my bulbs in their flowerpots are swimming in water due to no drainage hole?

Question

my bulbs in the flowerpots outside are swimming in water due to no drainage holes in the pots. must i leave them like that. when i tilt the pot over the bulb moves and i am afraid to disturb the roots and growth of bulbs. i tried to make hole in the sides of the pots but only little water flows out. i planted hundreds of bulbs and do not want to replant. will they grow and bloom. must i add more soil on top. will they grow through.

Answer 1

Sorry to say,but as far as my reasoning goes nothing likely to give you a permanent solution but re potting ,Gently lifting out the bulbs by hand will not damage them in any way,wash & dry out your pots,drill good drainage holes in each,cover each hole with a good sized bit of broken pot ,add a layers os small stones or crock or any matreial that would encourage drainage fill with good potting soil & replant.These bulbs are going to thrill you with their blooms for many seasons,it is worth the effort to keep them well provided & comfortable.

Answer 2

They definitely need a drainage hole. You might try pushing a long handled screwdriver through the dirt and see if you can knock a small hole in the bottom of the pot. Of course you might break the pot. Those fancy pots that don't have holes need to have a fairly large layer of small rocks before you put in the potting soil. Root rot is what kills most potted plants, which is caused by over watering. Sometime you can find little sensors at the nursery that you put in the pot's dirt so it will tell you when to water. If it is rain just tip the pots over and let it run out. I gave up and used plastic plants in some very difficult pots, especially those that the squirrels wouldn't leave alone,

Answer 3

Are you watering too much? Too much rain? If there is that much water, do NOT add any more until the water goes away. You may have to tilt the pot and drill a hole in the bottom. Try buying a spare pot, drill a hole in the bottom (make sure its big enough too, at least 3/8 inch) and transplant the bulb. Then drill a hole in the bottom the now empty pot and keep repeating unitl done.

Answer 4

Always make sure your pots have drainage holes or you will have this problem. The bulbs will rot if you leave them as they are so it sounds like you need to re-pot them. Try making holes in the base of the pot and do not leave them directly on the ground. Raise the pots up on some kind of 'feet' to let the water drain out and prevent insects getting in. In future, check for draininge holes and put some gravel in the base of your pot before planting.

Hope you manage to save your bulbs - good luck !

Answer 5

Try sponge to remove the excess water. Try to put very small amount of soil so as to absorb remaining water. Afterwards let the water evaporate on its own . It can be very difficult to drill the holes in bottom of the flowerpots at this stage. Try to keep the flowerpots under open roof where they can get indirect sunlight and wont be soaked in rains .or Try to erect temporary roof by fixing four poles in four corners and putting plastic sheet over it to protect the flowerpots from excess rain water. Always water these plants sparingly (frugaly) as there are no holes in the pots. Excess water can damage the roots of any plant. Prey to God for saving your bulbs . ( I have already started it. I am very passionate nature lover.) I wouldn't want your plants to perish.

Answer 6

The roots won't get damaged if you hold the soil with your hand when you tip the pot. You should remove the standing water or they will rot.

Don't add more soil. Drill holes in the bottoms of the pots.

Answer 7

drill three 10mm holes about 25mm from the bottom of each pot then make a hole by pushing a 12 to 16mm dowl between the pot and the soil down to
the drilled holes,this will drain away the excess water in no time

Answer 8

might try putting small rocks on the bottom of the pots or if you have a drill, drill some holes in the bottom of the pots

Answer 9

Take them out gently and put some small stones in the bottom.

Answer 10

You will have to drill a hole or the roots will rot and kill the plants............