12 Houseplants That Don't Need Drainage Holes

Most houseplants need drainage holes in their pots so that excess water can escape. Most pots without drainage holes fails to thrive because the roots are constantly bathed in water. The goal is to provide just enough moisture so the roots don’t dry out, but not so much that they’re sitting in water. This can be a tricky balance to achieve, but it’s essential for keeping your plant healthy.

However, there are a few varieties of houseplants that don’t need drainage holes. These plants have evolved to store water in their leaves or stems, which means they can survive in soil that stays moist for extended periods.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t need frequent watering, one of these 12 varieties might be a good option for you.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves. As a result, it doesn’t need to be watered as often as other plants. When you do water it, make sure to let the potting mix dry out completely before watering again.

In addition, aloe vera prefers bright, indirect light. So if you pot it without drainage holes, place it in a spot where it will get plenty of light but won’t be exposed to direct sunlight. With a little bit of care, your aloe vera will thrive in a pot without drainage holes.

2. Boston Fern

Boston ferns are a type of evergreen that is native to warm, humid climates. They have become popular houseplants in places like the United States, where they are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions.

One of the benefits of Boston ferns is that they do not need drainage holes in their pot. This is because they have a natural tendency to shed excess water, which helps to prevent root rot. Boston ferns help to purify the air by filtering out pollutants and bacteria.

As a result, they are an ideal plant for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Boston ferns require regular watering and misting, as well as consistent humidity levels.

3. Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncate) is a popular houseplant that is known for its easy care requirements and ability to thrive in a wide range of environments. One of the key features of Christmas cactus that makes it such a good choice for indoor gardening is that it doesn’t require drainage holes. This means that you can water it more often without worrying about the roots getting wet and rotting.

Christmas cactus is native to Brazil, where it grows in wet, humid conditions. The plant has adapted to these conditions by developing a thick layer of epidermal tissue that helps to prevent water loss. It is also able to store water in its leaves, which helps to keep the plant hydrated during periods of drought.

4. Dragon Tree

The Dragon Tree is a beautiful houseplant that is easy to care for. One of the great things about this plant is that it does not need drainage holes. This makes it a great choice for those who do not want to worry about watering their plants too frequently. Instead, the Dragon Tree only needs to be watered every two weeks.

When watering, be sure to give the plant enough water so that the soil is evenly moistened. The plant also prefers indirect sunlight, so be sure to place it in a location where it will not be in direct sun for long periods. With proper care, the Dragon Tree can make a beautiful addition to any home.

5. Philodendron

Philodendron hastatum is a houseplant that is known for its ability to thrive without drainage holes. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, where it grows as an epiphyte (a plant that grows on another plant).

The hastatum is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It can be grown in soil or hydroponically, and it does not require much light or water.

When potting this plant, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it is important to let the soil dry out between watering.

6. Snake Plant

The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy houseplant that can thrive even in low-light conditions.

One of the key things to remember when caring for a snake plant is that it does not need drainage holes. This means that you can’t simply set the pot in a saucer of water and hope for the best. Instead, you need to water the plant carefully, using only enough water to moisten the soil without making it soggy.

Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again. In addition, snake plants are very tolerant of both drought and humidity, so there’s no need to worry about keeping them too wet or too dry.

7. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreens are native to tropical climates and can tolerate low light and high humidity. They’re also one of the few houseplants that don’t need drainage holes. Instead, they can be grown in a water-based solution, such as a terrarium or vase.

Chinese evergreens are available in a variety of colors, including green, silver, and red. When choosing a Chinese evergreen, look for a plant with healthy leaves and avoid any that have yellowing or browning leaves.

They are typically easy to care for, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs and other pests. To prevent problems, keep your plant away from drafts and water it when the soil is dry to the touch.

8. Spider Plant

Spider plants are easy to care for, tolerant of low light conditions, and require only occasional watering. They can also thrive in a pot without drainage holes. To care for a spider plant in a pot without drainage holes, simply be sure to not overwater it. allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and provide bright, indirect light. With a little care, your spider plant will thrive for years to come.

9. Pothos

Pothos is a houseplant that is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little greenery to their home but doesn’t have a lot of experience with plants.

One of the biggest advantages of pothos plants is that it doesn’t need a drainage hole. This means that you can put it in any container, whether it’s a vase, a mason jar, or even an empty water bottle. Just make sure that the container has a lid so that the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly.

Pothos is also very easy to care for. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered once a week. If the leaves start to turn yellow, that’s a sign that you’re overwatering them.

Lastly, pothos is very good at purifying the air. So if you’re looking for a plant that is both low-maintenance and good for your health, pothos is a great option.

10. Dumbcane Plant

The dumbcane plant, also known as the dieffenbachia, is a popular houseplant that is known for its large, glossy leaves. These plants are native to tropical regions of South America and the Caribbean, and they thrive in warm, humid environments.

While dumbcane plants prefer to be kept moist, they can tolerate periods of drought better than some other house plants. It is important to make sure that the pot has a good drainage layer, such as gravel or charcoal, to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.

Dumbcane plants are also relatively low-maintenance, and they do not require regular fertilization. When watering a dumbcane plant, it is best to use room-temperature water and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

11. Schefflera Plant

Native to tropical regions of Australia and Asia, this evergreen plant can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat. However, when grown indoors, it typically reaches a height of 3-4 feet.

The Schefflera plant has glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in a fan-like pattern. These leaves can be green, yellow, or variegated, and they range in size from 4-8 inches long. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in spring or summer, but they are not particularly showy.

The plant is easy to care for and is tolerant of low light levels and occasional drought. However, it prefers high humidity and consistently moist soil. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves will begin to drop off. When watering your Schefflera plant, be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause leaf scorch.

12. Pineapple Plant

Native to South America, this strange-looking plant gets its name from its resemblance to a pinecone, and it produces a delicious fruit that can be eaten fresh or used in cooking.

While pineapples require plenty of moisture, they are very tolerant of wet conditions and can even withstand being submerged in water for short periods. As long as the roots are not sitting in waterlogged soil, they will be fine.

Pineapple plants prefer high humidity and will benefit from regular misting with a spray bottle. If you don’t have a green thumb, this is one indoor plant that is almost impossible to kill!

Conclusion

So there you have it – 12 indoor plants that don’t need drainage holes. Now get out there and start your indoor garden! Have you tried growing any of these plants before? Let us know in the comments below.

12 Houseplants That Don’t Need Drainage Holes