Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/5/2007

Question
Hi Greg,
I am hoping you can help me. I have been making succulent arrangements in
decorative containers with no drainage- but have been using rocks or
woodchips in the bottom third of the container before I plant with cactus
mix... And within 3 weeks I am losing at least 25% of the plants! I have been
careful not to overwater, but they just seem to either dry out and die, or get
mushy and die that way?
I am at a total loss, I am really not sure what to do... Do you have any
suggestions to create succulent arrangements in containers for indoor use
without having drainage holes in the containers? (the ones I use are for floral
so they dont come with holes in them...)
Please help!!
Thanks!

Answer
RTD,

Probably what is happening is the water is "wicking" up through the rock and into the soil. If you can create a barrier that will leave an inch or so of space at the bottom of the pot (the barrier having drainage holes), that may help. Otherwise, you may have to drill a drain hole in the bottom of the pots. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg