I recently ended up with some ceramic pots that don't have the drainage I expected. My plan is to use diamond head drill bits to create drainage holes myself. I'm looking for tips or experiences from anyone who's done this before. Do I need to take the plants out of the pots before drilling to avoid disturbing the roots? Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I suggest using a dremel tool instead of a regular drill for better control. Start at a 45-degree angle and then go to 90 degrees. Make sure to keep some water nearby to lubricate the drill bit while you work. Taping the bottom with painter's tape can also help prevent cracks from happening when you break through.
If you're open to alternatives, using nursery pots inside your ceramic ones can be much easier! You can gauge soil moisture easily, repotting becomes a breeze, and you can quickly bottom water by just filling the ceramic pot with water.
Definitely take the plants out before you drill! It's much easier that way. Remember to drill slowly and apply steady pressure. A trick I found helpful is to do this in the sink while running a little water over the area. It helps with lubrication and keeps dust down.