Most gardeners would not want to deprive their plants of moisture and well-draining soil. However, if drainage is a major constraint or you are looking to try something different, getting plants that do not need drainage holes is one of the best ways to move forward. Since most of these plants are also indoor plants, the care requirements are significantly less.
So, what exactly are these plants and how do you pot them? Well. in this article, we will discuss in detail 13 such plants that do not need drainage holes at any stage. So, keep reading to know more.
13 Amazing Plants That Do Not Need Drainage Holes
1. 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. Originating from the tropical region of West Africa, these plants are popular for their blade-shaped leaves that are also consistently upright. Although traditionally the snake plant is potted in soil, you can also grow it in a bowl of water.
All you need to do is pluck some plant cuttings in a tiny water bowl and wait for a couple of days. Over the next few days, you will find that the cuttings are steadily evolving into beautiful snake plants. Just make sure you tie the plant’s base carefully as it grows up since this will cause the leaves to be upright.
2. Oleander Plant
Best known as a shrub plant, the Oleander plant is a part of the Apocynaceae family. Since it is cultivated almost everywhere across the globe, none of us are confident about its true origin, though certain experts claim the plant to have originated from the Southwestern parts of Asia.
Interestingly, although the Oleander is known for its bright and beautiful blooms, these very blooms can serve to be toxic. The plant alone is claimed to be toxic by certain gardeners. That is why we will not recommend the oleander if you have kids or pets at home.
The Oleander is primarily grown as an indoor plant; however, you can also plant it outside. Their biggest highlight lies in the fact that they can survive with almost little to no water. Unlike its fussy contemporaries, oleander doesn’t care much about the soil either. All you need to do is feed around one to two inches of water to the plant. Do this once a week or once every 10 days. Make sure the plant receives ample sunlight, but make sure the rays are not too harsh or excessive as it might stunt the plant’s growth.
3. Chinese Evergreen
Best known for their elongated, silvery leaves with a tinge of green, the Chinese Evergreen is a popular plant that does not require drainage holes. It is worth noting that although drainage holes aren’t a major constraint for the Chinese Evergreen, they do enjoy wet environments. For best results, you need to ensure that the soil has an even dose of moisture without being unnecessarily lined with water for an extensive period. That is why it is best to wait a while and allow the soil to dry out before you consider adding the next bout of water.
Excessive water might lead to rotting roots in the case of Chinese Evergreens, but as we previously mentioned, they do not need any drainage holes. If you do not manage to place them in a pot without a drainage hole, then consider moving them to a container with an in-built drainage system.
You might also want to add a couple of stones at the bottom lining of the soil. Additionally, you also need to check how fast you are pouring the water. Remember, the soil must be completely undisturbed at all stages.
4. Kupukupu Fern
Hailing from the warm parts of Hawai, Kupukupu is a form of sword fern that is popular for its type of leaves. The plant is characterized by beautiful and stunning green stems that can beautifully thrive both on the fern trees as well as in soil. Over time, these stems can start developing tiny tubers which is yet another trademark of this unique looking fern. These tubers are known for boosting reproduction while also allowing the fern to trap in all the nourishment from the food you have provided.
If you are planning to grow this plant at home, we would recommend growing one fern at once before proceeding with the others. Remember, if you end up growing multiple ferns they may simply outgrow one another, causing more trouble for you.
Ideally grown in an indoor environment, these plants can easily light up any indoor garden. As the fern can perfectly grow in trees and solid walls, gardeners will have many alternative ways to drain water. With that said, it is best to skip out the standing water technique as it might lead to the yellowing of leaves in Kupukupu. Overall, given the simple care requirements and the easy growing nature of this plant, this will certainly suit every kind of indoor garden.
5. Crotons
With a height that can go up to a whopping 5 or 6 feet, this is yet another excellent plant that does not need you to use drainage holes. Crotons are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and varieties, and most of them are known to thrive best in tropical or warm zones. If you are planning to get this plant home, make sure you use well-draining soil.
You might also want to add some peat moss. This will further ensure that the plant is indeed getting proper drainage despite the use of drainage holes. Since overwatering is a serious concern for this plant, this is one department you certainly need to consider.
When planting crotons at home, make sure you water them every time the topsoil dries up. Also, since they prefer humid environments, we suggest you keeping it outdoors during the late afternoons. During the winter months, consider moving it indoors. This will ensure the plant survives longer and at minimal maintenance.
6. Dumbcane
Dumb canes may be best defined as water-loving tropical plants. Since they absolutely enjoy moisture, you won’t have to worry about drainage with them. You can easily transfer the dumb cane plant to a pot or a container that does not have any drainage holes.
The Dumbcane plant is best known for its beautiful leaves that are both long and wide. The leaves enjoy occasional mist, and the plant thrives best in semi-humid and tropical zones. If you are getting the plant home, consider misting it once in a while to give it the vibe of a tropical jungle.
The plant is also known to survive in different levels and intensities of light. So, even if you are planning to put it indoors, you can sift it outdoors in the late afternoon from time to time.
7. Schefflera
Schefflera is yet another excellent plant that does not require any additional drainage. Hailing from the Araliaceae family that has more than 900 species of plants, the Schefflera is one of those rare plants that aren’t very specific about the drainage requirement.
As with the snake plant, the Schefflera can grow both in soil and water. So, while you can always pot them with a lining of pebbles and sand, another good idea would be to take a couple of plant cuttings and put them in water. Over the next few days, you will soon find tiny shoots emerging from your cutting. Although the ones growing in water won’t assume an impressive height of 60+ feet, it will still continue to be equally healthy and appealing.
The Schefflera plant enjoys the direct sun and thrives best in tropical environments. Yes, although it is quite rare, the plant enjoys summer-like weather. That said, moderate or indirect sunlight too can promote its growth, though not as well as direct sunlight. Schefflera requires fertilizers only once every year and you can use any average fertilizer for the task. This will boost the speed of plant growth.
8. Pothos
Also known as the Devil’s Ivy, Pothos plants can grow up to a whopping 10 feet. These plants are best known for their beautiful heart-shaped leaves and their impressive height. Pothos plants usually enjoy direct sunlight and if you are growing them indoors, consider setting them up in a hanging basket for better and faster growth.
9. Cordyline
Popular as the Hawaiin Ti’ Plant this is yet another excellent plant that is not merely easy to maintain, but also extremely convenient grow both indoors and outdoors. Whether or not you choose to pot this plant, just make sure the soil is well-draining and perfectly wet.
If the upper layer of the soil dries out, water it immediately to prevent any accidents. Cordylines are fairly popular among gardeners and although they are kept indoors most of the time, you can always move them outdoors in the late summer or spring months.
10. Spider Plant
This is yet another popular indoor plant that is best known for its super-fast growth rate. Spider plants are characterized by their long fronds and they are also quite simple to maintain. So, if you are one of those newbies who struggle to keep their plant alive, the Spide Plant might just be your top option.
Spider plants originate from the tropical parts of Africa where they are grown both as outdoor and indoor plants. You can also start growing it in the water when it is still at a fairly young stage. In case you are indeed growing the plant in water, make sure the water is fluoride-free as it might affect the color of the plant’s leaves.
11. Rough Horsetail
While this plant might appear like a tiny striped bamboo, Rough Horsetail is but a form of fern. This hardy little plant is known to thrive in boggy areas when kept in the wild. It also grows quite well when you keep it in a container filled with water. The drainage requirements are almost minimal to none and caring for this plant is equally simple.
12. Succulents
Belonging to the cacti family, these plants are both drought resistant and fleshy. Succulents do not require much water as their fleshy leaves can easily store water for drought-like situations. Of course, you can water them frequently- but this is not something you need to get worked up about. Succulents enjoy direct sunlight and they prefer coarse soil that makes way for complete drainage and aeration.
13. Pineapple
While this might strike as a surprise to some, you can indeed grow Pineapples without any drainage holes. As with the Schefflera, these plants survive perfectly well in a small container of water. To grow this plant at home, simply head to your nearby grocer and get a big, ripe pineapple.
After sourcing the pineapple, proceed to remove the crown. For the uninitiated, this is the greenish part featuring the clump of leaves. Simply hold the body of the pineapple with a firm grasp and start twisting the leaves individually. In case this does not work, simply whip out the upper part of the pineapple while also pulling the leaves in the same direction.
Once you’re done removing the head, start trimming the leaves individually. Next, keep these leaves in an open container over the next five to seven days. Make sure the leaves are kept upside down, allowing the ends to be perfectly hardened.
After this stage, start adding a couple of toothpicks to the pineapple’s crown. This will enable it to stay in a proper position in the bowl or glass of water you put it in. Keep the bowl in direct sunlight over the next few days and you will soon find the roots growing after 7 to 10 days.
Well, now that you have a clear idea about the plants that do not need drainage holes, wait for no further and plant them in your indoor or outdoor garden right away! Most of our listed plants are extremely easy to maintain and if you follow our planting and care guide, setting them up will be a breeze!
