Why NONE of My Pots Have Drainage Holes...

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Insta: @plantgayforlife
TikTok: jakeinzerra
My music channel: / jakeinzerra

[@tombot555]

I killed so many anthuriums until I tried your translucent glass/ leca method . Literally all are thriving now. Thank you.

[@plantgayforlife]

That’s amazing! Cheers!😁

[@dorkolicious525]

Holes are no fun. I can attest to that. And omg finally someone confirmed my conclusion with my Gloriosum, I had her in a pon/leca mix and she absolutely hated it. Now she’s in coco coir/leca/perlite and she’s beasting out. I like how intuitive you are with plant care and how you try to show us that. It took me a long time to step out of the predetermined path that people looooovvveee to lecture you on. It was scary at first but now I have happier plants and I have a lovelier experience with them.

[@plantgayforlife]

Thank you! I’m so happy to hear that your glori is poppin off now! I quickly learned that not every aroid likes this method I’m using but many of them were doing so well, I had to share!

[@Anil18834]

I love that you do your homework on how plants grow in the wild and how you communicate growth techniques for specific plants. Highly educational and valuable ❤

[@ginakapuscinski9698]

Have just transitioned another anthuriums into it’s glass jar moss mix with leca…. All. Look extremely happy thus far. Before I do the transition, I check out the video and SEE the plants…and am encouraged. Thank you so much!

[@plantgayforlife]

That's why i LOVE clear pots cuz even if the plant doesn't put out new leaves right away, i can still watch those roots GROW!

[@friskymp]

I just transplanted some of my plants into clear pots with little drainage and I see them so much happier rooting. It’s like I can see that the medium is nicely and evenly moist and watering is so much easier. So I’m changing all of them! Then this video was recommended by KZbin and I’m starting following you!

[@plantgayforlife]

Thank you! It’s a great way to grow tropical plants in dry conditions!😄

[@lukki7ster]

first 9 seconds of this video and I love it already! I BEEN not having drainage holes. Why? because I know how to water my plants, it is that simple.

[@plantgayforlife]

HELL YES

[@5857Farm]

I am so encouraged by your airflow discussion with the Anthuriums. I see one in a store and walk immediately away. Maybe one can come live with me!

[@plantgayforlife]

I think they will surprise you! go for it!

[@karlareynolds1168]

I am SO glad I found your channel. You are very knowledgeable and I love how you give useable advice for regular non greenhouse owning people!

[@plantgayforlife]

You are so welcome! greenhouses are a BIG inconvenience for so many! financial, space, ascetics, etc. Glad my videos are helping!😁

[@governmentrape]

Thank you for this. I just bought an Anthurium and was looking for the best potting method in a low humidity climate. So much knowledge here, thanks again!

[@missrudy8553]

You have changed my world! I love the moss - leca combo.

[@Lovinmyplants]

Yes this was very entertaining, and educational. The majority of my my plants have been in no drainage for the longest time and yes they are alive and thriving. Like you said they don’t need drainage holes, they need drainage!

[@plantgayforlife]

Exactly! Cuz even if a plant pot has drainage holes, if the medium is too dense the roots can still rot. It’s a backwards way of thinking about it but it works!😄

[@ofthesea3]

Your Dean McDowell is gorgeous! …and the way you used those natural form stakes-so beautiful! 😍

[@Chaos3183]

I just want to say thank you so much. I was so worried about my anthurium pterdactyl. She is doing so great thanks to using your method. I was scared at first but its doing so darn good!!

[@plantgayforlife]

Yeah! that's amazing! glad I could help!

[@stephanieh651]

Great video! I just started growing my anthurium in glass vessels with leca at the bottom and a tree fern soil mix. It was nice to see your success. I'm going to try SM next time

[@plantgayforlife]

Tree fern is great too! But expensive. Moss is a bit more cost effective for me.

[@livelifego9168]

Would love to see a video from u potting up your propagations! 💕

[@plantgayforlife]

recently recorded one that's coming soon!

[@dianalopez-cintron2125]

Great video!!! Good to know that we don’t need hole drainage in pots🪴. Love your collections 🪴💚💚

[@plantgayforlife]

thank you! glad you found the video!

[@kermitku617]

So glad i found your channel. So insightful and entertaining and educational. Time to binge all your videos ! Thank you!

[@plantgayforlife]

awesome! thank you for watching!☺️

[@lorifenner4048]

My queen grows in 50% to60% humidity in the open. She is in a chunky mix with drainage holes. 350 foot candles about 12 hours a day. So far she is soo happy! I just got a second 22”x7” leaf; and the old leaf is still beautiful.

[@lorifenner4048]

Btw, I give her water with diluted fertilizer every 2 or 3 days and spray foliar fertilizer in between.

[@ofthesea3]

I love your channel and your humor 😊

[@plantgayforlife]

Thank you so much!

[@ginakapuscinski9698]

On a roll now, Jake… Have just put a Colocasia in jar with Leca/chunky mix. Have you done this? I figure I will know soon enough if the plant is terribly unhappy - but thought I’d ask…. ( …and I might be able to Save the plant!).

[@thatplantguy93]

Late to finding your channel, but I also grow in almost the exact same method you use. Leca and moss. My humidity is also in the 20’s or lower so I can’t get away with using any other substrate. Definitely agree with the airflow vs humidity rant lol

[@plantgayforlife]

thank you! great minds think alike haha

[@Mllascelles1]

I'm still catching up on your videos. You've officially won my YT ❤! You're so funny and informative.

[@plantgayforlife]

Wow, thank you so much🥰

[@TheLittyMcTitty]

So glad I found you! I wish I could shout you my Macrolobium! I’m so proud of it.

[@KaylasPlants]

I have several plants with no drainage also! I completely agree with what you said about they need drainage even if I drainage holes. New subscriber here btw I love your personality 🤩

[@plantgayforlife]

Thank you so much Kayla! 😃

[@sherryporsch9349]

🫶🏼💚

[@LeafyConversations]

Oh my gosh you are hilarious! Dean McDowell WOW that thing is huge! I love the fact that you have answered my question about putting these in a vase possibly just with water may work. I converted a few of my plants to water recently Syngonium, Philodendron Brazil and they love it. As much as the Alocasia’s and Anthurium like moisture you’d think they’d do find in it too, but based off what you have here it’s Leca may be better than the fish stone from aquarium’s I am using. 🤔 I love your videos!

[@plantgayforlife]

Thanks! Some anthuriums can be adapted to grow in water/hydroponics. I’ve seen the ubiquitous andreanum grown in nutrient water. Not all anthuriums are equal so I don’t know if it will work for other types. But whenever you propagate a plant, it’s always fun to experiment and see what happens!

[@fletchoid]

This is true as long as you don't put them outside in the summer where they can be drowned by torrential rainfall. I put most of my plants in cheap plastic pots, and then drop those into heavier ceramic or glass containers to keep them from falling over. Inside, I don't worry about the outer container having no drainage because I am in control of the watering. When I put them outside, I make sure they are placed in an outer shell that has drainage to prevent drowning. I stick to this method because I have way too many plants, and am basically lazy.

[@plantgayforlife]

You’re right, this method is STRICTLY for houseplants. Not outdoor potted plants.

[@ginakapuscinski9698]

Hey there, Jake - thanks to you I have an immense M Cupulispathum now and several (,!) McDowells . And as much empty space as possible . My tiny studio apt is glorious. However, please do a marvelous video on lichen…

[@plantgayforlife]

That’s great to hear! Do you mean like a narrating video on lichen?

[@beabarretto2526]

my all my gloriosum plants are in leca or my diy pon mix and they are very happy. Originally it was in soil then i cleaned the roots as much as i could then I placed it in water for a month. once the new water roots grew enough I placed it in leca. Will try the moss and leca method it seems really interesting

[@plantgayforlife]

That’s good to know they thrive in that method!😄

[@manuelita467]

It's true you don't need them, but after a while. I like drainage holes because it provides drainage, so I can wash the extra stuff out when I use fertilizers and such 😅

[@plantgayforlife]

as long as your plants are doing well, that's all that matters! The air gets pretty dry where i am so without this method my anthuriums wouldn't look nearly as good haha!

[@therightpaph]

Great video! I grow in a grey area where my plants are potted in porous cups with drainage and tucked into a solid cup with no drainage. Depending on the season, since I live in an extreme desert climate, I often opt to leave a reservoir. But with a completely north facing residence, my winters require a slighter quick evaporation which I can only achieve by drainage.

[@plantgayforlife]

and that's why I try to avoid giving specific care tips like "water this many times a week" because everyone's environment is different. Thanks for the comment!

[@marijkee719]

lol these video's are really informative and funny at the same time! Love em! And now im able to save a queen anthurium i got for a bargain, but looks really sad!

[@plantgayforlife]

Thank you! You got this!

[@lavenderpurp6610]

Do u cover the roots wd moss? And top up ed leca again? How do u water it.? Do u have reservoir in the bottom leca? Im dying to try coz i stuglle wd my waroq❤❤

[@sherylweston3688]

This looks very interesting

[@b822evans3]

I learned so much. Very informative and will try that aeration on my queens. That pink inflo plant, what is it? Enjoy your plant babies! Will sub

[@plantgayforlife]

Cupulispathum! Mine is FINALLY about to put out its first flower!!!

[@aly3604]

Super informative video! All your plants are gorgeous🤩. I was wondering--how high do you keep water levels? Do you just fill up the leca reservoir section and let the moss absorb water from the bottom up? How far down do you let the water drain before filling it up again? Also, does it become problematic when roots grow to the bottom of the reservoir area and stay submerged constantly? Thanks!

[@plantgayforlife]

great questions! I just make sure the reservoir water line doesn't go above thew leca and into the substrate. I let the reservoir get soaked up entirely and refill it just as the moss on top starts to dehydrate. And any roots that grow down into the reservoir are 'water roots' and can sit in the resevoir no problem!

[@aly3604]

@@plantgayforlife Makes sense! Thanks so much for the reply

[@mr8029]

I knew it! Feels very validating, hah

[@aplantprocess]

Where have you been all my plant life 💚

[@plantgayforlife]

Chillin😎

[@SuperUsername147]

What was the name of the plant with the hot pink inflo? It’s gorgeous! Just discovered your channel. You are a gem! I live in Massachusetts and it’s nice to find a fellow plant collector from the northeastern US growing high humidity plants. Anthurium are my new obsession. Can’t wait to see more from you. 🙂

[@plantgayforlife]

Thank you! Growing tropical plants in a temperate climate makes it more exciting! I didn’t realize I never said the name! Anthurium cupulispathum! FAST grower. It’s now my first ‘floor plant sized’ anthurium. Probably 3 1/2 feet tall these days!

[@ginakapuscinski9698]

Ooof, and THE Radicans-of-my-heart, which started this all for me!

[@waikatoplants3059]

I agree with you.mine are in perlite.i do the same as you

[@onestrangeanimal3212]

Beautiful plants! And I really like the dead wood. Do you think pumice would work as well as leca for that kind of semi-hydro?

[@plantgayforlife]

absolutely! I use pumice too

[@onestrangeanimal3212]

@@plantgayforlife Great, thanks!

[@codielane9787]

New sub here. Very interesting, informative and entertaining! Thanks for sharing! 💚🙂

[@plantgayforlife]

Thanks for joining the party!😊

[@growing_with_lily]

great video! innformative and def gonna switch some of my anthuriums over!! i follow a couple other KZbinrs that also do their in jars and they are fineeee

[@plantgayforlife]

yes! let me know how it works out! no drainage was a game changer for me

[@Dhruv_Dogra]

If your area has hardwater, the salts will rapidly accumulate in a glass vase without a hole and kill your plant

[@plantgayforlife]

It depends on your water. I live in NYC. I’ve grown plants in vases for years and they’re all thriving without ever having drainage

[@LucasEY]

Alright you convinced me hahah I’m gonna give this a shot! Watering my huge anthuriums in place instead of lugging them to the sink sounds like a dream. Just wondering if you’ve ever tried other substrates at the bottom instead of leca? I’m thinking of trying activated charcoal or pumice

[@plantgayforlife]

Hi! Sorry for the late response, this older video recently got picked up by the algorithm haha! YES i have been using straight up fluvial stratum with great results! I have also used pon, perlite, and pumice has a reservoir substrate, then moss or aroid mix on top. aroid mix i find works better for species with thick roots, while thinner roots dry out a little too much in it, so they seem to do better in moss! I haven't used charcoal as a reservoir base but have used it in aroid mixes.

[@LucasEY]

@@plantgayforlife Awesome ty so much!

[@donnarie101291]

ok, so whenever i have continued issues with one of my plants i rinse off any dirt from the roots then place them in a jar of plain water which i switch out every week or 2. i will add fertilizer once a month to the water during growing season. It does seem to stabilize the plants and they seem to do better for me and I like that they are pest free also now. My question is "is there a benefit (or 2) of adding moss/perlite with a leca or pon bottom? I also wrap a cut up old sock around the jars for root darkness and to add insulation during cooler nites...

[@plantgayforlife]

moss, perlite, leca, and pin are all inorganic materials and will nearly eradicate fungus gnats. That was why I decided to switch over. I had gnats everywhere. Moss is like a sponge. it's moisture retentive but also aerated, which will help your aroid roots breathe better than traditional soil, which is more dense. even terrestrial species benefit from it! also picturing your plants in a sock made me smile! haha!

[@donnarie101291]

@@plantgayforlife I’m sorry I wasn’t exactly clear with my question. What I’m trying to find out if there’s a benefit to the moss/perlite/pon/leca as opposed to keeping them in straight water and a jar with a sock 🧦 🧦🌱🌱

[@plantgayforlife]

@@donnarie101291 what plants in particular

[@donnarie101291]

@@plantgayforlife Plants I currently have in just water ( no moss/leca combo) are an anthurium clarinervium, an Alocasia pink princess, syngonium Aurea, a begonia Maculata hybrid, and and 2 pink Aglaonemas. I have had them sitting in their own a mason jar of water for months/ years doing fine. I change 50% of the water out each week to add oxygen and use fertilized water once a month. What I am asking is would adding moss/pon benefit or should I just continue in just water…?

[@plantgayforlife]

@@donnarie101291 if its working then keep doing it hydroponic style!

[@motorsportguy]

Haters always gonna hate! Plant folks get real mad without drainage holes. I totally think it’s a very valid growing style/practice. Pay the haters no attention, grow on fellow plant gay! I love layering soil types myself too, but that by definition is simi hydro

[@MichaelDeNicola]

dunno how this video just showed up on my feed but I'm so glad it did! I'm gonna move some sphagnum moss props into some Mason jars tonight

[@MichaelDeNicola]

how much water should I put in the bottom part?

[@yasminransom-taber2220]

Fun fact this works on my orchids too

[@plantgayforlife]

Nice! I know a lot of ppl have success growing orchids in vases!

[@ginakapuscinski9698]

Okay…gonna try…. Absolutely . Question: how much water is in container? I couldn’t see. Maybe I am a moron (so be it). Please, tell me how much water! Thank you, really.

[@plantgayforlife]

the layer of substrate for the reservoir below the roots should only be about an inch. When you water and refill the reservoir, don't let the water line submerge the original root system, they are not water roots and will rot. the moss will wick up the water and hydrate the roots through capillary action. however, as the root system grows, it will send new roots down into the resevoir. those are water roots and can sit in the reservoir no problem!

[@wendybars]

How do you keep pests away and what type of fertilizer do you use in your jars? Planning on transferring my Queen to a container with leca and moss. Thank you.

[@plantgayforlife]

check out this video :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-rn2ShmJuehq8

[@northernplantuckyplantcinc2630]

Dirty cocoponleca has been doing miracles for me. I believe it's some point someone coined it the parfait method. I just fuck with my plants like get it right😂🎉 it all depends on your individual environment the plants you're working with🎉 moss on top all day long🎉

[@lavenderpurp6610]

Do u keep them inside or outdoors? I placed my anthuriums outside and thinking in putting them in inside in leca,im struggling wd my a. Waroq queen, in leca, then aroid mix dn now in moss inside glass dome i hope it will survived. It had 4 leaves when i got her but now none is left 🤭😂

[@Aleal5]

Do you recommend just moss or super chunky no soil with little bit of moss mix for anthurium?

[@plantgayforlife]

You can do either! I'm an underwaterer so a moss substrate stays hydrated longer. but i also have some in aroid mixes with moss, orchid bark, perlite, leca, charcoal, etc that work well too!

[@Aleal5]

@@plantgayforlife thank you so much!!

[@guywithaplant]

Love your vibes! Thanks for this very interesting and informative video. I'm super excited to run out to get Anthuriums now! How do you fertilise them in this setup? For watering, just top up accordingly? BTW, you got a new sub 😃

[@plantgayforlife]

Thanks for subbing! welcome to the hot mess lol! I fertilize every watering pretty much. I currently use better gro better bloom orchid fertilizer and they are flowering a lot more frequently now! but I've used many different fertilizers and aroids are not picky. I refill the reservoir when the top layer of moss gets a little dehydrated. as long as the moss is still damp, the reservoir doesn't need to be refilled quite yet.

[@guywithaplant]

@@plantgayforlife sounds great! I can't wait to get my Anthurium in this setup. My humidity level is crap.

[@human3872]

What about checking ph and changing out the water

[@plantgayforlife]

I never do either, I live in NYC and our water has a good ph balance.

[@lavenderpurp6610]

Wow ive been hearing alot of humidity stuff, cand call me stupid but um having a hard time understanding it 😂😂 and same wd u i dont agree wd it

[@single_use_planet_]

Been collecting plants since last spring, man from that time I have killed so many of them just by being bullied by tiktoks hahah, I did everything they told me to do as if there are exact rules to how any plant wants to thrive and it just did not work for me, no drainage has been working so much better, it makes so much more sense to me to water until it's wet enough than to water until you have all the soil down the sink, I have most plants in pon now just cause soil annoys me, I do not like seeing droopy plants so letting shit dry out completely and then watering is not something I want to deal with

[@plantgayforlife]

yeah I don't listen to anyone who says "follow steps 1, 2, 3, to grow this plant, and every other way is wrong." i dont care if they have been growing plants for 20 years. Ive had a lot of pompous a holes tell me "anthuriums NEED high humidity, no way around it." well here i am growing them with big beautiful leaves in my 25% humidity living room, meanwhile these "experts" are growing all theirs inside ugly grow tents! there is no "one size fits all" method to growing plants.

[@ofthesea3]

Are those willow stakes?

[@plantgayforlife]

Curling willow!

[@ofthesea3]

Pretty!

[@annafink2245]

I'm dying...haha

[@NaTyra6411]

I wonder if the plants do so well when the pots are full of alge is because the alge produces oxygen?

[@plantgayforlife]

Ya know what I never thought of it like that! I’ll have to do some research and see if algae has any benefits to plant growth!

[@Milanarus]

how do handle the nutritions

[@plantgayforlife]

I fertilize with every watering or so! most houseplant fertilizers will suffice!

[@monsteraetc]

#TeamNoDrainage

[@dsepisodes]

COME AT ME BRO! I think I know where the phrase is from 🤣

[@plantgayforlife]

Hahaha!!🤣❤️

[@dsepisodes]

@@plantgayforlife One more thing do you use a nutrient solution to water them or do they survive in just water? thank you

[@plantgayforlife]

@@dsepisodes I fertilize with every watering! I use florabloom but honestly any fertilizer will work! Moss and leca ha no nutrients so rather than once a month I put liquid fertilizer in the water:)

[@kathleenlewis1954]

🪴

[@s0me0nelse]

omg i cant believe it, i actually watched the whole thing waiting for the practicle guide of how to do semihydro like you do, and there is no practicle guide at the video at all!!! so misleading and frustrating man, you should start this video with disclamer of "want a guide for semihydro? click here". what a waster of my time 😢

[@plantgayforlife]

Sorry for your loss