Having a plant at home can be a very rewarding experience. Taking care of it, watching it grow and enjoying its beauty is something that many enjoy. However, one of the most common problems occurs when a plant gets too wet and its roots rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. A simple solution that can prevent this is to make a hole in the base of the pot so that excess water can drain properly.
However How to make this hole without breaking the pot? Although it may seem complicated, you don't need to be a DIY expert to do it. Here we will explain in a simple and practical way how to make a hole in a pot, whether it is made of clay or ceramic, and some additional tips to improve the drainage of the plant.
Why is it important for the pot to have at least one hole?
Pots need a hole in the base to allow excess water produced during watering to escape. If the pot does not have a proper drainage system, the plant can drown.. As water remains trapped in the substrate, the roots rot, causing the plant to become sick and eventually die.
For this reason, It is essential that all pots have a hole to drain excess water.This aspect is especially important in plants that require little watering, such as succulents or cacti, which are adapted to dry climates and need an efficient drainage system.
How to make a hole in a clay or ceramic pot step by step
If you have a clay or ceramic pot without a hole, doing so is not difficult. You only need a few basic tools:
- A screwdriver and a hammer for the clay pot: Place the pot on a stable surface. Using the screwdriver and hammer, tap the center until you manage to make a hole.
- A drill and a ceramic drill bit: For ceramic pots, use a suitable drill bit. Make a small indentation where you want to make the hole and then drill carefully, without applying too much pressure.
If you follow these steps, you will be able to drill holes in your pot without risk of breaking it. Remember that this hole is essential for proper care of your plant.
Additional Tips for Plant Drainage
Aside from making the hole, there are other simple tricks that can help improve the drainage of the pot:
- Use the right substrate: It is important that the substratum The soil you use should also promote drainage. For ornamental or horticultural plants, the ideal combination is usually soil with a porous material such as perlite. If your plant is a succulent, add a larger amount of perlite to ensure that the water drains quickly.
- Add a layer of clay balls or pine bark: Another effective trick is to place a layer of clay balls or pine bark at the bottom of the pot. This will prevent the substrate from retaining more water than necessary.
Implementing these simple tips can save your plants from overwatering, especially if you tend to overwater a little.
Getting a plant to grow healthily does not only depend on the type of water or the amount of light it receives. Proper drainage is one of the key factors in ensuring plant survival.Not all plants have the same watering needs and it is essential that we adapt the care to the type of plant we are planting.