Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:22 pm
There are some incredible planters and pots for succulents that do not have drainage. Find how to properly water succulents in pots without drainage from this post!
How to properly water succulents in pots without drainage
Determining how frequently to water your succulents can be challenging. It is generally even harder to water succulents in pots without drainage.
Succulents generally need their roots to dry rapidly.
They will start to rot if they remain wet for much longer as they do not like to sit in water for more than a day or 2.
When you are starting out at first with succulents, I highly recommend using pots with drainage.
If you are growing succulents indoors, it is most likely you want a pot without drainage so you can keep your succulents on the counter and not stress yourself about water coming out the bottom of the pot.
Let’s learn some simple ways to make watering succulents in pots without drainage simple.
Well-draining soil
Since it allows for more airflow, using well-draining soil is very essential for pots without drainage. Although the water still has no place to drain, it is easier for the water to vaporize if the soil has big particles (1/4 inch or 6mm is perfect).
I typically use the gritty mix from Amazon, nevertheless, I likewise often use pumice in glass containers. The pumice seems to look cleaner in the glass.
Adding bigger materials to the bottom of the pot is a manner in which individuals regularly “include drainage” to a pot that doesn’t have a drain hole. This in fact triggers issues for succulents due to the fact that it triggers water to pool at the bottom of the pot.
The soil at the top of the pot traps the water in making it harder for the water to vaporize.
Using a constant particle size, about 1/4 inch (6mm) throughout your planter is the method to permit water to quickly vaporize.
Measure it out
Among the greatest issues with a non-draining pot is understanding how much water you have actually gathered or poured in. Since you can see the water level as you are pouring the water, glass containers are very helpful.
This isn’t the case with lots of non-draining planters.
If you are not using a glass container, I advise measuring the quantity of water you wet your plants with.
You can do this in many ways. The most basic is to use a measuring cup, which you most likely currently have at house or you can get a cheap one from amazon.
Another fantastic choice is this capture bottle from my preferred garden tools set. It has measurements on the side so you can see just how much water is in the bottle.
You can likewise use any sort of cup and even measuring spoons. The secret is merely to pour a designated quantity of water. If you are using your kitchen sink or watering can, it’ is tough to understand how much water your succulent is getting and it is also very easy to overflow the pot or overwater the plant
How much water is needed
The trickiest part about watering succulents without drainage is knowing the quantity of water it needs.
The aim is to pour adequate water that all the soil gets damp but avoid overwatering or excess water pool at the bottom of the pot.
A rag or paper towels can be used to try and soak up some of it if it happens you pour too much water. You might be able to pour the excess water off of your pot if you are using a relatively small pot.
Various soil types retain different quantities of water, so even after you pick a quantity of water to give your succulents, you will still need to monitor your plant for signs of watering issues.
That stated, I usually advise pouring water equivalent to half the volume of your planter. If your planter holds about a cup of soil, you will pour 1/2 cup of water.
This is better used as a starting point and, again, change as required based upon what the condition of your plant tells you over the next couple of weeks. Both the quantity of water you use and the frequency of watering will figure out how healthy your succulent is.
How often should you water your succulent
I get asked this question over and over and the response is very simple:
You should only water your succulents when the soil looks totally dry.
Watering on a set bi-weekly or weekly schedule does not always give the desired result.
Watering when the soil is totally dry (instead of on a set schedule) is particularly essential for non-draining pots since the water does not dry quickly as it does in pots with drainage. This implies your succulent has access to water longer and will likely endure with more time in between watering.
Each succulent will have a different watering schedule and there’s a variety of elements that add to their requirement for water.
FAQs on how to water succulents in pots without drainage
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How do you water succulents without drainage?
You can plant succulents in pots without drainage by combining rocks, pebbles, stones, and pumice at the bottom of the pot so that a layer for drainage can be created. This permits excess water to drain out of the soil and into the rocks in the bottom and this also helps to prevent root rot in the plant.
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Can you plant succulents in pots without drainage?
Yes. Pots with no drainage can be used to plant your succulents, however, it should not be left where it might be rained or drowned. Watering the succulents closely monitored in these kinds of pots. Considering that succulents have shallow roots, a shallow bowl or pot will be the best to use.
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Are pots without drainage bad?
Yes, in fact, dangerous and very bad for your plant. If the water in the pot does not have a way to drain out easily, it gets caught inside the pot and ultimately deprives the roots of oxygen, thereby triggering root rot, which is deadly to your plants.
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Do indoor planters require draining holes?
Whether your potted plants are indoors or outdoors, correct drainage is an important aspect to guarantee your plants stay healthy. This procedure keeps water from pooling at the base of the pot, excessive clogged up water can trigger root rot in plants which can trigger germs, fungi, and root rot, and ultimately kill your plant.
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How do you know when to water your succulent?
- The first thing you will notice when a succulent needs more water is that the leaves feel rubbery and bend easily. Some of the leaves may also become wilt. They won’t necessarily change color like they would when they are over-watered.
- The second sign your plant is under-watered is shriveled and wrinkled leaves.
