What can be used instead of expanded clay for flowers?

Before planting indoor and greenhouse flowers, it is recommended to lay a drainage layer on the bottom of the container or flowerpot. It prevents stagnation of moisture in the pot, acidification of the soil and the development of putrefactive processes, due to which the flowers can become sick or die. Experts offer several options for constructing a drainage system, and the gardener can choose what to put on the bottom of the pot.

Indoor flowers. The illustration for the article is used under the standard license ©naogorod.ru

Drainage for indoor plants according to the rules

If there is no “stone” drainage, it is replaced with polystyrene foam and its analogues.
When growing hydroponically, drainage completely replaces the growing substrate; in fact, the entire technology is drainage. In plastic or polymer pots it is easy to make holes yourself, but when purchasing ceramic and terracotta pots you need to evaluate the drainage capabilities of the pots more carefully. 4. Before you start replanting the plant and laying the drainage, make sure that the tools and materials themselves are clean. Check the instructions for the purchased drainage: some types of special expanded clay, vermiculite and perlite need to be saturated with moisture before laying. Agroperlite is not drainage, but one of the best mineral additives for soil. For each planned transplant, create a new drainage layer. It is advisable to use fresh drainage material. The thickness of the drainage is usually divided (conventionally) into low, medium and high. I can only say that high drainage is about a quarter of the height of the pot, medium drainage is up to 1/5, and low drainage is up to 1/6 of the height.

But it should be noted that it does not last forever: after 5 years, expanded clay will turn into something similar to soil, so sometimes it needs to be replaced. You won't be able to use a large pot for it because there is too much risk of flooding, and a small one will be unstable. It is in this situation that it is worth remembering such drainage material as crushed stone. The only downside may be that moss is not always available; you can collect it yourself, or you can buy it.

Sphagnum moss

Many gardeners use pure sphagnum moss as a drainage material. This natural material holds moisture well, and when necessary, the water from it passes back into the soil. In addition, moss is endowed with healing and disinfecting qualities.

Moss grows on swampy or very wet forest soils. It can be seen in the form of soft stems of light green color, from which needle-like soft leaves stick out in all directions.

It can be harvested in any season, but it is preferable to do it in the fall, which will make it possible to preserve the material longer and better during transportation.

Before using drainage for flowers in the form of moss, fill it with warm water, up to 45 ° C, for half an hour. This is necessary both for saturation with moisture and for getting rid of clinging insects.

Moss should be stored in unsealed polyethylene to breathe in and in a cool place, possibly in the freezer. When defrosting, the material does not lose its quality.

The only disadvantage of this drainage is its inaccessibility, since it is not always on sale.

How to properly arrange drainage

In order to avoid clogging of the holes, an impeccable layer of stones should be laid on the bottom of the tank, thanks to which the liquid will flow out through the holes. A thick layer of soil and roots can also clog drainage holes.

If this happens the next time it is moistened, then you need to start transplanting the flowers into another container with fresh soil mixture.

Material selection

As for what material is best to use for drainage, in this case it all depends on your imagination. In most cases, plant growers prefer expanded clay, crushed stone, polystyrene foam, pebbles, small bricks, gravel, and others. Basically, drainage is laid at a height of 3 centimeters from the bottom of the flowerpot. For individual flowers, fill the pot by a third. Others belong to such plants.

When choosing a material for drainage, flower growers most prefer expanded clay. It is sold in every flower shop. Expanded clay quite easily absorbs moisture, and releases it after the soil dries. The remaining excess water leaves the pot without much difficulty, flowing down the spherical stones.

Expanded clay is a very lightweight material that does not burden the tank with the flower and can serve as drainage for approximately 4 years. When a transplant is performed, it is changed. Expanded clay pebbles can also be used to mulch the top layer of soil. It prevents the formation of a crust and the drying out of the soil. Expanded clay allows water to pass to the roots and prevents the formation of moss and mold.

You can do the draining yourself. Ceramic dishes or bricks are very similar in their qualities to expanded clay. They are all made from baked clay. Expanded clay is a good material for drainage, which is crushed into small pieces before use.

Gravel and crushed stone have good strength. Water flows through them perfectly, and there is no destruction. The only disadvantage of such materials is that they are heavy and the earth is supercooled. Stones do not retain heat, so flowers with similar drainage are best placed on south-facing windows.

Foam is also used for drainage. There is no mold on it and no rotting. Crushed foam does not absorb liquid, allowing it to easily pass to the drainage holes. In addition, polystyrene foam protects indoor flowers from hypothermia. It is quite soft, therefore, young roots often go deeper into it. At the next transplant they are simply eliminated. A layer of polystyrene foam measuring 3 cm is placed on the bottom of the flowerpot, then a small layer of sand and soil. After which you can plant indoor plants.

When transplanting and planting, it is imperative to use drainage for indoor flowers. This will protect the flowers from excess moisture and supply the root system with oxygen.

Under no circumstances should you use eggshells or nutshells for drainage. When moisture affects these materials, they can rot, mold, and affect the acidity of the soil, which ultimately leads to various diseases in indoor plants. If you do not react immediately, the flower may die.

Sand is not yet allowed. When watering, it becomes filled with soil particles and simply clogs the drain holes, which leads to stagnation of moisture at the roots and their rotting. It is permissible to use river pebbles, as long as you need to get rid of the sand.

Professionals do not recommend using granite and marble chips for drainage. This can be explained by the fact that the salts that are present in granite and marble act with water and very strongly acidify the soil.

Drainage includes not only excellent liquid permeability material, but also the ability to reduce flowing liquid. If water regularly stagnates in the stand, then drainage is simply not needed here. This is why it is necessary to drain the excess liquid after the next moistening. If this possibility is excluded, then the tank on the pallet must be placed on an elevation so that the lower part of the tank is in the air and not in the water.

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Preparing to replant indoor flowers

Before you start replanting the flower and filling in the drainage, you need to make sure that the materials used are clean. The drainage must be filled in before planting; it should not be wet, and if it has been used previously, it must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

Containers for planting should be pre-cleaned and dried; you should check the recommendations for the store-bought substrate: many types of materials should be moistened. In this case, you should place the drainage in prepared purified water.

While watching the video you will learn about drainage.

Drainage is a system that maintains the required substrate moisture for the vegetation grown at home. The use of drainage is a very important process for planting and replanting plants.

For the most comfortable development of the plant, experienced gardeners recommend creating a favorable atmosphere for the flower. External factors affecting the growth and development of a flower can be considered sunlight, air humidity, ambient temperature and the drainage system. And this is a rather important point, because properly selected drainage can significantly affect both the flower itself and failures in care. Read about how to perform drainage on the site.

Drainage for flowers - what is it?

Floral drainage is a system that allows excess moisture to be removed through the root system of the flower and the soil layer. A plant is a living organism, therefore it needs to breathe. All parts of the plant need access to oxygen:

Leaves;
Root system;

If for any reason a grower floods a flower with water, it will literally displace all oxygen bubbles from the soil layer. An anaerobic environment promotes the development of various types of bacteria. An airless environment leads to rotting of the root system, and the flower fades as a result.

The essence of the “work” of the drainage system is to remove excess moisture from the plant and allow the root system to breathe without problems. Read and how to seat it.

Therefore, each flower needs:

Have at least one small drainage hole at the base of the flower pot. It is necessary so that excess water comes out through it, plus this hole allows air to circulate.
At the very bottom of the pot it is necessary to lay out a layer of 2-5 cm (depending on the type of plant) of drainage.

Drainage for flowers, photos of varieties

Today you can not only buy drainage for a plant at a flower shop, but also make it yourself.

There are different types of drainage for flowers:

Expanded clay drainage for flowers, the best-selling and popular type of drainage. Only certain types of fractions (fine and medium) are used for drainage;
Styrofoam as drainage for flowers is the most readily available substance that has ever been used to create a drainage system. It is not affected by mold, is moisture resistant, chemically inert and does not decompose;

drainage based on pieces of tiles or ceramic; only a few pieces of pottery are needed for drainage; drainage made of crushed stone and gravel, it is often used in garden plots, such a drainage system will last for many years;

drainage from sphagnum moss. The best option for drainage for indoor plants. Able to retain moisture, disinfectant;

charcoal drainage. It has good antiseptic properties and can be used as a fertilizer; broken brick drainage. Not the best option for drainage. Sharp corners can damage the plant's root system;

Vermiculite drainage perfectly absorbs liquid fertilizers and water. It can serve as a top dressing months after its implementation.

by place of application:

drainage for indoor flowers;
drainage for garden plants;

What can drainage be made from?

Different types of plants require different drainage patterns and sizes. The drainage component can be small, medium or large, but each of them must equally have the following properties:

not to mold;
do not rot;
let water through;
do not give any chemical reactions;
do not damage the root of the plant.

Drainage is used not only for house plants, but also for garden ones.

The most popular type of drainage for indoor flowers is baked clay, medium/fine fraction, called expanded clay. Expanded clay has a porous structure and performs its function perfectly. It retains excess moisture, and as the soil and roots dry out, it returns it to them.

In addition to expanded clay for drainage, the following materials are used:

crushed stone;
ceramic shards;
gravel;
polystyrene foam (or similar synthetic material);
vermiculite;
perlite;
peat;
sphagnum moss;
charcoal;
broken brick.

To make the right choice of drainage material, you need to have information about them:

Polystyrene foam is a good material for drainage, but the flower root gradually grows into it. It is necessary to replant such plants carefully so as not to damage the root system. Ceramic shards are laid out with the convex side facing up, but it is worth remembering that the root can be injured by sharp edges. When using broken shards, they are sprinkled with sand on top

It is very important that the shards are not large in size, otherwise sand will seep through and clog the free space through which excess moisture escapes. Broken brick can damage the root with its sharp edges, so it is used quite carefully in rare cases. White sand-lime brick has an advantage over red clay brick because it is able to absorb moisture and at the same time retain it, and then release it back as the soil dries. Crushed stone and gravel are more often used in garden plots; they have a long service life.

Sphagnum moss has disinfectant healing properties and also retains moisture well. Before using this natural material, fill it with warm water for about half an hour. This procedure will saturate the moss with moisture and get rid of insects.

The only problem is that such moss is not easy to buy; it is often not available for sale. You can collect moss yourself in the fall in wet/wet forest areas. Moss is often used to grow orchids. Charcoal is used not only as drainage, but also as fertilizer. It has an antiseptic effect, adsorbs salts, and regulates moisture saturation. Coal is laid on the bottom of the pot in a 2-centimeter layer, choosing large fractions that will not leak through the holes. He also works according to the system - absorb, then give.

Vermiculite perfectly absorbs all available moisture, as well as fertilizers. After a while, he continues to feed the plant, giving it everything that he initially saved. This lightweight material is prepared by heating clay, which causes the minerals to compress like scales; it is absolutely harmless to the plant. Externally, vermiculite is similar to cork or wood shavings. Perlite has one drawback - its high cost, but otherwise it is an excellent drainage material that absorbs, retains and releases moisture as needed. Outwardly, it resembles white/gray granules and is of volcanic origin.

It is worth considering that drainage also has its own shelf life, for example, expanded clay needs to be changed every 5-8 years, otherwise it decomposes, becoming part of the soil.

Vermiculite and perlite

Vermiculite and perlite granules are excellent drainage materials.

Vermiculite is made by heating clay to very high temperatures, causing the minerals to be pressed together like flakes. In appearance, this drainage resembles parts of cork or wood shavings; it is light, inert, and does not harm plants.

Perlite is an elastic silica of volcanic origin and appears as gray or white granules.

Both materials have the property of absorbing moisture with mineral and organic substances dissolved in it, and then returning them to the soil as needed.

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The disadvantage of this type of drainage is the high price.

Proper drainage of house plants

The health and even life of the green pet ultimately depends on how correctly the gardener organizes the drainage system.

With all the abundance of flower pots, one cannot help but notice that the vast majority of them are plastic pots. Experienced gardeners even make additional drainage cuts in the side of the pot when replanting this orchid. The ability of such plants to grow in swamps in their natural habitat does not mean that they can exist in the waterlogged soil of a flower pot. Consequently, fewer holes are made in the pot. But first of all, you must become familiar with the peculiarities of growing each specific type of indoor flower.

This is the cheapest and most readily available drainage material. Moreover, unlike bricks, pebbles and shards, polystyrene foam is much lighter, which means it does not weigh down the pot.

Both the upper foliage part of the plants and the root system must be able to breathe.

This procedure is not limited only to the presence of holes; it is also necessary to use special drainage material.

You need to put the pot on its side and clean them with a stick. Some types of plants have such a developed root system that it fills the entire space of the pot. Through the drainage holes, the roots will be clearly visible and you can easily monitor their condition.

Only materials of inorganic origin are suitable for creating a drainage layer. For example, marble chips are absolutely not suitable for drainage, since with prolonged interaction with water, they significantly reduce the acidity of the soil, making it excessively alkaline.

However, not everyone knows that installing a drainage layer in a bowl is not as simple as it seems at first glance. The drainage system also includes soil that has water- and breathable properties. That is why proper drainage is one of the most important steps when planting indoor flowers. It's safe to say that all indoor plants need drainage, but the drainage system may vary.

You can purchase drainage mixture at a flower shop or at a construction site if, for example, you decide to buy crushed stone. After planting flowers, it is worth checking whether the drainage system works well.

Almost all beginning flower growers believe that drainage is the same expanded clay that is sold in stores. The main one is increasing the acidity of the nutrient solution that the roots consume. You can agree with this statement, or you can argue. In any case, your humble servant has been using expanded clay as a drainage material for many years, and has not noticed any negative effect on plants. Therefore, their calibration and cleaning falls on the shoulders of the grower. At its core, this is also a pretty good drainage material. Before creating a drainage layer from broken bricks, it also needs to be prepared.

The largest shard is placed at the bottom of the pot, in the center of which a hole is made. Then the main substrate is added and the plant is planted. Foam plastic is excellent as drainage for flowers. Poinsettia from the Euphorbia family is an amazingly beautiful plant.

Can such pain be tolerated? How much money have you already wasted on ineffective treatment?

The use of organic materials for drainage - nut or eggshells, tree bark - is strictly prohibited. For more information, you can watch a video on how to make your own indoor plant drainage. It is prohibited to use materials such as marble and granite chips, especially the first one, as drainage.

How to replace drainage for flowers

Special drainage for home flowers can be replaced with something that has similar properties. In this case, you don’t need to buy it, just go out into the yard or rummage through the pantry. Examples of a drainage system made from scrap materials:

Brick. Before use, it is split into small pieces and calcined in a frying pan or in the oven. Sand-lime brick is more suitable for drainage construction, as it is able to absorb water, which it subsequently releases to the plant when the soil dries. The downside is the presence of sharp edges that can harm the roots.
Gravel and crushed stone. Due to their large size, the use of these materials is advisable for creating a drainage layer in the garden. Only fine stones are suitable for indoor flowers. Before placing them in a pot, they are also calcined to destroy harmful microorganisms. The downside is that the stones are very massive, so they significantly weigh down the flower pot.
Styrofoam. This is a cheap, porous material that can be used instead of moss. Before use, it must be torn into small pieces and disinfected with a dark solution of potassium permanganate. It doesn't have any special advantages. The downside is that roots grow through the foam.
Cork. If you didn't throw away wine corks, you can cut them into bars and use them as drainage. Their properties resemble polystyrene foam, but it is more difficult for roots to break through the cork.

The available substitutes for drainage materials do a good job of their functions. Although they have more negative sides than special ones. But this does not prevent flower growers from using them for various plants.

What are drainage holes and why are they needed?

The pot must have a way
to drain excess water. To do this, holes are made at the bottom of the pot, which are called drainage holes.

Their number can vary from one to one and a half dozen depending on the characteristics and needs of the flower.

If there are no holes in the pot, then you can make them yourself without any problems. And humidity control

soil begins already at this stage: the thicker the holes are, the faster the water will leave the pot, and the more oxygen the root system will receive.

The number of holes has a similar effect on the removal of moisture and enrichment of soil with oxygen.

Drain hole

Over time, it can become clogged with soil mixture, drainage or roots. Therefore, it needs to be checked periodically, especially when there is only one. If you notice that the hole is clogged, it should be cleaned. A wooden or other stick will do for this.

Styrofoam

Polystyrene foam is the simplest option for replacing expanded clay and vermiculite. This one is absolutely safe for plants, perfectly allows moisture to pass through and makes the soil looser.

To make high-quality drainage from polystyrene foam you need:

Place small pieces of material on the bottom of the new pot. The average drainage to soil ratio is 1:2.
Pre-prepared soil is poured on top of the foam.
Next, place the flower so that its roots do not come into contact with the drainage layer.

Other elements and basic requirements

What material is used if the necessary elements are not at hand? If you cannot find any of the above materials, do not worry, there is always a way out. Use what you have on hand. So, what can replace drainage?

Crushed stone and gravel. Drainage made from these stones perfectly replaces the traditional one. The only drawback is that these elements significantly make the pot heavier. So if you take a small pot or one that you won’t often move from place to place, this material will work best.
Aquarium stone. Such stones are a good alternative, but the price is quite high. But if you have this material, why not use it?
Styrofoam. Foam plastic perfectly replaces the usual elements. It meets the necessary requirements, and besides, it can be found almost everywhere. People tend to store boxes of appliances or household appliances, so there is no better budget option for drainage. True, they don’t crumble it into a pot, but cut it into cubes and lay it in a layer of several centimeters. Of course, a significant disadvantage can be damage to the root system if the roots of the plant entwine the foam.
Brick. You can also replace traditional materials with broken bricks. This is a natural material with the necessary properties. However, before placing it on the bottom of the pot, sharpen the edges, otherwise the roots of the plant may be damaged. White brick is better suited for use rather than red.

We also mentioned the basic requirements earlier. It is necessary to ensure that the drainage has the necessary properties and does not harm the plant. This will be enough to achieve the desired result.

Ceramic shards

If expanded clay is not on sale, then the question arises of what can replace drainage for flowers. For these purposes, a material such as ceramics will serve perfectly.

To install this type of drainage, you need to place large shards with the convex side up or several small pieces on the holes in the pot. Then, if the container is small, pour a one and a half centimeter layer of purified coarse sand, and a five-centimeter layer if it is large. A layer of earth is poured on top and the plant is planted.

The disadvantage of this material is the danger of damaging the roots with sharp sides.

You should not use shards that are too large, as sand will spill through them.

Answers from experts

Leka+:

In addition to expanded clay and brick chips, you can use small pebbles (aquarium grade), shells (if you suddenly have a bunch of unnecessary ones from the holidays), you can simply break old clay pots or unnecessary cups and plates. For very small plants and small pots, you can use coconut fiber or pieces of natural loofah or sisal sponges and pieces of natural sponge. And as a temporary measure (while the cuttings are rooting, while the seedlings are growing) - even pieces of polystyrene foam

A.T.:

Broken brick!

In large pots, when the root of the plants is small, then half of it, sometimes even more, is filled with cones

Galina Zelinskaya:

Crushed RED brick, expanded clay

Irina:

If the pot is large, but expanded clay or bricks are not at hand, then you can use used tea bags. which should be placed on the bottom of the pot in one layer.

Marina Chepurnaya:

expanded clay, foam plastic

Nina Tuzova (Kvashnina):

pistachio shells. advised. but I haven't tried to do that myself

Elena Protopopova:

Bricks, pebbles, old shards, etc. WASH ONLY!!!

Anna Glivatskaya:

You can use walnut shells, just pre-treat them in a manganese solution

Ms. Flora:

And also pine bark, it is useful not only for orchids, as an antiseptic, but it is good to put it on the bottom or in the soil. It both disinfects and drains.

Maximka:

Why shells? Not all plants need this lime. Shards, expanded clay and even pieces of foam.

avmir:

Broken brick, crushed stone, expanded clay, but not shells. And generally avoid limestone, chalk, and gypsum.

Tane4ka:

I don't think shells are a good idea. Sea salted ones need to be washed, washed, washed. Again, the edges are sharp and the roots may get cut. And they will alkalize. Expanded clay or small stones are better.

Clementine Lady:

I like expanded clay as drainage. Lightweight, washes well when replanting, does not injure the roots, there are large ones and small ones, for any holes in the pot. I didn’t notice any disadvantages when using it.

Irina K:

You can use coals from a fire

Irina Smirnova:

I like to use pebbles and gravel. Easily found on the street, in any size. Then just wash it thoroughly and put it in the bottom of the pot. Excellent drainage is obtained. Sometimes I use expanded clay, but not all plants like it. For example, I have adeniums. They do not tolerate expanded clay. As soon as the roots in the pot grow to the expanded clay drainage layer, the leaves immediately begin to turn yellow and drop. For a long time I struggled with the problem of yellowing leaves, until someone here on “ANSWERS” told me that I need to give up expanded clay for adeniums. I replaced the expanded clay drainage with fine crushed stone - everything was fine. Well, Adena doesn’t like expanded clay...

Photo Lady:

I always place one large flap of flat shell in the center of the drain hole. So that the roots don't get out there. In general, all my pots have many holes, so the bottom layer is pebbles, very large bark (I have mostly orchids, but there are others), large pieces of charcoal, and then the necessary soil or substrate. Pebbles are also needed to weigh down small pots. In large plants I put a pebble in each hole. at the bottom of a huge pot. The water drains, but the earth does not wake up.

tsuatsua tsautsautsa:

It is better to do drainage s polyfacture /catalog/livnevaya-kanalizatsiya/ correctly and efficiently, so that the flowers are watered constantly, then there will be no problems, this is called storm drainage.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types

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Classic expanded clay can be used as drainage. Its granules most often have a round shape. Sometimes you can find expanded clay crushed stone, which has sharp edges and corners. The main advantage of this material is its light weight and accessibility. Expanded clay can be purchased both in departments for flower growers and summer residents, and in construction stores. It is necessary to replace such a layer once every 4-5 years, since the material deteriorates over time. Instead of expanded clay, you can use broken ceramic dishes. The main thing is that its particles are not very small or too large. But it also has disadvantages. Unlike expanded clay, ceramic drainage is not as lightweight. Mold can grow in the pores of clay shards over time, so when replanting plants, this layer must be disinfected by washing pieces of ceramics in a solution of potassium permanganate.

Broken brick is another option for an inexpensive and effective drainage layer. All you need to do is go outside and walk to the nearest construction site. The bricks must be folded into 2 tight bags, carefully go over the package with a hammer and select the parts required in size. Before you put the elements in the pot, they should also be washed well in potassium permanganate. The disadvantages and advantages of the material are the same as those of clay shards.

Do you want the weight of the flower pot to be less? It is worth paying attention to ordinary polystyrene foam. It is very light and does not absorb water at all

Divide a piece of foam into pieces up to 2 cm in size and place it on the bottom of the pot. The advantages of the material include the fact that it protects plant roots from both severe cooling and overheating. The disadvantages of polystyrene foam include the fact that the roots of domestic plants grow very quickly through its granules. The solution is simple - when transplanting, the material can be easily broken. Another disadvantage noted by home plant owners is that a green coating easily appears on pieces of polystyrene foam. But this is just a layer of algae, and it does not harm indoor flowers in any way.

Even synthetic winterizer can serve as a drainage layer. This is a modern material that is used as insulation for jackets. You can find it in any sewing store. It perfectly passes water and air and does not deteriorate from moisture. Just cut the padding polyester into pieces and place it on the bottom of the pot. Or you can cut several circles to fit the bottom and stack them on top of each other. The main advantage of this material is its lightness. Artificial material is not subject to rotting, does not decompose and does not deteriorate over time. The only disadvantage we can note is the inconvenience of reuse. Therefore, it is easier to cut a new padding polyester than to lay the old one.

But coarse river sand is completely unacceptable as drainage. It quickly clogs the drainage holes in the pot, and the soil begins to sour and turn green on the surface. It is also not recommended to use marble or granite, or rather, crumbs from them, as a basis for drainage. The salts contained in these minerals make the soil alkaline, which has an adverse effect on plants.

What is drainage and what is it for?

Most houseplants require a soil composition that provides approximately 15% air, 50% solids and 35% water. Only a properly constructed drainage layer can create such optimal conditions.

This is explained by the fact that with excessive watering, the same percentages of air content that are vital for flowers are displaced. When there is no oxygen in the soil, pathogenic bacteria begin to develop, the root system rots, and the flower begins to wither.

Drainage for flowers, photos of various types of which are presented in the article, precisely ensures the removal of excess moisture and ventilation of the roots.

To lay the drainage layer, you can use various materials, such as gravel, foam plastic or any synthetics, expanded clay, moss, crushed stone, charcoal, broken brick, river sand, peat and others. Next, the most commonly used materials will be discussed in more detail.

An important quality of drainage is good water throughput, chemical inertness, resistance to rotting and mold.

Drainage for flowers has different fractions, which are selected depending on the plants.

Errors in the manufacture of drainage

Inexperienced gardeners often make mistakes when creating a drainage layer. Below are the main mistakes to avoid when laying drainage:

Ignoring the advice not to use river sand leads to clogging of the drainage holes with sand grains.
The use of too large fractions of available material does not promote moisture retention. The liquid flows into the trays.
The use of natural materials as drainage leads to rotting of the root system of plants.
The health of green spaces may deteriorate if polystyrene foam is used to perform drainage functions.

How to properly lay a drainage layer

It is important not only to choose the right materials, but also to properly lay the drainage layer

What rules exist that you absolutely need to pay attention to? Let's consider the main postulates:

The main issue is the thickness of the drainage layer. The average height is about 2-3 centimeters. However, the specific height of the interlayer is determined by 3 factors: The shape of the container. If the pot is narrow and high, then the layer should be approximately 1/4 of the height (after all, the soil in them takes longer to dry out), if it is wide and low, then 1/8 (the soil dries out faster), if the vessel is standard and has a proportional width and height , then the layer size is 1/6 of the height.
The material from which the vessel is made. If the plant is planted in a container that has a porous structure (for example, clay), then the drainage may be less; if the container is airtight (for example, glass, plastic, glazed ceramic), then the layer should be larger.
Dimensions and number of drainage holes. The number of holes affects the thickness of the layer: the more there are, the smaller the layer can be, and vice versa, the fewer holes, the thicker the layer should be. However, the diameter of the holes also plays an important role: if the holes are small, then the layer should be larger and vice versa.

Materials for the drainage layer can be reused (with the exception of perlite or small stones, small expanded clay, crushed brick; it is quite difficult to separate them from the soil). After removing them from the bottom of the container, they must be washed, disinfected (for example, in a dark solution of potassium permanganate or chlorhexidine) and dried.

When planting or replanting any plants, you must use new, clean and dry materials! Do not place dirty or undisinfected materials. If you bought drainage in a store, read the instructions.
If you buy a houseplant and it comes with instructions, be sure to read them carefully. Drainage requirements may be specified there.
It is optimal to make drainage in 2 layers: on the bottom there is material of large fractions (expanded clay, crushed stone, gravel, ceramic chips), and on top put smaller elements (perlite, broken brick or at least coarse sand).
If you use only fine-grained materials, then sprinkle a small layer of soil on them before planting.
The drainage layer must be even. After planting the plant, you need to carefully walk along the walls of the container and shake it slightly so that the material is evenly distributed.

Shells

Shells themselves are not very suitable as a replacement for drainage. They are too fragile, become damaged over time and cease to remove moisture from the roots.

But, if you use them in combination with other materials, for example, nut shells, pieces of burnt brick or fragments of ceramic dishes, shells will not only become an excellent means of removing moisture, but will also make the soil more loose and breathable.

Brief description and necessity

It is quite simple to explain why and why this component is so important in the field of growing flowers. The thing is that without drainage, the soil gradually becomes compacted and dries out unevenly from moisture. In addition, areas with excess moisture appear, which can turn sour and cause rotting of the root system. Experts say that the spread of dangerous diseases and pests, lack of air permeability and rotting of the soil, disruption of the normal outflow of excess moisture, as well as an anaerobic environment are not all the factors that a small layer of drainage at the bottom of the container can successfully cope with.

Experts note that such material is a universal soil drainage system that helps maintain the most favorable substrate moisture for each type of indoor plant. Simply put, this is a specific layer of coarse or coarse-grained materials at the bottom of a flower pot, which guarantees good air permeability to the soil, as well as optimal drainage of excess moisture.

Novice florists often forget that good air permeability plays an important role in the process of growing a healthy plant. After all, only in this case will the root system of the flower be able to breathe and develop normally.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DQghHByiU1w

Sponge for washing dishes

A regular sponge is also suitable for creating drainage in flower pots or containers for growing herbs. To do this, you need to cut a piece out of the sponge that matches the shape and size of the container. It is placed on the bottom with the hard side down, and the soft side towards the ground. After this, the pre-prepared soil mixture is poured.

Excess moisture will never be retained in such a pot. A soft sponge will absorb water, and due to the hard bottom layer, soil will not spill out through the holes.

Author: iarriba
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Best answers

avmir:

When I was a snotty kid, there were only ceramic pots with one hole in the bottom. This hole was covered with a shard from broken dishes, and as soil they took soil from a garden or forest belt and mixed it with coarse river sand (cherozem from molehills was especially valued). That's all the drainage, and also a good nutritional substance.

Alisa Doronina:

Crushed polystyrene foam.

Academician:

Broken brick, if there is no expanded clay, although it costs a penny.

Lirriella:

Why replace it? Useful thing. Expanded clay works well. Or, if you grow it on a wick, you don’t need it.

riba xitraya:

sphagnum, but expanded clay is best

Polystyrene foam is essentially not drainage, but... fill in the excess volume so that there is less soil, less risk of flooding. It does not come into contact with water, and the essence of drainage is to absorb excess water and release it at the right time

SPINY LIKE A HEDGEHOG...:

Throw any stones...

Clementine Lady:

Expanded clay, ceramic fragments, polystyrene foam. You can add agroperlite to the soil, it will prevent overflow.

Irina K:

Pieces of charcoal are very good for use as drainage.

crushed stone or fine gravel ideal for drainage

Elena Rudenko:

That's what drainage is for, to absorb excess moisture (if the plant is flooded). It’s better not to stuff nonsense into the pot, like polystyrene foam, which doesn’t perform its intended function. It is better to purchase high-quality drainage. I buy Flower drainage large and small from Fusco. It completely and completely fulfills its function.

Ruslan Ladushkin:

You can, in principle, use a drainage system quite cost-effectively now) acoline ordered excellent prices here. and the guys there are great. In general, it’s up to you to decide, but I really advise you won’t regret it)

Evgeniy Volkov:

acoline/

Features of the material

How to make a support for indoor flowers with your own hands

Not just any expanded clay is suitable for floor screed. Depending on specific cases and places of application, it is recommended to use different brands. Which expanded clay is better in a particular case is determined by the following parameters: layer thickness, laying method (fill layer or expanded clay concrete), presence of water, etc.

There is GOST 32496-2013 for the characteristics of expanded clay grains. However, manufacturers may not adhere to it, producing products to their own specifications or simply not maintaining the standard. In particular, when purchasing material from an unknown manufacturer, there is a risk of purchasing material with an increased background radiation. At least there are such warnings.

The main parameter is the grain size of the fractions: 5 – 10, 10 – 20, 20 – 40 mm. Also somewhat conditionally divided into:

Expanded clay gravel. Granules 20 – 40 mm;

Expanded clay gravel, crushed stone and sand.

The first two types are used as thermal insulation material. It is possible to make a screed with expanded clay sand, but only as a porous filler for concrete. In this case, the characteristics of the concrete coating will not differ much from ordinary concrete in terms of thermal insulation.

Common Mistakes

If these technologies are violated, the plant may take a long time to take root in a new container, get sick, and stop growth and development for a long time. Having noticed unpleasant symptoms, you should eliminate the errors made during transplantation, otherwise the indoor flower will die.

The main mistakes related to drainage made at home:

Incorrect layer thickness or particle size.
There is no sand layer.
Natural and available materials are not washed to remove contaminants and are not subject to disinfection.
Use of sawdust, tree bark and other materials prone to decay as drainage.
The mixture contains components that change the chemical composition of the soil substrate.
Use of old materials for transplantation without additional processing or after expiration date.

Drainage is necessary for growing plants in closed ground to remove excess liquid from the flower pot, as well as access to fresh air. Suitable material can be purchased at a garden center or collected from available materials. It is important to clean the components used from contaminants and disinfect them with special solutions.

For a healthy appearance and gorgeous flowering, you need to care for your plants. When planting flowers in pots, it is important to take care of the drainage layer so that the plants grow actively and are not susceptible to diseases.

What cannot be used as drainage?

Not every material can be used to create a drainage layer. It is unacceptable to use as drainage:

nut shell;
tree bark;
eggshell.

Organic materials contribute to the formation of mold in the pot. The material has a negative effect on the acidic composition of the soil, which can provoke the development of various diseases.

Note! It is not recommended to use sand as a drainage system, as it causes clogging of the holes on the surface of the bottom of the pot and causes rotting of the root system. If you use pebbles, it is recommended to wash off the grains of sand.

No less dangerous for plants is marble chips, which, when interacting with water, contribute to a change in the acid composition and increase alkalinity in the soil.

Walnut crumbs – not used in the drainage system