As a gardener, you would NOT want to deprive plants of well-draining soil and proper moisture. But what happens if drainage becomes an issue in your place, or you want to go for something different instead? Then you may want to consider getting indoor plants that don’t need drainage holes!
What’s great about these plants is that they have fewer care requirements compared to other plants, as they are meant for indoors.
But what kinds of plants are these? I’ll be listing down 11 of the best indoor plants that any beginner or expert gardener can grow easily and enjoy.
1. Snake Plant
The snake plant is known to be one of the best indoor plants for the beginner gardener, and the top choice when looking for indoor plants that don’t need drainage holes.
They come from West Africa’s tropical regions, known for the blade-shaped leaves that stay upright. While the snake plant is typically potted in quality soil, it’s possible to grow it in water, too.
If you want to grow the plant in water, simply pluck plant cuttings and place them in a bowl of water for a few days. You will then see it growing and developing into snake plants! Make sure that you tie its base gently during growth, so its leaves stay upright.
2. Spider Plant
The Spider plant is a very popular indoor plant because of how fast they grow. They are also known for their long fronds and how simple it is to maintain them, making the plant perfect for newbies that struggle to keep plants alive.
Spider plants originated in the tropical locations of Africa, where they are grown as indoor and outdoor plants. If you plan to grow them, they can start in the water at a young stage. When growing the plant in water, be sure that it is fluoride-free, as the mineral may affect the color of the plant’s leaves.
3. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is another popular indoor plant for its silvery and elongated leaves, which have just a bit of green in them. While they don’t require drainage holes, they enjoy wet locations, so you need to make sure that their soil has enough moisture. However, do NOT overwater the plant!
Wait between waterings and let the soil dry out before watering them again, depending on the soil and whether it’s dry (or still wet).
4. Rough Horsetail
The Rough Horsetail might look like smaller striped bamboo, this plant is actually a type of fern. It is a hardy plant that thrives in the wild, particularly in boggy locations! The plant grows well when in a container of water, having no drainage requirements and very simple caring needs.
5. Succulents
Succulents belong to the cacti family, known for being fleshy and drought-resistant. They don’t require as much water compared to other plants, as they have fleshy leaves that store water easily when exposed to drought-like conditions.
While you can water them regularly, you shouldn’t stress too much about this task. Succulents like direct sunlight and would prefer coarse soil.
Read more: 3 Ways How to Propagate Succulents With Honey (Explained)
6. Pineapple
Surprisingly to many, it’s possible to grow pineapples without drainage holes. Similar to Schefflera, pineapple plants would survive well even in just a container filled with water.
When growing the pineapple plant, simply purchase a pineapple, remove its crown properly, and then trim the leaves. Keep the leaves in an open container for up to 7 days, upside down, until its ends have hardened. Then, add toothpicks to its crown to keep it in the container of water.
Keep the container under direct sunlight for a week or so, then you’ll see it forming roots!
7. Crotons
Crotons can grow up to 5-6 feet without needing drainage holes to grow properly. They come in different varieties, shapes, and sizes, most of them thriving best in warm and/or tropical locations. When you plant Crotons, be sure to do so in well-draining soil and add peat moss for better drainage without the need for drainage holes.
Overwatering is a major concern for these plants, so be sure to monitor the soil and its moisture levels. While they prefer humid areas, it’s recommended to place them outdoors come late afternoon, and completely indoors during the winter. This will help make the plant survive even longer without the hassle of maintenance.
8. Dumbcane
Dumb canes are water-loving tropical plants, loving moisture very much! Because of that, you don’t need to worry about drainage and whatnot. Plus, you can transfer the plant easily to a container or pot without drainage holes.
This plant dons long and wide leaves that look absolutely stunning. As for caring for the plant, they like the occasional misting and thrive best when in tropical or semi-humid areas. They can survive in varying intensities and levels of light, so even when you place them indoors, you can move them outdoors now and then to let them receive light.
9. Schefflera
Schefflera is another great plant that doesn’t require drainage. They come from the Araliaceae family with over 900 species, a rare plan that isn’t specific in regards to their drainage needs. That’s why this plant is popular with flower delivery companies. MyGlobalFlowers, for example, reports that Schefflera leads in sales among potted flowers.
Similar to the snake plant, Schefflera can grow either in soil and/or water. You can either pot them with sand and pebbles or place plant cuttings in water. After a few days, you’ll notice small shoots coming out from the cutting.
If you grow it in water, the plant won’t grow over 60 feet tall, though it will stay healthy and attractive. The plant loves direct sunlight, thriving in tropical locations, and the summer-like weather.
However, moderate and/or indirect sunlight is enough to keep it growing, it won’t grow as well compared to if it were exposed to direct sunlight. The plant needs fertilizers only once a year, with any type of fertilizer working best to help with the growth rate.
Read more: Is a Grow Light Considered Indirect Sunlight?
10. Pothos
This is also known as the Devil’s Ivy, with the plant being able to grow up to 10 feet long. They are also known for their heart-shaped leaves, besides their significant height.
The plant loves direct sunlight, so if you grow them indoors, set them up in hanging baskets for quicker and more efficient growth.
11. Cordyline
The Cordyline is known as the Hawaiian Ti’ Plant, which is an amazing and attractive plant, though not as easy to maintain compared to others mentioned above. However, they can be grown indoors or outdoors.
While they don’t require as much drainage as other plants, they still need well-draining soil and watering when it is dry. That said, they are a good option among gardeners, and while usually indoors, they can be moved outdoors during the spring or late summer.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re still a beginner trying to learn the ropes of gardening, or an expert who wants something low maintenance without drainage requirements, these indoor plants are your best bet. You can find them in any gardening store or propagate them from existing plants of the same kind.
Get started with your gardening journey and let any of these plants adorn the inside of your home now. Happy gardening!
