What to Put in Plant Pots for Drainage

When it comes to planting, proper drainage is crucial for the health of your plants. Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged soil, which can suffocate roots and cause root rot. So, what should you put in plant pots for drainage? Here are some of the options:

Gravel

One of the most popular options for drainage is gravel. Simply add a layer of gravel at the bottom of your pot before adding soil. Gravel helps to create air pockets which allows excess water to drain away from the roots. It also prevents soil from becoming compacted.

Keep in mind that you don't need to add too much gravel. One inch is usually sufficient, as adding too much can take up valuable space for roots to grow.

Pea Gravel

If you don't have regular gravel on hand, you can use pea gravel instead. This type of gravel is smaller and helps prevent soil from falling through the drainage holes. Pea gravel also creates more air pockets, which promotes better drainage.

Again, be careful not to add too much, as pea gravel can also take up valuable space for roots.

Rockwool

Rockwool is a manmade material used in hydroponic growing. It has excellent drainage properties and is great for plants that require a lot of watering. This material comes in small cubes that can be used in the bottom of your pot or mixed in with soil.

However, rockwool can be expensive and difficult to find, so it may not be the best option for everyone.

Perlite

Perlite is a lightweight and porous material made from volcanic glass. It is a popular choice for potting soil as it helps to aerate soil and improve drainage. Simply mix perlite into your soil mix before adding to your pot.

Perlite has the added benefit of being affordable and readily available at most garden centers.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is similar to perlite in that it is made from volcanic glass, but it has a different texture. Vermiculite absorbs water like a sponge and slowly releases it to roots over time. This makes it a great option for plants that require consistent moisture, such as ferns or orchids.

Add vermiculite to your soil mix before planting, or use it as a top layer in your pot.

Sand

Sand is another material that can help improve drainage in your plant pot. However, it is important to use coarse sand rather than fine sand, as fine sand can create a dense soil that holds onto water. Coarse sand will create air pockets and allow for better drainage.

Use sand as a bottom layer of your pot or mix it with soil before planting.

Overall, there are many different materials you can use to improve drainage in your plant pots. Whether you choose gravel, rockwool, perlite, vermiculite or sand, proper drainage is key to keeping your plants healthy and thriving.