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Why houseplant drainage holes matter: six checks before repotting

Missing drainage holes and oversized pots can increase waterlogging. Check the drainage, pot size and saucer.

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The Royal Horticultural Society recommends drainage holes for houseplant containers. University of Minnesota Extension cautions against moving to an excessively large pot. Correct watering varies with species and room conditions.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Identify the species and its care needs; succulents and tropical foliage plants differ in medium and watering.
Confirm the growing pot has a real drainage hole. Put an inner pot with drainage inside any decorative pot without one.
Check for roots growing through holes or a top-heavy plant before repotting; sometimes replacing the mix is enough.
Do not jump to an oversized pot. Minnesota Extension generally advises a diameter increase of no more than about 2–3 inches.
Use an appropriate potting mix. When watering is needed, water until excess flows through the hole; empty the saucer.
Adjust later watering for soil dryness, leaves, temperature and season. Seek species-specific advice if root rot is suspected.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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