How to Use a Plant Pot With a Removable Drain Plug
Plant pots come in a wide range of colors, styles and drainage options. While some pots contain no drainage holes, others contain many holes or just one hole on the bottom. Another option is the removable drain plug. Removable drain plugs give you the option of drainage if needed, but it can also be sealed to contain any materials in the pot. If you using the drain, it is necessary to take some extra steps to contain any potting material inside the pot.
Remove the plug from the pot and store it for future use.
Rinse the pot to clean any dirt or chemicals from the pot.
- Plant pots come in a wide range of colors, styles and drainage options.
- Removable drain plugs give you the option of drainage if needed, but it can also be sealed to contain any materials in the pot.
Place a layer of rocks sized about 2 inches in diameter into the bottom of the pot. Keep the drainage hole clear. Place a triangle of rocks around the drainage hole.
Pour a loose layer of potting soil into the pot on top of the rocks up to 2 inches from the top of the pot.
Make a hole in the middle of the soil large enough to accommodate the root of your plant.
Place the roots of the plant in the hole. Pack soil around the plant.
- Place a layer of rocks sized about 2 inches in diameter into the bottom of the pot.
- Pour a loose layer of potting soil into the pot on top of the rocks up to 2 inches from the top of the pot.
Water the plant until well saturated.
Plant Pot With A Removable Drain Plug
Pull the drain plug from the pot to grow most kinds of plants. Place, if desired, a mesh screen or coffee filter in the pot so the material is over the drainage hole. The mesh screen or coffee filter prevents soil from seeping out the drainage hole. Afterward, your plugged plant pot is ready to be placed in a water garden. Keep the drain plug in the drainage hole if you want to use the plant pot for artificial plants. For example, a large, plugged plant pot can be used to hold umbrellas in a foyer without fear of water dripping from the umbrellas and out the pot's bottom.
- Water the plant until well saturated.
- Keep the drain plug in the drainage hole if you want to use the plant pot for artificial plants.
Tip
Pea gravel may be placed on top of the rocks to increase drainage and prevent soil from escaping from the drainage hole.
Related Articles
References
- Purdue Extension: Container and Raised Bed Gardening
- University of California Davis Arboretum Review: Container Gardening in the Central Valley
- University of Illinois Extension: Choosing a Container for Planting -- Drainage Is Critical to Plant Health
- University of Illinois Extension: Choosing a Container for Planting
- University of Illinois Extension: Constructing and Caring for Container Water Gardens -- Planting the Water Garden Container
- University of Illinois Extension: Constructing and Caring for Container Water Gardens -- The Container
Tips
- Pea gravel may be placed on top of the rocks to increase drainage and prevent soil from escaping from the drainage hole.
Writer Bio
Sommer Leigh has produced home, garden, family and health content since 1997 for such nationally known publications as "Better Homes and Gardens," "Ladies' Home Journal," "Midwest Living," "Healthy Kids" and "American Baby." Leigh also owns a Web-consulting business and writes for several Internet publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in information technology and Web management from the University of Phoenix.
