Your Plant Pot Might Be Working Against You, According to a Plant Expert
Not every houseplant wants the same kind of pot.
In a recent TikTok, plant creator @plantswithkrystal explained why drainage holes, terracotta pots, and glazed containers all serve different purposes. The best choice depends on the plant you're growing and how often you reach for the watering can.
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Drainage Holes Are Still the Best Choice for Most Plants
Krystal recommends pots with drainage holes for most houseplants, including tropical plants, succulents, and money trees.
@plantswithkrystal I heard you need a reminder on what pots to use for your plants!? Different pots have different functions! So depending on the type of plant parent you are, choosing the right pot for you and your plants may take some time! What's your go to plant pot? #plantcaretips#plantpots
original sound - PlantswithKrystal
The reason is simple. Excess water needs somewhere to go.
Without a drainage hole, water collects at the bottom of the pot, keeping the soil wet longer. Over time, roots can begin to rot. Drainage holes allow water to escape rather than pooling around the root system.
They also make watering easier. You can water thoroughly until moisture runs through the bottom of the pot, then let the excess drain away.
Pot size plays a role, too. Moving a plant into a container that's much larger than its root ball can leave extra soil holding moisture around the roots. In most cases, going up one size at a time is enough.
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Terracotta and Glazed Pots Work Differently
Terracotta pots absorb moisture through the clay itself. As water evaporates from the sides of the pot, the soil dries faster.
That's why they're often recommended for succulents, cacti, snake plants, and other plants that prefer drier conditions between waterings. They're also a good option for people who tend to overwater.
Glazed ceramic and plastic pots hold moisture longer because water can't move through the sides of the container. That can work well for tropical plants or anyone who forgets to water from time to time.
Krystal also points out that decorative cachepots are best used as outer containers. Keeping a plant in a nursery pot with drainage inside the cachepot helps prevent water from becoming trapped around the roots.
The takeaway is to match the pot to the plant instead of choosing one based on appearance alone. A cactus, a pothos, and a money tree may sit next to each other on the same shelf, but they won't all benefit from the same growing conditions.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:10 PM.