Concrete Planter Care: Guide to Drainage, Lining & Watering Tips

Concrete planters are a stylish and sustainable way to elevate your indoor or outdoor space. But to keep both your plants and pots in top shape, it’s important to understand how to care for them properly. From drainage to lining and water absorption, here’s everything you need to know about concrete planter care.

Concrete Planter Care: Guide to Drainage, Lining & Watering Tips

Do Concrete Planters Need Drainage Holes?

It depends on how and where you plan to use the planter.

Drainage holes are generally recommended because they allow excess water to escape, which helps prevent root rot.

Concrete Planter Care Guide: Drainage, Lining & Watering Explained

However, the need for one depends on a few factors:

🔸Indoor vs Outdoor Use

• Outdoor planters are more exposed to rain and need drainage to avoid waterlogging, especially during wet months.

• Indoor planters can sometimes go without drainage holes if you're careful with watering and use a drainage layer at the base.

🔸 Type of Plants

• Succulents, cacti, and herbs prefer dry conditions and must have good drainage.

• Moisture-loving plants like ferns or peace lilies may cope better without holes – as long as you monitor soil moisture closely.

🔸 Your Watering Style

• If you’re confident and consistent with how much you water, a no-hole planter can work with proper precautions.

• If you tend to overwater, having a drainage hole is a safer choice.

🔸 Alternative Setups

• You can use concrete planters as decorative cachepots – just place the nursery pot inside and remove it to water.

• Or use a plastic liner with holes inside your concrete pot, combining style with practicality.

Drainage holes are ideal, especially outdoors or for plants sensitive to overwatering. But with the right setup, hole-free concrete planters can still work beautifully indoors.

Use pot feet to improve drainage and airflow.

TIP: Tip: Elevate your planter using pot feet to improve drainage and airflow.

Raising your concrete pot slightly off the ground prevents water from pooling at the base, reduces the risk of root rot, and promotes healthy airflow under the planter—especially important for outdoor use.

Want better drainage and a cleaner look? Pair your planter with pot feet for improved airflow and moisture control — browse our curated collection of pot feet here to find the perfect match.

Plant Pot Feet - Square

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What to Put in the Bottom of a Concrete Planter for Drainage

If you prefer not to drill a hole, create a false drainage layer using:

• Pebbles or gravel

• Broken ceramic or terracotta

• Activated charcoal (especially for indoor planters – it helps with odour and mould)

Tip: Add a Piece of Mesh In The Bottom of a Concrete Planter for Drainage

Tip: Add a piece of mesh, gauze, or a coffee filter on top of the drainage hole to keep soil from slipping out of the pot or clogging up the drainage hole

Should You Line a Concrete Planter?

Lining is optional but helpful, especially indoors. A waterproof liner or sealant can:

• Prevent moisture loss from the soil

• Stop lime leaching, which may affect sensitive plants

• Extend the lifespan of your planter

Choose between:

• A plastic liner pot inside

• A liquid concrete sealant (applied before potting)

Do Concrete Planters Absorb Water?

Yes – they’re naturally porous unless they have been sealed with a concrete sealer. This means:

• Water can seep into the walls

• Soil may dry out quicker, especially in warm weather

• Over time, your planter will develop a natural, aged patina

If you’d like to reduce water absorption:

• Seal the interior

• Water more frequently

• Choose drought-tolerant plants, like succulents or cacti

Concrete Planter Care: Final Thoughts

Concrete planters are beautiful, timeless, and hard-wearing – but they do need a little know-how. By managing drainage, choosing the right liner, and understanding how they interact with water, you’ll create a healthy home for your plants and preserve your pot for years to come.

FAQ

1. How do I improve drainage in concrete planters?

To improve drainage, ensure your concrete planter has adequate holes at the bottom. You can also add a layer of gravel or mesh before the soil to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot.

2. Do I need to line a concrete planter before planting?

Yes, lining your concrete planter with landscape fabric, plastic sheeting, or a coconut liner can help prevent soil leaching and reduce the effects of concrete alkalinity on plant roots.

3. How often should I water plants in a concrete planter?

Watering frequency depends on the plant type and climate. Generally, concrete retains heat, so planters may dry out faster in hot weather. Check soil moisture regularly and water when the top 1-2 inches feel dry.

4. Can concrete planters damage plant roots?

Unsealed concrete can leach lime, raising the pH and potentially harming sensitive plant roots. Sealing the planter or using a liner can prevent this issue and protect your plants.

5. What are the best plants for concrete planters?

Succulents, herbs, ferns, and ornamental grasses thrive in concrete planters due to their good drainage. Choose plants based on light availability and planter size for the best results.