Planting pots or planters are growth mediums meant for growing seeds or small plants. Plants grown in pots are under intensive care; they are provided with adequate provision of nutrients, water, and light. Planting pots or planters come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. The most prominent feature of pots for planting is the drainage holes.
It is necessary to have holes in the pots for potted plants; these holes enhance plant growth parameters. There are lots of parameters required for plant growth; the most important ones are water, air, and sunlight. Having drainage holes in pots creates an environment that will enhance the easy operation of these parameters for plant growth.
Why Are Drainage Holes In Pots or Planters Important
The roles drainage holes play in pots for potted plants are explained as follows:
#1. Removal of excess water
The primary purpose of the drainage holes in pots is to remove excess water from the plant base. Every plant has its water requirement; a shortfall from this requirement can lead to moisture stress, likewise, the excess of water makes the soil soggy and marshy. Both situations are detrimental to the health of the potted plant. Potted plants thrive best in damp soil.
The availability of holes in the pots allows the free flow of water from the top to the base to achieve damp soil. Excess water causes blockage in the soil air pore, damage to plant roots, and increases the vulnerability of the plant to fungal diseases. The drainage holes allow the plant to have an adequate amount of water to utilize while excesses are allowed to drain off.
#2. Enhancing the Presence of the Soil Air
The soil in pots has pores for air; this is where the air utilized by the plant root is trapped. Just like how we humans require oxygen to breathe, plant roots need oxygen throughout their life cycle for their vegetative and reproductive growth. Without the drainage holes, the air pores are filled with water, eliminating the presence of oxygen for the plant root.
if you are growing your plants in pots then it is necessary to have holes in the pots. The drainage holes help drain off the excess water to maintain a proper aerated condition and optimum soil moisture levels for proper plant growth.
#3. Poor root development
The growth of the plant’s root is an indication of the survival of the plant in the pot. The roots require air, water, and nutrients to grow optimally. If the pot has drainage holes, the presence of water, air, and nutrients is at the required level for plant growth.
In a situation where there are no drainage holes in the planting pot, you would observe yellowing of the plant leaves and wilting. The plant root then rots and becomes damaged when there is excess water and an absence of air in the pot. Drainage holes in planting pots eliminated problems of overwatering, poor root development, and poor aeration in the pot.
Final Notes,
Drainage holes are purposely made on planting pots; if you are buying a planting pot and notice it has no drainage holes, I strongly advise you to return it because any plants grown with such a pot will not survive. The omission of the holes could be a factory error. Proper drainage of water through holes in pots helps to maintain the expected microclimate for healthy plant growth.