15 Low-Maintenance Houseplants That Don’t Need Drainage

Finding houseplants that don’t need drainage can feel like a bit of a challenge. Most guides will tell you drainage holes are a must, but some plants are surprisingly tolerant of less-than-perfect conditions.

So which ones can actually handle life in a pot without holes?

If you’ve got a decorative container you love or just want to keep things tidy, it helps to know which houseplants can live without drainage. These options won’t complain if the water has nowhere to go – as long as you’re smart about how you care for them.

You’ll notice its leaves stay shiny and green with only a little light and sparse watering. Just use a light hand and allow the soil to dry out most of the way between waterings.

This plant doesn’t ask for much from you. It’s forgiving if you forget a watering or two, making it great for busier schedules.

You don’t need to worry about these plants wilting quickly if the pot holds onto water. Just be careful not to overwater and space out your watering schedule.

These plants also grow slowly, so they’re not likely to outgrow their space fast. Bright, indirect light is ideal, but they’ll cope with some shade too.

Pothos will do fine in containers without drainage holes, as long as you don’t let water sit at the bottom for too long. You can water sparingly and wipe out any excess moisture to lessen root issues.

They’re popular because they’ll keep growing with just bright, indirect sunlight and minimal fuss. Just trim the vines if they get too long or tangled.

Make sure you use a light, well-aerated potting mix and water them just enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Their long, arching leaves add a nice touch of green to any corner or shelf.

Though they prefer indirect light, they’ll still manage just fine in areas with lower sunlight. Just keep an eye on the soil and let it dry out a bit between waterings.

You won’t need to worry much about root rot if you use a well-aerated potting mix. The plant can adapt to containers without drainage as long as watering is done carefully.

Philodendron does well in medium light but can handle lower light, too. Just let the top inch of soil dry out before you add more water.

Its leaves are dark green and upright, bringing a solid and simple look to your space. You can place it in rooms with little sunlight or drafty spots where other plants don’t last.

This one doesn’t need frequent repotting, so you can set it up and not worry much about it. Water sparingly, and you’ll find it sticks around for years without fuss.

You can grow it in a pot without holes if you’re careful not to let water pool at the bottom. The roots are pretty forgiving as long as the soil isn’t soggy for days.

Your plant can handle the shade in most corners of your home. Wipe the leaves every now and then to keep them free of dust.

Keep the soil slightly damp but not soggy. Prayer plants like bright, indirect light and a humid spot. A pebble tray or occasional misting goes a long way for them.

You might notice the leaves moving during the day – that’s totally normal for this species. Just watch the moisture level and you’ll keep your prayer plant happy.

9. Air plant

You won’t need a pot with drainage at all for air plants. They don’t actually grow in soil, so you can place them almost anywhere that gets some light.

All you need to do is mist them a few times a week or soak them in water for 20-30 minutes once a week. Just make sure they dry completely before putting them back.

Air plants come in lots of shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your style. They’re pretty low-maintenance, especially when you don’t want to deal with traditional houseplant pots.

These ferns prefer bright, indirect light and like some humidity. Water them by soaking the root ball or misting, which means you don’t have to worry about excess water sitting at the bottom of a pot.

They’re not demanding, but let the plant dry out a bit between waterings. Staghorn ferns can thrive as long as you give them a spot with good airflow.

It’s a slow grower and doesn’t need much space, so it works well on a shelf or desk. Bright, indirect light helps it thrive, but it’ll also manage in spots with less sun.

Watering is easy because this plant doesn’t mind staying a bit damp. Just be careful not to let the soil stay soaked for too long.

This type of palm appreciates moist soil, so you won’t have to let it dry out all the way. Just be careful not to let water sit at the bottom for too long, since roots can still be sensitive.

You’ll find these palms grow slowly and don’t need frequent repotting. Keep them away from cold drafts, and they’ll add a touch of greenery to just about any indoor space.

13. Arrowhead plant

Arrowhead plants are easy-going and work well if you want something green but don’t want to bother with drainage holes. Their roots don’t mind a bit of extra moisture, as long as you don’t let things get soggy.

You’ll notice the leaves change shape as the plant grows, which is one of its interesting features. Regularly wiping the leaves helps keep them healthy and lets you spot pests early.

Place your arrowhead in bright, indirect light but keep it away from direct sun. It can handle low light but may grow slower. Make sure to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

You can grow this plant in pots without drainage holes as long as you’re careful with how much you water. It doesn’t like soggy roots, so let the top inch of soil dry out before adding more water.

Heartleaf philodendron grows well with a little light but can handle low-light spots too. It’s also pretty forgiving if you miss a watering or two. Regular pruning keeps the vines tidy and encourages new growth.

The fronds have a cool, wavy look and grow in a circular shape from the center. They prefer indirect light and like a humid spot, making them a good pick for kitchens or bathrooms.

Just remember, let the top inch of the soil dry out before adding more water. Keeping their humidity up will help the plant thrive and give you healthy, green growth.

Why Some Houseplants Thrive Without Drainage

Many popular indoor plants can survive and grow where extra water can’t escape. Their unique features and the way you care for them both play a role in keeping them healthy in these conditions.

Natural Adaptations to Low-Drainage Environments

Some indoor species naturally live in spots where water doesn’t drain quickly. Their roots are often tough enough to handle wet soil for longer periods without rotting. These plants usually have special features, like thick leaves or slow growth, to help them survive when the soil stays damp.

Succulents and certain ferns, for example, hold on to water in their leaves or stems. This helps them deal with the occasional overwatering. Others, like pothos and peace lilies, are better at using oxygen from water instead of relying on air pockets in the dirt.

These survival traits make certain types of greenery a safe pick for pots without holes. They won’t suffer as quickly from soggy conditions compared to more sensitive varieties.

Benefits of Growing Houseplants in Containers Without Drainage Holes

Using pots without an escape route for water opens up a lot of choices for your space. You can pick from a wider range of planters, glass jars, and even decorative bowls, giving you more creative options for where and how you display plants.

There’s less mess to worry about because water won’t drain out and stain shelves or floors. This makes it easier to put plants in places like desks, bookshelves, or bedrooms where spills are a concern.

A container without holes also lets you control soil moisture more precisely. You can use specific watering methods, like adding water in small doses or layering the bottom with rocks to prevent overwatering. For people who sometimes forget to water or often overdo it, this setup can be more forgiving with the right kind of plant.

Caring for Houseplants Without Drainage

Growing plants in pots without drainage holes does need a different approach. You’ll want to pay close attention to your watering routine and choose soil that helps prevent excess moisture from becoming a problem.

Watering Best Practices

Watering is the most important task to adjust. It’s easy to overwater houseplants in pots without drainage holes, so it’s best to use smaller amounts at a time. Always check the top two inches of soil with your finger – it should feel dry before you add water.

Don’t use a watering schedule for these plants. Environmental factors like light and humidity mean pots will dry at different rates. Try pouring about a quarter cup at a time, then increase or decrease based on your plant’s response.

Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots. If possible, use a watering can with a narrow spout to help you precisely control water flow. After watering, tilt the container slightly to let any excess pool on one side, then dab it up with a paper towel.

Choosing the Right Soil Mix

Regular garden soil retains too much moisture for sealed containers. The most important thing is to pick or create a potting mix that drains quickly and allows air to reach the roots. Look for mixes labeled “well-draining” or combine equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.

Avoid adding rocks or pebbles at the bottom of pots – they don’t improve drainage in containers without holes. Adding a thin layer of activated charcoal to the base can help absorb excess moisture and keep things fresh.

Test your soil’s moisture regularly by squeezing a handful – it should crumble, not clump. This helps ensure roots won’t sit in soggy conditions.