Are drainage holes essential for cactus pots?

Drainage holes or drainage in one form or another are imperative for the well-being of all cacti. Water sitting at the base of the pot can create root rot, which can kill the plant. I learned this lesson the hard way when my very first cactus died in a decorative pot with drainage holes. I now have a collection of thriving cacti in terra cotta pots with solid drainage.

An adequate drainage system is the best way to avoid root rot. After watering, let the pots sit on a saucer and discard any excess water that accumulates. Raise the pots on pot feet to promote airflow. Use soil mixtures that provide excellent drainage, taking into account that the pots have bottom drainage holes. Since using these drainage techniques, my plants have grown faster!

Identify drainage issues before they harm your plants. Watch to see if water pools on the soil surface within a few minutes after watering. Pay attention to musty odors, which demonstrate that moisture is becoming stagnant. Observe if hobbit holes or roots are growing above the soil surface as they attempt to escape from moist, soggy conditions. Take action, therefore, with any of these indicators as soon as you identify them for the benefit of the plants.

Analytical solutions apply to decorative planters without drainage holes. As a practical example, I use nursery pots (those with numerous holes) and insert them into decorative pots, then remove them for drainage. Another example is creating a false bottom under soil media using lava rocks. A third example is to install a wicking system that draws excess moisture away from the soil media. In this way, I can readily display cacti in decorative containers with relative safety.

Read the full article: 7 Essential Tips: How to Care for Cactus