Houseplant hacks: does putting gravel at the bottom of pots improve drainage? | TheBriefWire
Houseplant hacks: does putting gravel at the bottom of pots improve drainage?
Published 23 June 2026 ยท india
Generations of gardeners have added stones to their pots before topping up with compost, but does it really help? The problem Most old houseplant guides
Generations of gardeners have added stones to their pots before topping up with compost, but does it really help? The problem Most old houseplant guides suggest adding a layer of gravel or stones to the bottom of the pot before adding compost.
It is presented as basic good practice; the thing you do to stop soil from retaining water, which can cause root rot. The hack This
layer of gravel is said to improve drainage by providing a place for excess water to collect below the root zone, keeping roots above the
waterlogged area and allowing air to reach them from beneath. Continue reading...
Published: June 23, 2026 โข 2:30 PM IST ยท Updated: June 23, 2026 โข 3:10 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
Generations of gardeners have added stones to their pots before topping up with compost, but does it really help?
The problem Most old houseplant guides suggest adding a layer of gravel or stones to the bottom of the pot before adding compost.
It is presented as basic good practice;
the thing you do to stop soil from retaining water, which can cause root rot.
The hack This layer of gravel is said to improve drainage by providing a place for excess water to collect below the root zone, keeping roots above the waterlogged area and allowing air to reach them from beneath.