---
title: "Should all pots have drain holes? How do you keep water from coming…"
description: "Should all pots have drain holes? How do you keep water from coming out of holes and making mess?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/6547cb98eeafea81b57c8436"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Plant warrior"
published: "2023-11-05T17:06:32.158Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/everythingHousePlants.jpg"
---

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# Should all pots have drain holes? How do you keep water from coming…

_Posted by Plant warrior on 2023-11-05_

Should all pots have drain holes? How do you keep water from coming out of holes and making mess?

## 5 comments

### Anna commented on 2023-11-05

Yes, it’s best to use drainage holes. That way you can water very thoroughly. Once you see water coming steadily out of the holes you know that the plant is well watered. I usually let it drain over the sink for a minute then set it on a drip tray of some sort.  
Also, I especially love drainage holes because then I can bottom water. I just put the pot in a bowl of water and let it suck up as much as it wants. This is my favorite way to water.  
I will say I have two plants in pots without holes so when I water I use less than I think I need so the soil doesn’t stay completely saturated for a long time.

### Sunny commented on 2023-11-05

All my plants except a few are in plastic pots with drain holes. I put some of those into pots with no holes to protect surfaces. These florist pots are heavy ceramic, glass, concrete, porcelain and terracotta materials.  
I always remove the plants to water. I return them to the pots without holes after removing excess water.

### PlantCryptid commented on 2023-11-05

They should absolutely have drainage holes. Water outside or over the bathtub/sink, once it stops dripping return it to its spot. That’s usually enough for me but drip trays are a great way to prevent any water or soil from getting on surfaces

### ToPlantHarmony commented on 2023-11-06

Yes it’s best to have drainage holes. Most of my plants are in plastic pots with drainage holes, and then in a ceramic pots or wicker basket for show. A few are in ceramic pots with drainage holes and a saucer underneath, but I prefer keeping them in the plastic pots because it’s easier to water them. Just remove them, water them, and put them back so they can drain some more.

### meptune ★ commented on 2023-11-06

drainage holes are extremely recommended, as for the mess I use a plate and wash it every once in a while too.

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