---
title: "I broke what I now know is a plant cardinal sin a couple weeks ago :(…"
description: "I broke what I now know is a plant cardinal sin a couple weeks ago :( Repotted all of these with a layer of pebbles at the bottom and I don't know what to do.…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/B9TBRo4vR96UpUSnbmtquA"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Mary"
published: "2024-05-06T19:59:40.507471Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/X7iCqKlOGe0-zq2oiW7094747Hi63X3Uv6NunFVt0Xw/FpEJUuo3Qqi_WLGYc3lJKg.webp?size=large"
---

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# I broke what I now know is a plant cardinal sin a couple weeks ago :(…

_Posted by Mary on 2024-05-06_

I broke what I now know is a plant cardinal sin a couple weeks ago :( Repotted all of these with a layer of pebbles at the bottom and I don't know what to do. (All pots have drainage holes but they definitely don't work as well as they should due to the rocks) The plants seem to be doing great but I want to catch it before it becomes an issue. Any advice? Should the plants out and remove the pebbles? Wait until the plants have established more of a root system? Or just let it be? Help!

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/X7iCqKlOGe0-zq2oiW7094747Hi63X3Uv6NunFVt0Xw/FpEJUuo3Qqi_WLGYc3lJKg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/X7iCqKlOGe0-zq2oiW7094747Hi63X3Uv6NunFVt0Xw/YF9Rz3rHQiaCIWmrzST1AA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/X7iCqKlOGe0-zq2oiW7094747Hi63X3Uv6NunFVt0Xw/dU9BNDSgR4-cpaU-ULQhtg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/X7iCqKlOGe0-zq2oiW7094747Hi63X3Uv6NunFVt0Xw/z8Mk1rRgS92Is98IF7hbtw.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Succulent❤️Mama commented on 2024-05-06

I think you are just fine!❤️ I don’t think rocks are always a problem. It is a HUGE problem if you are using rocks as your drainage instead of holes.

I use rocks all the time. They are a great way to help a plant that needs to have a shorter pot, but can’t. Maybe you don’t have one yet, it’s much wider than tall, or it’s a tiny plant. For example, I have propagations from some succulents in 2” terracotta pots. Their roots are 1/2” so they can’t reach anywhere near the bottom. I filled the pot halfway with rocks, and then the rest with succulent soil. It drains almost instantly. Sometimes I do it for a top heavy larger succulent with a short root system to keep the pot from falling over. They aren’t necessary for good drainage usually but they shouldn’t hurt anything.

If you are sure they aren’t draining well, I’m curious what size rocks you used. If they are big enough to stay in but small enough to get stuck in the drainage holes, that could cause a problem. You could try poking a chopstick or knitting needle a few inches into the drainage holes to see if that clears the blockage.

I have lots of pea gravel in an area of my backyard so I just use those. They are a great size to not block drainage holes. They are also big enough to find easily when I dump my plants out to see if they need to be replanted.

#### Mary replied on 2024-05-07

They're small enough to be nuances for the draining holes. I have one pot particularly in mind that I think I'll have to do surgery on because the rocks are too troublesome. Anyways, the internet made it sound like rocks would kill plants and my entire livelihood so thanks for being a rational voice lol. I'll just make sure not to do it in the future unless needed.

#### Succulent❤️Mama replied on 2024-05-07

😄 got it! Glad I could help❤️ The internet overreacts sometimes.🤪

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