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Add Drainage to a Rattan-Look Pot Without Holes

How do you add drainage to a hand-woven rattan-look flower pot if it has no holes?

If your hand-woven rattan-look flower pot doesn’t have drainage holes, the safest approach is to treat it like a decorative cachepot (cover pot) and keep your plant in a separate nursery pot with holes. This protects the woven outer shell from moisture damage while still giving your plant the drainage it needs.

Option 1: Use it as a cover pot (recommended)

Choose a plastic nursery pot or simple inner pot with drainage holes that fits inside the woven planter. Place a saucer in the bottom of the woven pot (or a thin waterproof liner) to catch drips, then set the inner pot on top. Water your plant at the sink, let it drain fully, and return it to the woven pot. This method avoids drilling and helps keep the rattan-look finish dry and clean.

Option 2: Add drainage holes (only if the material allows)

If the pot has a rigid inner liner (common with rattan-look designs), you may be able to add holes to that inner layer. Remove the plant and soil first. Turn the pot over, mark 3–6 evenly spaced points near the center, and carefully drill small holes through the plastic liner (not the weave). Start with a smaller bit to prevent cracking, then widen if needed. After drilling, smooth any rough edges and test with a small amount of water to confirm it drains cleanly.

Option 3: Create a “false bottom” for low-risk drainage control

If drilling isn’t possible, elevate the inner pot so roots don’t sit in runoff. Put a shallow saucer at the bottom, then use a small riser (an inverted plastic lid, a few flat stones, or a plant stand insert) to lift the nursery pot above any collected water. Empty the saucer after watering.

For styling tips and care notes specific to this type of planter, visit the main guide: Nordic Woven Rattan-Look Flower Pot guide.

FAQ

Should I put rocks in the bottom of a pot without drainage?

It’s better to use an inner pot with drainage and a catch tray. Rocks can create a water reservoir where roots stay too wet, increasing the risk of root rot.