People buy plants to decorate their homes and have fresh air all around. Unfortunately, most people solely focus on watering the plant on time and forget about proper drainage.
More plants die because of improper drainage than because of underwatering. It is because the roots of the plant begin to rot when kept in water for too long.
A pot with proper drainage holes gives room for the excess water to flow after the plant’s roots have sufficiently absorbed it—however, most of the beautiful pots you buy or are gifted do not have drainage holes.
And drainage holes are not the first requirement on the list when you go out to buy a potted plant as a gift for someone. And God forbid you to forget to place a tray below the pot. (The mess!)
Why do some plants need drainage holes?
Drainage holes are tiny holes at the bottom of the pot. We think the pot is only for decorative purposes.
But in reality, the pot is there to help the plant stay healthy and prosper. The roots of some plants cannot stay submerged in water after a certain period. It is where the drainage holes come to use.
These holes help the excess water drain out and keep the plant’s roots only moist and not wet.
The plants with sensitive roots can begin to rot if not for these drainage holes.
But if you do not want this constraint for your pot, read to know the plants that do not need such pots.
Plants that don’t need drainage holes
Drainage is a significant constraint in most houseplants.
So, if you are looking to try something different, you might start wondering if some plants can survive without drainage holes in their pot.
If that’s what you are looking for, here is a list of plants that can grow without drainage holes:
Snake Plant:
This plant is placed at the beginning of this list because it is an excellent plant for beginners. It is low maintenance and not to mention a beautiful plant.
It has sword-like green leaves with yellow stripes, and they stay almost upright. It quickly grows in a pot without drainage holes.
Forget about pot without drainage; it can quickly grow in a jar of water. You have to pluck some plant cuttings, place them in a bowl of water, and watch the plant grow. The snake plant is considered a great indoor plant.
Pineapple plant:
This delicious fruit can be grown inside your house effortlessly in a pot without drainage holes. If you wish to grow this plant domestically, first buy a pineapple from the market and follow these steps:
Start by splitting the leaves of the pineapple’s crown one by one. Now dry the crown by placing it in an open container for about 7-8 days after the crown is dried, insert four toothpicks in it, and place it in a container filled with water.
The toothpicks will ensure that it stays in place. Keep the container in direct sunlight for the next few days. You will notice some roots start to grow in about 7 to 10 days.
Schefflera:
It comes from the Araliaceae family that has more than 900 species of plants. Schefflera is one of those rare plants that are not very particular about the drainage conditions.
It can quickly grow and does not croak under excessive moisture, which might be extremely harmful to other plants. It can grow in a pot (without drainage holes) filled with soil and in a jar filled with water.
For growing a Schefflera plant in water only, please take a couple of plant cuttings and place them in water. In the next few days, you will start to see little shoots emerging out of these cuttings.
This plant grows quickly and beautifully in water and soil, but it reaches an impressive height of approximately 60 feet in soil.
This plant requires direct sun and thrives in tropical conditions. It will also survive in indirect sunlight but will not attain its maximum health in that way.
However, if you provide fertilizer once a year, it ensures speedy growth and beautiful leaves.
Pothos:
Pothos is an ideal plant for people who are famous for having a black thumb. These are very low-maintenance plants and can survive even after a lot of negligence.
These plants are trailing vine plants that are known for their beautiful and vibrant foliage. They have green leaves with yellow variegations and are heart-shaped.
These plants can grow indoors as well as outdoors. If grown indoors, they are generally found in hanging baskets and grow about 6 to 10 feet. However, if grown outside, they grow much more prominent.
Some of the pothos plants produce flowers. However, do not worry if yours doesn’t. It does not necessarily bloom, especially during the early stages of its life.
After it has grown up to 35 to 40 feet in size, only then might it produce flowers. The thing to remember about the blooming of pothos is there is no guarantee of it, and there is no natural way to boost flower growth.
This plant is tough to kill (and that is saying something). The unavailability of a few holes in the pot does not affect its ability to survive and grow.
Spider plant:
The scientific name for the Spider plant is Chlorophytum comosum. However, it is more popular as spider ivy or ribbon plant.
Spider plants are famous indoor plants that come from African ground and are famous for their unique design.
The leaves of these plants are long, narrow, have yellow variegations, and have arching that grows to create offshoots resembling spider legs.
These plants are pretty easy to maintain.
So, if you are a novice in the planting world, this is a great plant to start. The low maintenance does not, in any way, reflect on the beauty of the plant.
This plant can survive in a pot without drainage holes as well as in a water container. You can place the new young plant in water, and it soon starts to develop roots.
Make sure the water is fluoride-free; otherwise, the color of the leaves might be affected. Although these plants can grow in a bowl of water, it looks great in a hanging basket.
Lucky Bamboo:
This is a popular feng shui plant that is also known as Chinese Bamboo. However, it is neither Chinese nor a bamboo plant.
This plant comes from Central Africa and has a stem that appears like Bamboo.
It has a spiral look that makes it an ornamental plant and a great addition to your home, office, or other public places.
This plant requires indirect light and can grow in both soil and water. If this plant does not receive enough light, it will grow less.
If you plan to grow it in water, you need to add a substrate layer, preferably rocks. You must add freshwater must to the container 2-3 times a week.
If you are growing it in soil, it can survive without drainage holes, but the soil should be kept moist and not soggy.
You should adjust the watering schedule after you get to know your plant in a better way.
Kupukupu Fern:
The origin of this plant is as interesting as its name. It comes from the exotic place of Hawaii.
Apart from Hawaii, this plant is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world because of its stunning looks.
The green stems of these plants covered with leaves can thrive in the soil and on the fern trees, which sometimes they may climb.
Eventually, the stems of these plants develop tiny tubers. These boost reproduction as well as allow the plant to absorb nourishment in a better way.
Growing the Kupukupu Fern indoors is an excellent idea as it contributes a great deal to the aesthetic value of any room.
Drainage is generally not an issue in these plants because they grow readily on the trees and solid walls, so gardeners can find other means for draining water.
The critical thing to keep in mind about this plant is that it does not do well in standing water. That leads to yellowing of the leaves of this fern.
If you plan to grow this plant in your garden, plant only one fern and then proceed to others. Planting several plants at once is not a good idea as they will interfere with each other’s growth.
Croton:
Crotons are colorful plants that can lighten up your home or office with little effort. These plants come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.
The leaves of crotons can be green, yellow, orange, pink, or red and have variegations to make them stand out.
On top of that, these plants can grow in a pot without drainage holes. To grow them in a pot without drainage holes, make sure you use well-draining soil to avoid sogginess.
To increase the draining capacity of the soil, you can add some peat moss. Overwatering this plant does too much damage, so stay clear of that. Water only when the top layer of soil is dry.
Overwatering is a huge concern if the pot does not have drainage holes. So be careful when deciding the watering schedule of a croton. This plant does enjoy humidity, and you can spritz the leaves. Move the outdoor croton indoors during the winter months to increase its life.
Oleander Plant:
This plant is a part of the Apocynaceae family.
The flowers of these plants are poisonous, so do not consider this as an indoor plant if you have children and pets.
However, the beauty of this plant makes it irresistible. Its flowers are of bright and beautiful colors that brighten up your garden.
The best thing about this plant is its easy-going nature. It can survive in little to no water, and it does not care much about the nutrients and well-draining nature of the soil.
Water the plant once every week or ten days, depending on your climate. When you water, feed the plant about one to two inches of water.
Keep the plant in sunlight that is not too harsh as that might stunt the plant’s growth.
Aloe vera:
This is one of the most famous household plants extremely easy to maintain.
It grows and expands very easily when planted directly in the soil.
The leaves of the plants have several medicinal properties and act as a remedy for several skin and hair problems.
It also has a unique design, so it is considered an ornamental plant.
The leaves of this plant are sharp and long leaves with little thorns, making it look like a crocodile’s tail.
Aloe vera plant is popular among plant enthusiasts because of its various uses in health and beauty. You can use it for sunburn, cuts, hair problems, etc.
It can quickly grow in a pot without drainage holes and does not need constant care.
Aloe vera stores water in its leaves, so it does not care for overwatering.
Water the plant only when the top layer of soil is dry. Watering it more frequently than desired is more harmful than watering it less frequently.
Dumb Cane:
They put a lot of effort into the name!) Another name for this plant is Dieffenbachia.
The name dumb Cane is given because of the temporary loss of speech if someone chews it.
It has beautiful dark green leaves that are long and wide with yellow and ivory speckles. (Talk about leaving you speechless!)
It is a popular house plant and does not require a pot with drain holes.
This plant needs a generous amount of water to develop fully.
Dieffenbachia is a tropical plant and loves moisture. So, in addition to root watering, it enjoys misting of leaves now and then.
Overwatering is still an issue, but underwatering this plant will result in stunted growth.
Chinese Evergreen:
It is a beautiful ornamental plant that is an excellent choice if you are a beginner. It is famous for its characteristic long silvery leaves with a tinge of green on them.
This plant is easy to care for, requires medium light, and can survive low light. It is also an air cleaner, so it makes a great indoor plant. It comes in various sizes.
You can keep it on a shelf or in the corner of a room to spruce up a place. Chinese Evergreen enjoys a wet environment. So, make sure the soil retains moisture evenly without being soggy for a long time.
Wait for the soil to dry out a little before watering again. Excessive watering might lead to root rot in these plants. The chances of that increase if the pot does not have drainage holes.
Wait for the soil to dry out and water evenly after that. You can also add a couple of stones at the bottom of the soil.
Cordyline:
This is a plant with very colorful leaves that can be green or red-colored with a yellow or white note.
It can be grown indoors as well as outdoors. But make sure you grow it in a spot that has plenty of space because this plant grows widely.
Although these plants can grow in a pot without drainage holes, make sure the soil you grow is well-draining and adequately wet.
To water the plants, use bottled water instead of tap water to keep the leaves colorful and healthy. Once the leaves start to go brown, the plant can’t return to its former glory.
Water the plant when the upper layer of the soil dries out. If you keep these things in mind, Cordyline is a beautiful plant that can extensively add to the aesthetics of your room.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig:
The fiddle-leaf fig or Ficus Lyrata is a popular houseplant that belongs to the fig family.
It is native to Western Africa, where it typically grows in tropical rainforests. It comes in exciting shapes, which contributes to its popularity as houseplants.
This houseplant will last for years if you provide it proper care. The vast leaves on a skinny trunk give this plant its uniqueness and make it very attractive. The fiddle leaf fig can survive in a pot without drainage holes.
What you have to keep in mind is that the pot should be prominent. It might not need drainage holes, but it needs its space.
Water the plant once the soil dries up from the previous watering. Other than that, there is little to remember about its care. It will not leave your side for a long time.
Cactus:
If you want someone to remember you for a long time, give them a cactus plant. These plants do not die even when you forget to water them for several days.
Since these plants do not require frequent watering, drainage is not an issue. So, cacti can quickly prosper in a pot without drainage holes.
These plants have organs that can store water for a long time. It is how they survive lengthy durations without being watered.
These plants come in various shapes and sizes, with thorns and without them, long and short.
So, if you are worried about the thorns and the pricking, you can get a different species.
Christ Plant:
Euphorbia Milii, Christ Plant, or Christ Thorn is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae that is native to Madagascar. This plant looks like a tree full of wild and red roses.
The name comes from the color of the flowers, which is the same as Christ’s blood. This plant is trendy in Mexico due to some symbolism.
This plant requires very little water, as little as just four times a year. Watering once in every season is enough for the Christ Plant.
Since watering is infrequent, drainage is not a problem to be considered. So, this plant can quickly grow in a pot without drainage holes. Mix some sand in the soil to keep the plant healthier.
Conclusion
Growing plants indoors has several advantages- Fresh air, better mood, and a great way to beautify your place.
You can place some small plants on your work desk, and you can have your stress-buster in front of you throughout the day.
You can place some larger ones against the wall to make a gorgeous corner (Plus a great spot to take selfies!).
At the same time, you can place some moisture-loving plants in the bathroom to give it a chic look. Gifting a plant is always a great and environmentally friendly idea.
After reading this article, you are aware of the plants that can grow without drainage holes. Most of the plants mentioned above are low maintenance.
The only thing to remember about such plants is to steer clear of overwatering as the water does not have any place to go in the absence of drainage holes.
Other than that, there is no reason you should buy that beautiful little pug-shaped pot that you have been eyeing on for a long time.
The pug can safely protect your plant on its own without the help of drainage holes!