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Planter Drainage: What to Check Before Buying a Pot or Saucer
Check drainage holes, saucer clearance and water runoff before setting a planter on a patio, porch or balcony.
Pick up a planter and turn it over before you buy it. Look for drainage holes and any removable plug. A decorative outer pot may be designed to hold an inner nursery pot, with no way for water to escape from the outer container on its own.
Give excess water somewhere to go
If the planter has holes, check how the base meets the patio or saucer. A flat base can sit so tightly against a surface that water has trouble leaving. Use the planter maker’s feet or a compatible riser when needed. Choose a saucer large enough to catch ordinary runoff and empty standing water after watering as appropriate for the plant.
Check the container material and cleaning
Look for a base that won’t scratch or leave persistent water marks on the surface you use. If you’re buying a glazed pot, ask about outdoor and freeze exposure. With a decorative cover, make sure you can lift the inner pot out and check for trapped water. A heavy arrangement can make that simple step easy to put off.
Try the setup before filling it with plants
Water a small amount through the filled container and watch where it exits. Check whether the saucer catches it and whether you can empty the saucer without moving the whole pot. You’ll learn more from that test than from how the planter looks on the shelf.