The most important thing we have to do when growing plants in pots is, precisely, to choose the container where we are going to have them., because if we choose one that is not the right one, we run the risk of rotting. But what is it ? Well, basically the one that has at least one hole in the base. And it is that if we want the plants to last us a long time, it is crucial to take into account that the drainage begins in this or these holes.
If you don’t, the water will stagnate because it can’t get out and the roots will rot. But once you have the container that touches, it’s good to ask what to use for flower pot drainageWell, if we use things that I’m going to tell you now, we can further reduce the risk of losing it.
Contents
What to put in a pot so that it drains well?
There are a series of things that will help us get the water out faster, like this:
- Arlita
- Akadama
- Gravel (for ponds)
- kiryuzuna
- pearlite
- pumice
- Plastic net with small holes (like the one used in chicken coops for example)
- Plastic drain grid
Let’s see in detail what each thing is and why it can be useful:
Arlita
Image – Wikimedia/Lucis
Clay, also called volcanic clay, it is a clay which, after heating it in a rotary kiln, has been shaped into a ball of about 0.5 to 2 centimeters. It is very light and does not fall apart easily, which is why it is widely used in gardening despite being lacking in nutrients. Another important detail is its price: a 20-litre bag can cost between 4 and 5 euros.
Buy it here.
Akadama
Image – Wikimedia/Abraham
Akadama is a clay that when dry is very light brown, and when wet becomes darker. It is native to Japan, which is why its price is quite high compared to other clays: a bag of 14 liters can cost 20-30 euros. But It is highly recommended both to improve drainage and for plants to take root better.. The downside is that over the years it decomposes and turns into dust.
It is usually mixed with other substrates, such as kiryuzuna or pumice, in a ratio of 7:3 (7 parts of akadama and 3 of another substrate).
Buy it here.
Gravel (for ponds)
Pond gravel is one that has a grain size of about 2 mm thick. It is a type of aggregate that comes from the fragmentation of rocks, which can be limestone, granite, sandstone or others. Because it takes a long time to break down – in fact it is used to improve picadin and cement mixes -, and it is so cheap – a 25kg bag costs less than a euro in n’ any store that sells building materials – it is very interesting.
But yes, due to its weight, we do not recommend putting more than a thin layer at the bottom of the pot; and if it is going to be mixed with soil, add no more than 30%.
kiryuzuna
Image – Bonsainostrum.fr
Kiryuzuna is a zeolite from Japan. With a grain size between 1 and 6 millimeters, it is a substrate that can serve as drainage for pots. Its pH is between 6.5 and 6.8, so it is highly recommended for growing acidic plants, such as azaleas.
As it takes a long time to break down and also contains certain nutrients – albeit in small amounts – such as iron, calcium or phosphorus, mainly used in bonsai, often mixed with akadama. But you should know that it is expensive: the 18-litre bag costs around 25 euros.
Buy it here.
pearlite
Image – minetech.es
Perlite is a glass of volcanic origin which it is very light, white and widely used in gardeningbut almost always mixing it with another substrate.
It has a neutral pH, is inert and dries quicklythis is why it is very popular with growers of succulents (cacti and succulents).
Buy it here.
pumice
Image – Pomice by bonsai
Pumice is an igneous volcanic rock also called pumice or liparite which is widely used in gardening as drainage. Its grain size varies from 3 millimeters to 14 millimeters.but for what we are interested in, we recommend those between 3 and 6 mm, since the others are too large.
Its pH is between 7 and 8, but since it does not contain calcium salts, you can rest easy because it can be mixed with other substrateseven if they have a low pH. This is so because the pH of said substrate will not increase.
Buy it here.
Plastic net with small holes
Plastic netting, such as that used in chicken coops for example, or to protect the trunks of plants, can be used to improve the drainage of pots. Just cut it into small pieces, and place them on the holes; then fill them with soil.
Buy it here.
drain grid
This is a plastic mesh normally cut in the shape of squares of about 2 x 2 centimeters. It is widely used by bonsai collectors as it prevents the substrate from getting lost through holes in bonsai pots or trays.
Buy them here.
How to make sure that the soil does not come out of the pot?
Before I finish, let me tell you something: it has surely happened to you that after a while the plant you have in a pot ran out of soil. And it’s not that its roots have swallowed it, no, but it’s that as it’s been watered, it’s lost. But fortunately, this is a problem that can be avoided, or at least slowed down.
After using several things (mosquito net, shade net, even plastic bags in which I previously made a few small holes), what worked best for me by far was the plastic netting which I have already told you. Just cut it as you like then put it in the pot, you will see how much soil is no longer lost. But yes, consider buying one that has very small holes.
And now yes, I hope you have learned a lot, and now your plants are happier.