5 min read
Succulents are forgiving plants, but they still need pots that drain. A pinch pot planter with drainage holes gives your succulents the airflow and drainage they need, and it lets you make a pot that fits your shelf, your window, or your gift list. Pinch pots are one of the oldest pottery methods. You shape the clay with your fingers, so no wheel is needed. This guide covers clay choice, shaping, drainage holes, drying, and finishing. The result is a small, sturdy planter with a handmade look that no store-bought pot can match.
Choosing Clay and Shaping the Pot
Use a mid-range stoneware clay for planters, since it fires strong and handles water well. Earthenware also works, but it stays more porous and may need a waterproof glaze inside. Avoid air-dry clay for planters that will hold damp soil, since it softens with moisture. Start with a ball of clay about the size of a tennis ball for a small planter. Knead the clay until it is smooth and free of air bubbles. Roll it into a ball, then press your thumb into the center to make a hollow. Do not press all the way through the bottom. Pinch the walls between your thumb and fingers, turning the pot slowly as you work. Aim for walls about 8 mm thick. Thin walls dry faster and fire more evenly, while thick walls crack more easily. Keep the rim slightly thicker than the walls so it resists chipping. Smooth the outside with a damp sponge as you shape. If the clay dries while you work, dampen your hands lightly. Do not add too much water, since wet clay loses its shape.
Adding Drainage Holes the Right Way
Drainage holes are the most important part of a succulent planter. Without them, water pools at the bottom and the roots rot. Add the holes while the clay is still soft, before the pot stiffens. Turn the pot upside down and mark the center of the base with a small dot. For a small planter, one hole of 10 to 12 mm in the center is enough. For a wider planter, add three holes in a triangle pattern. Use a straw, a chopstick, or a small hole cutter to push through the base from the outside. Push slowly and twist gently so the clay does not crack. Clean the edges of each hole with a damp sponge. The holes should be smooth, since rough edges can catch roots. If a hole closes as the clay dries, reopen it with a skewer before the pot reaches the leather-hard stage. Place a small saucer under each planter to catch water. Check the holes after firing by pouring a little water into the pot. It should drain freely within seconds. If water sits on top, the holes may be blocked with glaze, and you can clear them with a drill and a masonry bit.
Drying, Firing, and Finishing the Planter
Dry the planter slowly to prevent cracks. Cover it loosely with plastic and leave it in a room with steady temperature. Turn it over once a day so the base dries evenly. A small planter usually takes three to five days to reach the bone-dry stage. Do not rush drying with a heater or direct sun, since fast drying causes cracks. When the clay is pale and no longer cool to the touch, it is ready for bisque firing. Bisque fire to the temperature recommended for your clay, usually around 1000 degrees Celsius. After bisque firing, you can glaze the planter. For succulents, glaze the outside only and leave the inside unglazed, since unglazed clay helps the soil dry between waterings. If you want a waterproof interior, apply a clear glaze inside and keep the drainage holes clear. Fire again to the glaze temperature for your clay and glaze. Let the kiln cool fully before you open it. A planter that cools too fast can crack.
Potting Succulents for Healthy Growth
Use a fast-draining soil mix for succulents. A mix of two parts potting soil, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand works well. Do not use garden soil, since it holds too much water. Place a small piece of mesh or a coffee filter over each drainage hole to keep soil from washing out. Add a layer of soil, set the succulent in the pot, and fill around the roots. The soil line should sit about 1 cm below the rim so water does not overflow. Do not water right after repotting. Wait three to five days so any damaged roots can heal. Then water until it runs from the drainage holes, and let the pot drain fully. Water again only when the soil is dry through. Most succulents need water every two to three weeks indoors. Place the planter where it gets bright light for at least four hours a day. A south-facing window is ideal.
Pinch pot planters are a simple way to give succulents a home that drains well and looks handmade. Shape the clay, add drainage holes, dry slowly, and finish with care. The result is a planter that works as well as it looks.