I've got a quirky pot from a few years back that just seems to retain too much water, even though it has a drainage hole. I've tried planting a few succulents in it, but they've all failed except for one that somehow managed to survive on the soil surface. To fix the issue, I added medium-sized rocks at the bottom, thinking they would help with drainage. I've heard that rocks might not be the best solution after all. Do you think I should just use perlite instead, or stick with the rocks? What will happen when I water it next?
3 Answers
I totally get what you mean by those 'murder pots'! I've dealt with a few myself. Before jumping into changing your drainage solution, have you tried thoroughly cleaning your pot first? Sometimes leftover soil and residual disease can cause issues. A good wash with soapy water followed by a bleach soak can make a big difference. After that, maybe try a gritty mix—something with more perlite or sand might provide the drainage you need!
If that pot is still holding water like it's a sponge after trying a grittier mix, rocks probably aren't the solution. You could try just using a perlite-heavy mix instead. One big change can make all the difference, especially if the drainage hole isn't doing its job. Plus, perlite helps aerate the soil too!
You might want to avoid using just rocks for drainage. They can actually trap water instead of helping with it, especially if your pot is already holding a lot. Instead of replacing them entirely, how about mixing in some coarse perlite or pumice? That way, you'll improve drainage without possibly trapping water underneath the rocks. It's trial and error with pots sometimes! Let us know how it goes when you water next!
I totally agree! Rocks can hold moisture rather than letting it drain away. Mixing perlite in can definitely help.
Yes! Switching to a more perlite-based mix should really help improve drainage. Don't forget to check your watering habits, too!