this post was submitted on 29 Jan 2025
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Nature and Gardening

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We have a bunch of these ceramic pots which often come as gifts when people give us plants.

No drainage holes. What use are they? They’re so small I think only succulents would be an option, but wouldn’t they just rot in water?

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[–] thickslicedham@lemm.ee 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I usually put a smaller container with drainage holes into pots like these. Enjoy the decorative look without worrying about root rot.

[–] BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

I think this is probably the way I’ll try before going to a drill.

I didn’t think something like this would be effective. Do you put anything in around the plastic pot?

[–] gazter@aussie.zone 2 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

I sometimes prop mine up on something, so the pot isn't sitting in the drained water. But even if not, the exposure to air usually means it dries out pretty quick.

[–] BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 13 hours ago

Yeah, I’ve gone through all our plastic pots and found a few that fit inside these ones without touching the bottom, so it looks like they will work nicely.

[–] Beegzoidberg 14 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I like to drill holes in mine, it's not always safe to do and you should run a bit of water where you intend to drill to stop the dust, but I've saved many pots that way

[–] BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 1 day ago (3 children)

What kind of bit do you use to drill?

[–] inv3r5ion@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 21 hours ago

You should use a masonry bit, wear an N95 and safety glasses and spray water on it while you drill to mitigate dust.

[–] Beegzoidberg 1 points 23 hours ago

I agree with the other commenter, I tend to use a cheaper steel bit but drill slow with water running over it. If you need support for the bit, you can put a piece of tape over where you're drilling. It keeps the bit on target and the hole a bit more stable.

[–] nettle@mander.xyz 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

For harder ceramics like these a diamand coated bit (they aren't as expensive as the name makes the seem), always use water and drill through super slow so it doesn't crack (a minute or longer). Good luck!!

[–] Vodulas 2 points 1 day ago

Also make sure it is a masonry/ceramic bit. In my my experience that matters more than the diamond coating (I use very cheap steel bits). Drill press is also much easier to control speed and depth, so use that if you have one

[–] Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 day ago

I can't see any picture, but you could try using LECA.

With soil, and missing drainage, you always have the high chance of waterlogging. With expanded clay on the other hand, it is supposed to stand a few centimetres in water (nutrient solution).

But I think the better route would be to get a few inner pots.

Or, completely other route, use them for candles or other DIY projects that are good gifts for others :)

[–] nettle@mander.xyz 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I either drill holes or for round ones put a smaller plastic draining pot inside