If you end up purchasing a plastic pot without drainage holes, though, many do come with preformed circular indents designed to drill your own holes. The easiest way to drill holes in plastic planters that have these indents is to use a power drill affixed with a drill bit.
What drill bit do I use for plastic?
What drill bit is best for plastic? Spur-point drill bits (dowel bits) are best suited for drilling holes in plastic. The point and angle in front of these bits ensure that the stress in front is minimized and that the cut is smooth.
How many drain holes in plastic flower pots?
Placing holes on the sides of a plant pot improves both water drainage and aeration in plants. The number of holes should be between 4 to 8, at 1 diameter closer to the bottom of the pot with a saucer. With smaller holes, there is less loss of soil and ensures the soil remains well-drained.
How do you use a planter without drainage holes?
How to Use Pots with No Drainage Holes. Some experts suggest using a layer of pebbles as a sort of drainage layer in those pots without drainage holes. This technique allows excess water to flow into the space with the pebbles, away from the the soil and therefore the roots of your plant.
Can I use a wood drill bit on plastic?
In most cases drilling in wood and plastic isn’t difficult, because these are usually soft materials. You can recognize the special wood drills by the pointed central tip. But it’s also no problem if you use a metal drill in wood or plastic.
Can I use a metal drill bit on plastic?
Steel Drill Bits – Best for Wood and Plastic
They’re good for drilling wood or plastic, and while they can be used to drill through harder materials like brick or metal, they will blunt quite quickly. Blunt bits can snag as they bore through materials, leading to ragged holes and splits.
Can you screw through plastic?
You can drive machine screws into plastic, but first you must cut threads into the material. For this you need a tap the size of the fastener and a tap wrench. Drill a pilot hole in the material. The length of the hole should be equal to that of the screw.
Should outdoor pots have drainage holes?
Whether your potted plants are indoors or outdoors, proper drainage is an essential element to ensure they stay healthy. This process keeps water from pooling at the base of the pot, which can cause bacteria, fungus and root rot.
Should you put holes in plant pots?
Drainage holes allow excess water to seep out of pots after watering, ensuring that water does not pool at the base of a pot, helping to protect sensitive roots from rot, fungus and bacteria.
Why do some pots not have drainage holes?
Why Do Pots Need Drain Holes? With the exception of a few aquatic plants, plant roots don’t like to sit in water. They need to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the air, and excess water closes off the air pockets in soil. Plants in pots without drainage holes are prone to becoming overwatered.
What potted plants don’t need drainage?
13 Amazing Plants That Do Not Need Drainage Holes
- Snake Plant. One of the best indoor plants for beginners, the Snake plant is one of our top choices when it comes to plants that do not require drainage holes.
- Oleander Plant.
- Chinese Evergreen.
- Kupukupu Fern.
- Crotons.
- Dumbcane.
- Schefflera.
- Pothos.
Do I need to put rocks in the bottom of a planter?
In general, it’s not necessary to put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. One rock to cover the drainage hole is enough – just enough so that the soil doesn’t leach out of the bottom but water can flow freely through the pot. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn’t aid drainage or improve air circulation.
What can I use to cover drainage holes in pots?
Use a filter to cover the drainage hole
Cut a small mesh screen to fit into the bottom of your pot. Plastic mesh works best – metal mesh can rust. Old plastic fly screens can also be used. Large pebbles that are irregular shape will cover the hole but not block the water from getting out.
Do hole punches work on plastic?
Hole punches push various shapes through plastic sheets, such as circles, slots and squares. Hole punches are purchased online, and at school and office supply stores. Most hole punches are able to go through thin sheets of plastic.
Contents