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Roots breathe. When a mix stays saturated, air is pushed out and roots suffer. Good drainage starts with the container and continues in the structure of the mix.
Core guide
No layer of material compensates for a pot without holes. Excess water must be able to leave the container.
A layer of expanded clay at the base keeps roots out of any water that collects there and is especially useful in large pots and cache-pots.
Mixing perlite into the mix creates stable air pockets and reduces compaction. Typical shares range from 10% to 30% depending on the plant.
Indoor plants
Check the growing mix before watering, rather than following a fixed calendar. Species have different moisture needs; light, temperature and pot size affect how quickly the mix dries.
Read articleTerrace gardening
Choose a stable container with drainage holes and space for mature roots. Use container growing mix rather than dense garden soil. Check the plant label for light requirements.
Read articleBoth can form a drainage layer, but expanded clay is much lighter, which matters on balconies and for large pots.
Around 10–20% for most houseplants, more for plants that prefer very airy mixes such as succulents. Use the perlite calculator.
Mix that stays wet for many days, a sour smell, soft dark roots and wilting despite moist soil are common signs.
Optional materials that support the steps above. Choose what your plants actually need.
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The growing note
