From my perspective as a Desert Rose (Adenium obesum), the single most important aspect of my pot is what happens at the very bottom. I am a xerophytic plant, evolved to store vast amounts of water in my thick, caudex trunk. My roots are simply not designed for constant moisture. When water lingers around them, the soil becomes devoid of oxygen. My roots suffocate, begin to rot, and this rot will quickly spread upwards, leading to my collapse. Excellent drainage isn't just a preference; it is a fundamental requirement for my survival. It allows excess water to escape immediately, pulling fresh air into the soil and keeping my root system healthy and aerobic.
The process begins with the selection of my home. I strongly prefer a pot with multiple drainage holes. One small hole is often insufficient. Several large holes are ideal. The material of the pot also matters. Unglazed terracotta is my favorite because it is porous, allowing water to evaporate through the pot's walls in addition to draining out the bottom. This provides a double layer of protection against wet feet. Before any soil is added, a critical first layer must be placed. Cover the drainage holes with a mesh screen, a broken piece of pottery, or a coffee filter. This prevents the soil from washing out while still allowing water to flow freely.
Standard potting soil is a death sentence for me. It compacts around my roots and holds far too much water. My perfect soil mix is incredibly gritty and inorganic. A good recipe from my point of view would be a combination of one part potting soil (for minimal nutrient retention), one part coarse perlite or pumice (for aeration), and one part coarse sand or small gravel (for weight and drainage). Some growers even use a purely mineral mix of turface, pumice, and pine bark fines. The goal is to create a mix where water flows through it instantly, merely dampening the components rather than saturating them.
How I am potted is the final step. I should never be buried too deeply. My prized caudex must remain well above the soil line to prevent rot. After planting, a layer of inorganic top dressing, such as small pebbles, gravel, or aquarium stone, can be added on the surface. This serves two purposes: it helps keep the base of my stem dry and prevents the lightweight soil mix from being displaced during watering. When you water me, do so thoroughly until water runs freely from those drainage holes, and then do not water again until the soil is completely dry all the way through.
