Do Pothos Need Drainage? (4+ Essential Tips To Follow for Good Drainage)

Are you looking to add positive vibes, more productivity, and less stress to your area? Why not add Pothos in your garden? But do pothos need drainage? Hey folks! I’m Anna Scott, a Gardener by heart and Profession, started my Journey 15 years ago and Now I am teaching other gardeners as well to achieve their goals.

Pothos plants are even famous by another name, Devil’s ivy and belong to the Arum family. It is grown in almost everyone’s yard. Briefing on it, pothos is described as an evergreen plant with a thick and waxy texture. Its leaves are heart-shaped with thin layers of yellow color. These beautiful plants are frequently sold in plant stores, nurseries, and grocery stores and are a perennial favorite of plant lovers.

So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to know Do pothos need drainage? If yes, then stay connected with this guide till the end for proper understanding. 

Do Pothos Need Drainage?

Every plant needs drainage to remain healthy, The Same is the case with pothos plants that need good drainage so that the water does not sit in the pot. This plant does not like a lot of water for its growth. It shows that the plant will grow best if the water is not in the pot because it’s overly moist. It will promote fungal infection in the plant which will cause damage to the plant.

Because of this reason, it is suggested to choose a pot with drainage to avoid water pooling around the roots. Various gardeners argue that this plant does not need drainage because they do not need much water. Simply water the plant less so that the water sits in the pot until the soil becomes completely dry. 

Overwatering pothos is not suggested as it is one of the biggest problems for various houseplant gardeners. Just ensure that the pothos has drainage. For example, if you water the plant in excess, it will reduce the risk of various problems. 

Why do pothos plants need drainage?

Drainage of the pothos plant is important because it helps in the good water flow around the roots. Otherwise, if the roots become waterlogged, then it will cause root rot in the plant which will hurt the plant’s foliage with time. Drainage ensures that the roots will grow easily through the soil and will not be compacted for the plants’ growth.

There should be space between roots so that the soil makes its path move. Because lack of drainage will not help the soil to move and make it compact. It will resemble a porous surface. The plant will eventually become root-bound because of the strangling roots. It will not let the roots take proper nutrients, making the plant die.  

If the pothos are not sufficiently drained, then the water will stand in the pot rather than flow out. Roots that are bound to water will be infected by the fungal infections, and mold in the water and ultimately it will produce root rot in the plant. Root rot affects the plant’s growth by not letting the plant take sufficient water for its growth.

Droopy pothos show that the plant is not able to receive a good amount of water for its growth. After that, the plant’s leaves will be black and it will die with time. 

4+ Essential Tips To Follow for Good Drainage 

As mentioned, it is important to follow essential tips to keep good drainage in the pothos. They are as follows: 

Drainage holes

• One of the best ways to ensure good drainage in the plant is to keep the plant in a pot that has a good amount of drainage holes at its bottom. 
• It will help in removing the excess water from the pot to flow out. Also, some soil will run away but it’s not a problem for the plant. 
• You can prevent the soil from coming out by keeping some small stones at the bottom which will cover the area. 

Use the right potting mix

• Another tip to follow is to choose a potting mix that suits the type of plant you are growing in your home garden. 
• The potting mix which is liked by the pothos is the one that does not require much water. 
• It should contain absorbing material to retain the excess water from the plant. 
• If you will use the right potting mix for your plant, then it will enhance the soil health. 

Avoid excessive bottom watering

• Bottom watering is not suggested for this plant as when you water the plant at its bottom, then the water stands in the pot. 
• The plant’s roots will absorb the water, which will be good for a few plants. For pothos, it will go in excess. 
• Let the pothos sit in the water unless the top 1-2 inches of the soil is damp. 
• If it happens otherwise, then the plant will soak the water and become too wet for long. 

Draining layer

• Last but not least, make use of a draining layer to cover the roots to avoid the water pooling in the pot. 
• Draining layers like pebbles or pumice will be great. So, prevent the pothos drainage by following the tips. 

Pros of Growing Plants Without Drainage Holes

Conservation of Water

One of the pros of growing pothos without drainage holes is that it will lead to water conservation in the plant. 

Lack of drainage will let the plant use the water effectively. Because the plant will absorb the moisture very well before it runs away. It will be favorable in arid climatic conditions where the water aids are less. 

Reduced Risk of Over-Fertilization

It will reduce the risk of over-fertilization. Without the drainage holes, the excess water will prevent the leaching of nutrients from the soil. It will be useful if you are using slow-release fertilizer in the plant which will supply a good amount of nutrients. 

Cons of Growing Plants Without Drainage Holes

Root Rot and Waterlogging

One of the main issues caused by the lack of drainage holes is the greater risk of root rot in the plant because of waterlogging. Roots will be merged in the water for a long period which will cause fungal infections in the plant. 

Accumulation of Salts

When the water tends to evaporate, then the soil will accumulate because of the salt present in it. It will lead to salinity issues in the soil. Drainage holes will allow excess salt removal from the soil, preventing the roots. 

Limited Plant Selection

Plants like to grow in well-drained soil. Sometimes, this thing troubles the plant when it does not receive so. Without drainage holes in the plant, it will not be able to survive for long. Suitable plants are limited for favorable conditions to grow. 

Can Plants Grow Without Drainage Holes?

Yes, plants can grow without holes but it depends on the growing conditions of the plant to survive and grow well. Soem plants need good drainage holes for their growth but it is not compulsorily needed by all the plants. Various plants can grow without them. All you have to do is to provide favorable conditions to the plant. 

Provide the plant with suitable conditions for its growth like well-drained soil mix and a pot that has plenty of space for the plant to grow. At the time of watering, water the plant fully but not in excess. If the soil is already wet, then no need to water the plant. Check the soil’s moisture before watering the plant to avoid waterlogged soil.

2 Common Problems Caused by Drainage Issues

Everyone loves to grow pothos in their home garden as they are the low-maintenance plants to add to the collection. Sometimes, the plant shows various issues that you need to be aware of. Below are the 2 primary common problems caused by drainage holes. They are as follows: 

Root Rot

• Root rot is the tension caused in the plant which restricts the plant from growing and thats why plants need good drainage. 
• It will first attack the roots by spreading in it. It will wreak havoc on the plant 
• Lack of drainage will lessen the oxygen level in the roots. It will cause roots to decay. 
• It will not let the plant absorb the proper water and nutrients for its growth. You will observe stunt growth in the plant. 
• A foul smell will be coming from the soil that shows the root rot is caused in the plant which will spread in the whole plant with time. 
• Rather than seeing your plant die, take some preventive measures like repotting the plant and removing the soil from the plant. 
• Make use of a sterile and sharp knife to cut off the decaying roots from the plant. 
• After this, keep the pothos in a new pot with new well-draining soil. With proper care and time, the plant will begin to receive itself. 
• Propagate the plant if see that the plant is dying and now it can’t be recovered. 
• Keep in mind to provide good drainage to the plant to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth in the plant. 

Salt Buildup

• Salt buildup spoils the luxurious pothos in your garden area. The soil level will play an important role in the growth of the plant. 
• It will wreak havoc on the plant as it hinders the nitrogen level. It will eventually lead to stunted growth which makes the plant unhappy. 

Summing up the Context 

In this guide, you come to know that Pothos plants are even famous by another name, Devil’s ivy, and belong to the Arum family. It is grown in almost everyone’s yard. Briefing on it, pothos is described as an evergreen plant with a thick and waxy texture. Its leaves are heart-shaped with thin layers of yellow color. 

These beautiful plants are frequently sold in plant stores, nurseries, and grocery stores and are a perennial favorite of plant lovers. Every plant needs drainage to remain healthy, The Same is the case with pothos plants that need good drainage so that the water does not sit in the pot. This plant does not like a lot of water for its growth. 

It shows that the plant will grow best if the water is not in the pot because it’s overly moist. It will promote fungal infection in the plant which will cause damage to the plant. I hope you are clear with the guide. I will come back with another guide soon. Till then safe gardening. 

Thanks for reading! Happy gardening! 

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