks at the Bottom
The first thing you can do, especially if your chosen container is deep enough for it, is to add a layer of rocks at the bottom. Doing this will give any excess water a place to go and prevent your succulent roots from sitting in water for too long.
To make this hack even more effective, you can try adding small pebbles or perlite into your potting mix. This trick will help keep your soil from getting too compact due to watering and allow for easier drainage.
Use Activated Charcoal
In addition to your layer of rocks, you can also add a half-inch layer of activated charcoal. Charcoal does more than just absorb water. It also has antimicrobial properties that help prevent fungal and bacterial growth. In other words, it can help prevent root rot and plant disease.
Adjust Your Watering Technique
Whether you were able to put the additional layers we recommended or not, you should definitely adjust your watering technique accordingly.
In a normal, well-draining container, your succulent will require watering only whenever its soil is parched. By then, water it deeply and thoroughly until the soil gets moist and the excess water seeps out at the bottom. This is a good sign that the whole pot is well hydrated, and you should stop watering.
As you can imagine, you won’t have something similar to signal you to stop if the pot has no drainage holes. Hence, you need to be more precise when watering. For this, we recommend using a syringe or a squeeze bottle to have more control over the volume of water you’re giving your plant.
You will also probably need to decrease the number of your watering sessions each month. For instance, if you water once every week, you’ll need to water less and do it once every two weeks. Of course, how often you water them will still depend on your location, the current temperature, and weather conditions in your area.
What If You’ve Water Too Much?
Knowing the right amount of water needed is crucial when your succulent is in a pot with no drainage holes. We understand that this will require a lot of experience, intuition, and practice. This is why we don’t really recommend these containers for succulent beginners.
That said, does this mean your plant will die if you’ve made the mistake of watering too much? Even if you’ve watered your succulents too much, all hope is lost. There is still a way to get rid of all that water.
If it won’t seep out at the bottom, the only way to remove it is to pour the water out instead. To do this, hold your succulent carefully to make sure it doesn’t fall out. Then, very gently pour the excess water out as much as you can.
Using Containers With No Holes for Succulents
Yes, it is possible to use a container without drainage holes for your succulents. While it is not ideal, there are techniques you can practice to ensure your plant is going to be healthy and happy. By keeping these tips in mind, we’re sure your succulents will thrive. Good luck and happy planting!
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