Container drainage: what to check first
Inspect the container and its outlet before changing your watering routine.
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Check the container itself
A container needs a way for excess water to leave. University of Maryland Extension advises against adding gravel or pottery shards at the bottom: they take away root space and can make drainage worse.
Make the outlet visible
Before filling a pot, look at its drainage holes and how it sits in its tray. Check that the tray can be emptied and that the container can be moved safely when full. These are practical details worth resolving before a plant makes access awkward.
Keep observations separate
If a plant looks unhappy, note the container, growing medium, recent watering and whether water remains in the tray. Do not jump from one photograph to a single explanation. Several conditions can produce similar visible symptoms.
Use this checklist to gather useful information. Watering frequency still depends on the plant, its stage and its environment; this guide does not prescribe a fixed calendar.