Do Plant Pots Need Saucer? Why and What Are The Benefits

Last Updated on May 28, 2022 by Gary Stephen

Proper drainage is critical for every potted plant. As much as we want to keep the soil moist, it is also equally important for the excess water to flow out freely. Doing so will help to balance the level of moisture the soil needs. Thus, preventing it from getting drowned out or waterlogged. While we want the extra water to drain, we don’t want it dripping onto any surface inside our home. It is messy and definitely not a pleasant sight to see indoors. Thus, a plant saucer is created!

In this article, we will tell you what plant saucers are all about. What are its benefits? And, why you should own it too. Moreover, we also included links on some of the bestselling plant saucers in the market today.

What is a plant saucer?

A plant saucer is a shallow dish that is designed to catch the excess moisture from the potted plants. Often, it is about the same diameter as the base of the container or the pot. It is either sold in pair with the pot for a matching look. Or, it can also be bought separately.

The advantages of using a plant saucer

  • Collects drainage

Of course, the primary purpose of the saucer is to collect the drainage from the pot. As you water your plant, the moisture will be absorbed by the soil. However, not all will be taken in. 

Do Plant Pots Need Saucers

By virtue of gravity, the excess will naturally flow down and out into the drain hole. That is the case assuming your container has one or more openings at the bottom. The saucer then sits nicely below the pot ready to catch the extra fluid as it drains.

  • Protects surfaces

Regardless of where you decide to place your potted plants, the role of the saucer is to protect the surface it sits onto. Be it a table, a planter stand, or the patio, the saucer makes sure to collect the drains from the pot. Thus, preventing messy leaks and water damage to surfaces. 

  • Decorative purposes

Plant saucers can also be a great means to amp up the look of your plant. You can put decorative pebbles, rocks, or marbles to give it more life and color contrast. Take note, though, that the amount of water the saucer can accommodate becomes lesser as you put more pebbles into the dish.

pebbles

  • Promotes humidity

The moisture needs of each plant differ from one another. While some prefer to be on the drier side, others rather enjoy a little bit of extra moisture. Using the saucer with some pebbles and water can help raise the humidity levels. As the water evaporates, the vapor then fills the immediate surrounding with moisture. Just make sure though that the pebbles are raised higher than the drained water. Otherwise, it will saturate the soil and lead to root rotting.

  • Less hassle to transport

Whether you are moving your potted plants from outdoor to indoor, or you just decided to redecorate, it is a plus to place them on saucers. Without a doubt, saucers make it less hassle to transport. 

Because containers have holes at the bottom, it has the tendency to drop bits of soil as you move it around. Leaving traces of dirt along your path. But it doesn’t have to be that messy if you choose to use a plant saucer to catch the debris. 

  • Safety

Others may overlook this factor, but a small amount of water is enough to cause an accident. Water leaks from potted plants may be harmless on their own. But, if the spills in the flooring are unattended, it can pose a hazard for people. As you may already know, tiled indoor floors tend to be very slippery when wet. 

The disadvantages of using a plant saucer

  • Impedes proper drainage

Yes, saucers are meant to catch the excess water from the potted plants. However, it also has the tendency to pool at the bottom. So rather than getting drained, the extra fluid soaks up the soil if not discarded immediately. This can consequently lead to root rotting if left stagnant for an extended period of time. 

  • Requires extra effort

As mentioned, the excess water will eventually drain down and pool at the bottom. Thus, you are required to empty out the collected fluids in the saucer from time to time. Otherwise, the soil will get waterlogged and cause various problems.

  • Additional cost

Pots may or may not come in set with a saucer. If they do, it is often a tad bit pricier than buying the container alone. You can, however, purchase the saucer separately. They are easy to find in most garden shops or home depots. Even though is not that expensive, it is still an added cost on your end. 

Nevertheless, there are plenty of ways to improvise a plant saucer. Instead of buying, why not make use of your old dishes, soup plates, or even trays. As long as it fits the pot and it serves its purpose, then why not?

  • Our top picks for a plant saucer

Clear Plastic Plant Saucers

UPMCT Clear Durable Plant Saucers

Truedays Clear Plastic Plant Saucers

YOUniversal 6-Inch Clear Plastic Plant Saucers

Miracle-Gro Heavy-Duty Clear Plastic Saucer

Truedays Clear Plastic Plant Saucers

Kingrol Clear Plastic Plant Saucers

Polypropylene Plastic Plant Saucers:

Austin Plastic Plant Saucer

Chungun Round Flat-Type Plant Saucers

QDBNW Durable Plastic Plant Saucers

Bloem Terra Plant Saucers

TOPtoper Plastic Plant Saucers

Bamboo Plant Saucers:

T4U 2-Inch Round Bamboo Plant Saucers

T4U 3-Inch Hexagon Bamboo Plant Saucers

Haxnicks 5-Inch Compostable Green Bamboo Fibre Plant Saucers

YCDC Rectangular Plant Saucers

Anotion Bamboo Plant Saucers

Terracotta Clay Plant Saucers:

Okuna Outpost Round Terracotta Plant Saucers

Esschert Design Aged Terracotta Square Plant Saucers

Ceramic Plant Saucers:

G EPGardening Round Ceramic Plant Saucer

Achla Glass Plant Tray Saucer

Sersberg Round Ceramic Plant Saucer

Resin Plant Saucers:

Hexii Resin Hexagon Plant Saucer

Dodxiaobeul Resin Plant Saucer

Glass Plant Saucers:

Achla Glass Plant Tray Saucer

Scallop Rim Recycled Glass Plant Saucer

Wrapping Up about A Plant Saucer

So, do you really need plant saucers for your potted plants? Well, as discussed in this article, the answer basically depends on your actual needs. There are both pros and cons to using plant saucers. Thus, the answer can greatly vary depending on the intentions of the user. 

Yes, these shallow dishes provide substantial benefits. Then again, they are not that urgent that one can choose to forego its use without worries. That means, your potted plant’s chances of survival do not solely rely on the saucer. Rather, it is more likely designed to cater to one’s own convenience.

But don’t let this decision stress you out! We’ve given the ins and outs on why using a saucer might be beneficial to your luscious plants. Go through all these points, and let us know what you decide to do in the comment section below!

Gary Stephen
Gary Stephen

Hi, I am Gary Stephen. I have been gardening for a long time. Gardening gives us much benefits and pleasure. Many of us desire to have a garden, but it cannot fulfill the desire for the proper guide or instruction of gardening. So, I am eager to help them. For this purpose, I have developed the MyGardenPlant.com website to make a garden with the proper guide. So, you will get me beside you if you want to know anything about gardening.