Updated at: 12-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Can I Use A Pot Without Drainage Holes To Contain The Water?

Pots with no bottom drain holes may seem like a good idea since they keep the water in, but they expose your plants to a host of other problems that could be fatal.

The main problem with using pots without bottom drainage is it’s very easy to overwater, which in turn keeps the soil too wet,especially if you’ve used a heavy soil like potting soil instead of a potting mix. This can lead to root rot and once this happens, the best course of action is to discard the plant, as you usually can’t bring it back to health.

Do Self-Watering Containers Really Work?

Since potting soil is heavier than potting mix, it’s easy to overwater plants in pots without bottom drainage, which causes the soil to stay overly wet. This can cause root rot, and if that occurs, the plant should be thrown away because it will almost never recover.

Self-watering containers also have the advantages of being economical and available in a wide range of colors and sizes, so you may find one that matches your plant’s size and color scheme. Because of the reservoir, you can easily remove any surplus water in case you overfill it, and they work well if you’re only going to be away from the city for a short period.

The bottom reservoir can store anywhere from 2 to 4 cups of water, depending on the size of the pot. If you’d prefer not to use a sprinkler, you can just add water to the bottom reservoir via the spout.

When filling the reservoir, use an extra-long watering can with a thin spout to prevent liquids from spilling.

How to water Hanging Indoor Plants. - YouTube

Stackable Self-Watering Systems

Consider employing a vertical stackable self-watering container system if you want to grow several plants in a small space. Adding more pots as your demands expand is a great benefit of this technique, as the pots ascend rather than descend, saving space.

A reservoir is built inside the pots, and as you water, water seeps down through the system, reaching the plants at the bottom. Their aesthetic value is further enhanced by their inclusion in the house. Only use plants with similar light and watering needs.

How Do I Stop My House Plants From Leaking Water?

Drip trays, which collect water dripping from the containers’ bottom drain holes, are commonly included with many houseplant pots. The bottom of your pot will eventually flood if you don’t have a drip tray underneath it to catch the water.

For those who have no drip tray, it is simple to make your own. Another option is to use a plastic lid with a 1-inch lip located under the pot. As long as you have enough room for water to flow through the lid, you should be good to go!

As a result, you can rest easy knowing that Grandma’s antique table will remain spotless and the pot won’t get wet.

What Is Double Potting And How Does It Work?

Double potting is an easy way to keep the surfaces on which your pots are lying dry. It’s as simple as placing the potted plant in a slightly larger pot with a solid bottom without drainage holes.

You will, of course, need to dump the outer pot of water roughly 30 minutes after you have watered your plants. Overly much water in the outside pot might cause the soil to become too wet, which may result in root rot.

Double potting allows you to cover a less elaborate container with beautiful pots that do not drain. It’s up to you whether or not you’d like to add some height to your plant pot by placing pebbles in the bottom of the outer pot. This is especially helpful if your inner pot is a little smaller than the outside one.

Can I Use Ice Cubes To Water Plants?

The ice cubes are great for mess-free watering because you don’t have to load the soil’s surface with them or butt them about the plant’s base. If your refrigerator’s icemaker gets a little too excited and shoots ice cubes all over the floor, this technique can help you salvage a frozen catastrophe.

Place four or five ice cubes on top of the soil and wait for them to melt gently, depending on the pot’s size.

Do Watering Spikes Work?

Watering spikes and globes have grown increasingly popular in recent years for watering indoor plants, and they may add a dash of flair to your plant decor. Colors, sizes, and styles can be found in plenty at your local or online garden supply store.

How To Use A Watering Spike

Terracotta and unglazed ceramics, two common materials for watering spikes, are used in their production. Plastic tubing and reservoirs may or may not be included in the package depending on the type of spikes you purchase.

To use them, simply insert the spike into the pot’s soil with the top portion almost flush with the surface, then add water to the reservoir, and then insert a plastic tubing into the other end of the watering spike. You just have to make sure that the reservoir is a little higher than the pot when you’re cooking.

You may use any kind of bottle to make a reservoir, whether it’s decorative, a wine bottle, or even a plastic soda bottle. The water in the reservoir is drained into the earth using a tubing system, preventing any leakage. The reservoir should be checked and refilled if necessary.

You may not want to use this method if you don’t like seeing plastic tubing going out of your plants and into a bottle. If you’re going to be gone for a few weeks or more, this system will keep your plants well-watered.

How To Use A Watering Globe

Glass watering globes come in a variety of sizes and hues, making them both beautiful and functional. For both indoor and outdoor potted plants, they keep the water in the pot and not on the floor or on that antique table, making watering a cinch!

How To Prevent Indoor Plants From Leaking Water - Gardening Tips And Tricks

To use, simply fill the globe with water, place it in the soil of the pot, and watch as the water slowly seeps out of the globe and into the soil beneath it. For larger containers, it may be necessary to use many globes for watering purposes. If necessary, top off the globe with water.

Can I Just Water My Houseplants In The Sink?

Of course, taking your plants to the sink and giving them a nice soak is an easy method to water them, especially those in smaller pots and hanging baskets. With this technique, you can prevent water from flowing over the side and producing a dripping mess, which is very useful for hanging baskets.

Simply place hanging baskets or pots in the sink and run the water until it comes from the bottom. Allow the pot or basket to remain in the sink for about 30 minutes, drain any water from the catch tray, dry the bottom with a towel, if needed, and place it back in its previous location.

What About Using A Sponge In The Plant Pot?

Pour water into the sink, then hang baskets or pots in the sink. When you’re done utilizing the pot or basket, drain the catch tray and dry it with a towel if necessary, then return it to its original place.

Additional Watering Tips For Indoor Plants

These are just a few of the ways you can keep your indoor plants watered without making a mess. Drip irrigation systems are also available, although the tubing and controllers are difficult to conceal.

Alternatively, an old-fashioned watering can can be used; however, avoid using one that is too heavy to handle when full, avoid using one with a pour nozzle that is too short and cumbersome, and avoid overfilling the pot with water.

Keep your indoor surfaces clean and dry by using good watering methods, such as watering when the top inch of the soil feels dry. This is a general guideline. In order to prevent water from flooding the drip tray, do not add water to soil that is already saturated. Water will overflow the drip tray and out of the bottom if you allow the soil to become too dry.

ABOUT ANDREW COURTNEY

My name is Andrew, and I’m the owner of Smart Garden Guide, a website devoted to indoor gardening and houseplants. The purpose of this site is to help you grow plants more successfully and with greater pleasure. Enjoy your time here at Smart Garden Guide!

BUY MY BOOK – HOUSEPLANTS MADE EASY

In order for websites to earn advertising fees by promoting and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon stores globally, smartgardenguide.com is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, a program designed to provide affiliate advertising opportunities for websites.

How To Keep Indoor Hanging Plants From Dripping

There are three ways to prevent dripping from indoor hanging plants. Keeping your surface clean and safe should be as simple as watering correctly and using two pots. However, just because indoor hanging plants may leak doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of their numerous benefits.

Because dripping is extremely improbable with good care, you should not be concerned of growing hanging plants. Indoor hanging plants are a must-have for every home and greenhouse because of its numerous health and aesthetic benefits, such as lowering stress levels, improving air quality, and enhancing a space’s overall appearance.

Solutions On How To Keep Indoor Hanging Plants From Dripping

Water correctly

Overwatering or underwatering indoor hanging plants is the most common mistake and source of dripping. A simple task, but overdoing it can cause a mess and potentially harm the health of your indoor plants. Watering can be affected by a variety of factors, including the type of soil you’ve used and where it is located.

When it comes to watering plants, hanging plants tend to dry out more quickly than those in lower-lying pots, and the winter season may require less. You should anticipate to have to water more frequently if the air quality is dry. Do not, however, make the blunder of failing to inspect the ground first.

Always test the potting soil by sticking your finger an inch deep and only watering once dirt no longer sticks to the finger. A gap between the pot and the ground might also be a sign of dehydration in the soil. Don’t forget to use a moisture meter to control the amount of water your plants receive.

After determining the plants’ water needs and other considerations, the next step is to figure out when and how to water them. You should water your plants in the morning so that they can dry out before the weather cools down. You can also choose between top and bottom watering when it comes to watering your plants.

Top watering

Indoor hanging plants can be watered from the top or the bottom, depending on your preference. There is no right or wrong answer; it all depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Watering a hanging plant from the bottom is the same as watering it from the top.

The pot’s excess water should be collected in this container, which keeps the pot from overflowing. Because you don’t have to take the plants down or wait for them to dry before rehanging, top watering is the most convenient approach for avoiding drips from hanging plants. To avoid overfilling your pots, be patient and add modest amounts of water at a time.

Bring down your plants and tilt the saucer to eliminate any excess water. Keep in mind that plants that are left in water that is stagnant are susceptible to disease.

Bottom watering

In order to achieve a weathered bottom, you’ll remove your pot from its hanging position and allow the pot’s drainage holes soak up water from a tub or sink. Drain the sink once you’re happy with the color and wetness of the soil. Before rehanging your plants, allow them to sit for at least 30 minutes.

Gardeners recommend this method if they suspect that fertilizer residue is still present in the soil. In addition, bottom watering is best done outdoors during the summer, but you can still use an indoor bathtub if the weather is chilly. With this method, you can even collect rainwater in tubs for later use.

Use double pots

Last but not least, you can use multiple pots to keep indoor hanging plants from soaking. In this approach, you’ll be able to swiftly swap out the hanging pots. The disadvantage of using two pots during double potting is that the hanging pot becomes heavier.

How To Prevent Indoor Plants From Leaking Water - Gardening Tips And Tricks

With no drainage holes, you’ll line the bottom of the outer pot with three inches of stones. The inner pot, on the other hand, will have drainage holes in it. Water will flow down the pebbles if there is an abundance of it, thereby keeping the plant out of danger of becoming stagnant and drowning.

Make sure your hanging pots are safe and secure by using the double potting method. However, it has the added benefit of increasing the humidity in your plants while also reducing dripping and overwatering.

Conclusion

For both practical and aesthetic reasons, having plants can be a great addition to your home or business. However, if you choose to hang them, you’ll want to learn how to prevent leaking indoor hanging plants for the sake of hygiene and safety. Proper watering and using two pots should help you swiftly resolve this issue.

Remember that in addition to the watering method, other environmental elements play a part in the moisture requirements of your plants. ‘ This is where a greenhouse comes in handy, as it allows you to comfortably manage the ideal levels of temperature, humidity, and light for your plants.