how to adapt a non-draining container

You’ve found the perfect pot for your succulents, but then you realize it doesn’t have a drainage hole. Don’t worry! You can add a drainage hole to almost any container. While it’s more difficult than using a pot that already has a hole, adding a drainage hole allows you to use a variety of new pots and other containers for succulents.

tools

Adding a drainage hole is all about having the right tools. The right tool will be different depending on the material of your container. You’ll find that some materials are easier to add drainage to than others.

For metal containers, you can simply use a hammer and nail. Use a nail that is about ¹/₁₆-inch (1.5mm) wide. Pound holes all along the bottom of the container. This will provide much better drainage than a single, large hole. You can also use a drill for metal containers.

It’s easiest to add drainage to plastic containers by using a drill. You can generally use a standard ¹/₁₆-inch (1.5mm) drill bit. Drill multiple holes along the bottom of the pot, the same as you’d do with a metal container.

Ceramic and glass are a bit trickier. To add a drainage hole to a glass vase or ceramic pot you’ll need a diamond-tip drill bit. These are about $15 at your local hardware store, but may be less expensive online. Using a diamond-tip drill bit is a little different than using a regular bit. You’ll need to have water on hand and should wear safety goggles when drilling. Some pots are much easier to drill through than others, so be patient and don’t try to rush the drilling process.

drilling with a diamond-tip drill bit

Turn the pot upside down. Spray or pour water on the bottom of the pot until it pools. Keep the surface of the pot wet the entire time you are drilling.

Begin drilling slowly and at an angle. The drill will move around, but keep it as steady as possible. Use enough force to keep the drill in place, but don’t push too hard.

Once you’ve created a groove, begin moving the drill to a vertical position, perpendicular to the pot. Increase the drilling speed and keep an even pressure.

As you get close to completely drilling through the pot, lighten the force on the drill. You can easily break a pot by hitting the bottom of it with the drill when it finally goes all the way through.