As a plant lover, there’s nothing worse than discovering a beautiful ceramic planter, only to find after you’ve peered inside that it has no drainage hole. While this may not seem like a big deal to the average onlooker, it can be a matter of life and death for your plant. Yikes.
Why planters are still made without holes is true cause for confusion. Especially since anyone with a green thumb knows that plants living without proper drainage often suffer from root rot (which can be fatal). Thankfully, with the proper tools and a little handiness, you can easily drill a drainage hole into any planter! You’ll need the following supplies:
- Power drill
- 3/16″ – 1/2″ masonry bits
- Painter’s tape
- Ceramic planter
- Your favorite plant
Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to a power drill, check your local library. Many libraries have tools available to rent for patrons. You can find a set of masonry drill bits at Home Depot for around $20.
Step 1: Mark the Holes
Using a piece of painter’s tape, mark where you want your drainage hole drilled. In most cases, this will be the center. (I drilled two holes because my pot was extra large.) The painter’s tape keeps the drill bit from moving around before you get traction from the bit going deeper than the surface.
Step 2: Drill a Small Hole
To keep your ceramic pot from shattering, drill your first drainage hole using a 3/16″ bit, with the painter’s tape as a guide. Drill slowly and with even pressure. This process will take a few minutes, and it’s best not to rush it. Any resistance from the planter immediately dissipates once the drill makes it through the base.
Step 3: Drill a Large Hole
Using increasingly larger drill bits, slowly widen the drainage hole. A 1/2″ hole is a fairly standard size for most plants. Once you’ve reach this side and cleanly drilled through the base of the planter, remove any dust and debris from the area. Your planter is ready for your new plant! If you need tips on finding the right potting mix, read my blog post here.
Ready for a Little DIY?
If you’re like me and are tired of buying terra cotta pots simply because they all have drainage holes, you’ll benefit from knowing how to drill your own drainage holes. And you’ll never have to choose function over beauty when shopping for new ceramic planters again! Have you already mastered drilling drainage holes? Show me your beautiful planters!
XO,
Micah
Flowers aside, that’s a great tip to use painter’s tape. 🙂