Do indoor plants need drainage? Yes — Here’s Why It Matters
Choosing the right pot is the first step to proper drainage—look for ones with a drainage hole or plan to modify if needed.
Yes — and YES again! Ever barely touch your snake plant and the leaf just flops over like it gave up on life? Or maybe you’ve noticed mushy stems, sad droopy leaves, or that weird sour smell coming from your plant? Yeah... that’s your plant crying for help — and 9 times out of 10, it’s a drainage issue
Keeping your plant in a pot with no drainage is a fast track to root rot. And once root rot sets in, it’s really hard to come back from. Most times we don’t even know it’s happening until the damage is done.
Welcome back to this week’s blog! Today we’re diving into the “D” word: Drainage. Because if your pot’s holding water like a soup bowl, your plant baby is not happy.
Three Ways to Improve Drainage
1. Use Pots With Drainage Holes
A drainage hole—it’s the MVP when it comes to preventing root rot and overwatering.
This is my go-to. Drainage holes give extra water a way out — simple and effective. I personally feel way less anxious watering my plants when I know the pot can do its job.
2. Got a Pot With No Holes? No Problem!
You’ve got options:
- Use a nursery pot inside: Get a plastic nursery pot slightly smaller than your decorative pot. Water it in the sink or tray, let it sit for 10–15 minutes max, then dump the excess water. Let it drip dry a bit more before popping it back in.
- Add a bottom layer: Throw in a few pebbles or small rocks at the bottom of your decorative pot to lift the nursery pot up. I also like to sprinkle in a bit of activated charcoal to help absorb excess moisture and keep mold at bay.
3. Don’t Forget the Soil Mix!
Not all soil is created equal. A well-draining mix like this helps excess water flow through instead of pooling at the bottom.
Even with a perfect pot, bad soil can still trap water.
If your mix is too dense, it holds onto moisture, blocks airflow, and sets your plant up for all kinds of problems. I always recommend a well-draining mix — add things like perlite, orchid bark, or pumice to help the water move through, not sit around.
Bonus: Activated Charcoal
I love this stuff. Horticultural-grade activated charcoal helps soak up extra moisture and keeps your soil fresher longer. You can mix it into your soil or use it as a drainage layer in closed containers like terrariums. It’s especially great for keeping funk and mold away.
No Pot Shaming Here!
Not every pot has to be fancy or expensive—what matters most is that it fits your plant’s needs and has proper drainage. No pot shaming here!
Whether your pot has holes or not, just keep these three tips in mind:
- Choose the right pot setup
- Use a good soil mix
- Add those little extras (like activated charcoal) to level up your plant care
Your plant doesn’t need perfection — just some thoughtful drainage love.
When it comes to healthy plants, drainage isn’t optional—it’s essential. At The ZEN Succulent, we carry pots that are as functional as they are beautiful, because waterlogged roots are no one’s vibe. Whether you're repotting or starting fresh, make sure your pots are setting your plants up for success from the ground up.
Words By The ZEN Succulent
Inspiring everyone to embrace the world of plants, our collection features articles penned by The Sill's team of seasoned plant experts. Covering a range of plant care topics, because we truly believe Plants Bring Life, Joy and Inspirations™
