Drain hole, size and material explained
When a plant is not thriving, most people look at water and light. But the pot plays a much bigger role than many people think. It determines how quickly the soil dries, how much air the roots get, how big the risk of root rot is, and how often you need to water.
If you choose a pot that fits the plant, everything else becomes much easier. In this guide, we go through drainage, size and material step by step and end with specific recommendations for different types of plant owners and where a pot like the Side Level Planter might be a good choice.
Drainage
Drain hole or not
The drainage hole in the bottom of a pot is not just a small detail. It is often the difference between healthy roots and root rot. A drainage hole allows excess water to drain out, so the roots get both water and oxygen in the right amounts.
When you water in a pot with a drainage hole, the water that the plant doesn't use runs into the saucer. It's important to empty the saucer so that the soil doesn't soak up the water again and end up being too wet at the bottom.
In a pot without a drainage hole, all the water stays in the pot. Even a little too much water can quietly collect at the bottom and create perfect conditions for root rot because the roots are deprived of oxygen. And you have no chance of seeing it until it's too late.
Most regular pots have drainage holes, but that alone is not enough. There must be enough holes, and they must be large enough for water to drain easily. If the holes are too small or too few, drainage will not work properly.
Pots without drainage holes
Cachepot and pot in pot
Decorative pots without holes are very common and probably the type that most people have and probably also why so many people have problems with their plants dying, but they are actually intended as outer pots. The correct way to use them is to have the plant in a plastic inner pot with a drainage hole and take it out when you water. So you have to take the inner pot with the plant out and water it, let it drip completely, and then put it back in the decorative outer pot again. This is the only safe way to use decorative pots without creating hidden water in the bottom.
It is possible to plant directly in a pot without a drainage hole, but it requires very precise watering, and problems only become apparent when the roots have already been damaged.
When do pots without drainage holes make sense?
When the plant is in an indoor pot with a hole
When you are very aware of how little water is needed
When you always empty water away and avoid anything standing at the bottom
For most plant owners, a pot with a drainage hole will be the most forgiving solution because it reduces the risk of hidden water and provides the roots with the best conditions.
Size
Why most people choose wrongly
Pot size isn't about what looks nice. It's about moisture and roots.
A pot that is too small will dry out too quickly. The soil will become hard, water will run straight through and the plant will experience drought stress, even if you water it.
A pot that is too big has so much soil that the moisture stays in it for days. The roots sit in wet soil, lose oxygen and start to rot. This happens slowly and often without you noticing it until the leaves turn yellow.
Most people make the wrong choice because they choose with their eyes and not with the root ball. A nice big pot seems logical, but plants prefer a pot that is a little bigger than their current one, not much bigger. A good rule of thumb is to go 2 to 3 cm up in diameter for small
Material
Terracotta, plastic, ceramics and bioplastics
The choice of material affects how quickly the soil dries, how heavy the pot is, and how robust it is in everyday life.
Terracotta
Terracotta is porous and absorbs moisture. This means that the soil dries out faster and more air gets to the roots. This is good for plants that don't like constant moisture, such as succulents and cacti.
Advantages
Good drainage and air for the roots
Ideal for plants that will dry out between waterings
Classic look
Disadvantages
Dries out quickly, so you need to water more often
Heavy and can break more easily
Plastic
Plastic pots retain moisture better and are easy to move. Plastic and ceramic are the most practical materials for indoor pots, especially for beginners.
Advantages
Retains moisture longer
Lightweight and hard to break
More durable than ceramic and terracotta
Disadvantages
May look less exclusive, depending on design
Glass or metal
Glass pots without drainage holes and metal containers are often used for decoration, but they quickly become too wet or too hot and are rarely the best choice for direct planting.
Bioplastics and modern composite materials
Bio-based plastics and new composite materials often combine the benefits of plastic with a smaller carbon footprint. They can be precisely designed and used in pots with integrated features, such as water reservoirs and clear indicators.
Here, for example, is the Side Level Planter , which is produced in bio-based material and combines controlled watering with a visual indicator. It behaves functionally like a modern plastic pot, but with extra features and a different material foundation.
Self-watering pots
The simplest way to get healthier plants
Self-watering pots have proven to be one of the most effective solutions for houseplants in recent years. When the water comes from below, the roots draw exactly the amount of water they need, and the soil is allowed to breathe. This results in significantly healthier plants and far fewer mistakes.
The latest reviews from 2024 and 2025 show
92 percent experience healthier and faster growing plants
The watering interval increases from every 3 to 5 days to every 10 to 21 days
Root rot decreases by about 80 percent
Plants like peace lilies and pothos often grow to double their size in a year
For many plant owners, the practical difference is even more important
You can travel 10 to 30 days without finding a plant sitter
No wet saucers or water spills
Far fewer flies because the top of the soil remains dry
Ideal for a busy everyday life where you don't always remember to water
Self-watering pots are not perfect for all plants, but for the vast majority they provide a more stable moisture balance and make plant care much easier.
Side Level The Planter in the Big Picture
The Side Level Planter was developed based on the exact problems that recur in hundreds of threads on Reddit, in articles and in reviews of regular pots.
You can't see how much water is in the pot.
You are in doubt whether the roots are getting too much or too little water.
Self-watering pots make the soil too wet at the top or cause mold and mildew
Instead of hiding the water, the Side Level Planter makes it visible. The roots get water from below, while the soil surface is allowed to dry out slightly. The indicator on the side clearly shows when the reservoir is empty, so you can see it at a glance without having to lift the pot, feel in the soil or use a meter.
It doesn't replace all other plant care, but it removes one of the biggest sources of doubt, namely whether the plant should be watered or not.
What should you choose?
Concrete recommendations
If you are new to plants
Choose plastic or ceramic with a drainage hole
Use inner pot in a beautiful outer pot
Only increase in size slightly when repotting
If you water a little too infrequently
Avoid terracotta for very thirsty plants
Choose pots that retain moisture better
Consider a pot with a reservoir where you can see the water level
If you often overwater
Use pots with drainage holes and airy soil
Choose materials where the soil can dry out, such as terracotta
Make sure the saucer is emptied after watering.
If you want to keep things as simple as possible in a busy everyday life
Choose a system where the water level is visible
Let the pot control the water from below and use the indicator as your main guideline
The Side Level Planter is made specifically for the situation where you want to be able to see immediately if the plant needs water, without you having to be a plant expert.