20 Easy To Grow Houseplants That Don't Need Drainage

Have you ever spotted the most adorable flower pot only to flip it over and discover there are no drainage holes? while it might look great in your home with any plant inside of it, everyone says that houseplants need adequate drainage. Don't fret — there is a solution. Many gardeners suggest filling the bottom of your non-draining pots with pebbles, drilling holes yourself, or using decorative pots as sleeves for uglier, plastic ones. While these suggestions can work great, it's still possible to grow certain plants in a pot like this without all the extra work. 

Several well-known plants can grow in pots such as this if you are careful with their watering schedule. Croton, African violets, and even larger plants like Bird of Paradise can grow this way for many years. Additionally, there are also a few houseplants, like venus fly traps, that prefer to grow in extremely wet soil which these containers can offer. If this sounds like something you are ready for, check out our following collection of plants that will make the perfect companion to your cute but drain-less flower pot.

Oleander (nerium oleander) is a shrub species that can grow quite tall — up to 19 feet if it is given the opportunity. It grows extremely fast, but it can be kept under control when in a container. Oleander is able to grow in poor soil and it isn't picky about water. In fact, the shrubs often grow near rivers and other water sources, and they have proven themselves tolerant of fluctuating dry spells and plentiful water. Still, for best growth, this drought-tolerant plant should be given minimal water to ward off diseases from overwatering.

Rough horsetail (equisetum hyemale), also known as scouring rush horsetail, is a non-flowering sedge that enjoys wet conditions. Typically planted in rain gardens or as a water plant, you can grow this perennial indoors to keep its aggressive growth under control. Because it grows well in wet conditions, you can place it in up to 4 inches of standing water. There is no need to be afraid of overwatering, keeping the soil very damp will provide you with the best growth.

Spanish moss (tillandsia usneoides) is a member of the air plant genus, which means it is an epiphytic plant that does not need soil to grow. Air plants and other epiphytes are a good growing solution for these types of containers because they can simply sit on top and be misted or taken out to water more deeply. Remember that the key to growing a thriving air plant is bright indirect light and humid air conditions. Too little light or moisture will cause the moss to shrivel and lose its color. 

Schefflera plants (schefflera actinophylla), which are more often called umbrella trees, are tall growing plants that can reach up to 40 feet tall in their natural environment. These trees produce shiny dark green and palmately compound leaves. Each grouping of leaves arches downward which gives them an umbrella-like appearance, hence the common name. It's recommended to grow the trees in a container indoors or outdoors, but be sure to keep track of how much water it is receiving. 

Succulents such as aloe plants (aloe barbadensis) are a favorite to grow in unusual pots and containers. It's recommended that you grow yours in one that allows the soil to dry quickly, such as in a terracotta or clay pot. Containers made of this material are porous and help water evaporate more easily. However, the trick is really in watching how much water you are providing the plant with. Especially if you are keeping your aloe plant in a shadier location, you will need to keep watering to a minimum.

The heart-leaf philodendron (philodendron hederaceum), which is easy to confuse with pothos, actually has quite different growing requirements. The vine is not very drought-tolerant, so you must watch out for root rot when you are watering it. Keep its soil moist, but not soggy, and be sure to give it less water when it is dormant in the winter. It's advised to place it in an area where it receives indirect sunlight. With good care, it should thrive, even if its container doesn't drain.

African violets (saintpaulia ionantha) are among the easiest flowers to grow indoors. The roots of the plant like water, but its crown does not. African violets are threatened by crown rot, so you should be mindful that the plant matter on top of the soil is never sitting in water. When growing as a houseplant, be sure that your flower is positioned to receive some indirect sunlight. If you care for it properly, it will reward you with its freely flowering blooms which can be purple, blue, pink, or white.

Eastern red columbine (aquilegia canadensis) is a perennial plant that is native to the United States and Canada. It features bell-shaped, downturned red flowers with yellow stamens that appear from February to July. Even though it is more often grown in the garden, it can be planted in a container. This plant should be moved indoors to outdoors as the seasons change. 

The asparagus fern (asparagus aethiopicus) is a member of the asparagus family, but it is no fern. In reality, it is a herbaceous perennial. It shows off many needle-shaped green leaves on long arching stems that give the plant a fern-like look. The asparagus fern enjoys consistent moisture in its soil, but it will die if kept too wet. Water yours slowly and carefully, and make sure that you are allowing the potting medium to dry out slightly before watering again.

The venus fly trap (dionaea muscipula), needs moist and boggy soil as well as high humidity to survive indoors or outdoors. They are a wonderful candidate for containers that will keep as much water in as possible because they prefer to sit in heavily saturated soil. Typically, it's best to grow venus fly traps near a window that provides them with some indirect light, however, this may cause the water in the soil to evaporate faster. Check on your carnivorous plant daily to be sure its soil is consistently moist or wet.