9. Why Do Bonsai Pots Have
Drainage Holes?

People who see a bonsai pot for the first time often wonder why there are such large holes in the bottom. These openings are far from accidental—they are an essential feature of every well-designed bonsai pot.

Drainage holes allow excess water to flow freely out of the pot. This is important because bonsai grow in a relatively small volume of substrate. If water remains trapped for too long, the roots receive insufficient oxygen and may begin to rot.

A healthy bonsai always starts with proper drainage.

 

More Than Just Water Drainage

Despite their name, drainage holes do much more than simply remove excess water.

They also improve air circulation throughout the root system. Just like the branches and leaves above the soil, roots need oxygen to remain healthy and vigorous. A free-draining bonsai substrate combined with properly designed drainage holes creates the ideal environment for strong root development.

For this reason, drainage holes are essential to the long-term health of every bonsai.

 

Wiring Holes

In addition to the larger drainage holes, most bonsai pots also feature one or more smaller holes.

These are known as wiring holes and are used during repotting to secure the bonsai firmly to the pot using aluminium or copper wire. This prevents the tree from moving while new roots establish themselves.

A stable bonsai recovers more quickly after repotting and develops a stronger root system.

 

The Right Balance

At Made Bonsai Pots, we pay close attention to the size and placement of every drainage hole.

The openings must be large enough to allow water to drain efficiently, while maintaining the strength and structural integrity of the pot. Their position is equally important. Evenly distributed drainage holes ensure that excess water can escape uniformly, preventing overly wet areas within the substrate.

These details may seem small, but they make an important contribution to both the functionality and the quality of a bonsai pot.

 

Covering the Holes

During repotting, drainage holes are usually covered with fine plastic or metal mesh.

The mesh keeps the bonsai substrate securely inside the pot while allowing both water and air to pass through freely. It is fixed in place with wire so it remains secure during repotting and watering.

Although simple, this is an important step in creating a healthy environment for root growth.

 

Functionality and Beauty

A bonsai pot should not only be beautiful—it should also function perfectly.

For that reason, we don’t see drainage holes as merely practical openings cut into the base of the pot. They are an integral part of the overall design. Every handmade bonsai pot is carefully designed to achieve the right balance between strength, functionality and aesthetics.

Even the underside of a bonsai pot deserves the same level of attention as its visible exterior.

 

Personal Advice

Not sure whether a bonsai pot is suitable for your tree?

We’re happy to help.

In addition to shape, colour and proportions, we also consider practical aspects such as depth, drainage and stability. This ensures that your bonsai pot is not only beautiful, but also provides the best possible environment for the long-term health of your tree.

 

In Conclusion

Drainage holes may seem like a small detail, but they play a vital role in keeping a bonsai healthy. They provide effective drainage, improve oxygen flow to the roots and allow the tree to be securely anchored after repotting.

At Made Bonsai Pots, we believe a bonsai pot is only truly successful when beauty and functionality go hand in hand. A beautiful pot should not only enhance the appearance of a bonsai—it should also contribute to the tree’s health and allow it to thrive for many years to come.