Question
I want to put a ponytail palm in a decorative pot that has no drainage holes. I know this isn't the way to go. However, this pot has great sentimental value to me, so I want to use it; and I don't want to risk trying to drill holes in it.

If I'm careful, can I make this work without causing root rot?

Answer
Hi Kelly,

The only way it will work is if there is enough room for you to set the existing pot with holes inside the decorative planter. This allows you to see after each time you water if any water has accumulated in the bottom of the decorative planter. You can place some Spanish moss over the surface of the inner pot to disguise the double-potting.

If you were to pot your Ponytail directly into the decorative planter, there is no way for you tell if excess water has collected in the bottom. Given the fact that Ponytails do not tolerate soil that is allowed to stay moist for more than  a week, the risk of root rot is very high unless you are very lucky.

Some folks mistakenly believe that putting drainage material (Pebbles, for example) in the bottom of the planter will solve the problem, but it will not because eventually the excess water will accumulate and rise above the drainage material and start soaking the rootball.

If for some reason the existing pot does not fit properly into the decorative planter, then I suggest you find another plant that is in a pot that will fit.

I have written articles on repotting and on Ponytail Palm care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com