Climbing yellow Mandevilla planting

Question

My name is Diana, and i live in Abu Dhabi, UAE. A very hot and humid climate in the summer time and a fairly cool climate in the winter season ( Nov-April- 22-29 Celsius).
I recently planted Yellow Mandevilla plants in big pots (with no holes) in my patio hoping for them to climb with the arch of the patio. I can share a photo. the gardener has been over watering the plants and since the pots do not have holes for the water to drain are drowning in water and probably has soggy soil at the bottom of the pot. The pots are really beautiful and i really want to use them in my patio, is there any way that i can make the plant healthy and full of flowers without changing the pot?

Thank you,
Diana

Answer 1

Those are unique and beautiful pots, I can see why you want to use them. But no, you cannot continue to water without drainage. Change the pots or drill drainage holes as soon as possible. Root rot will cause decline and eventual death of the plant.

You may be able to drill holes in the bottom of the containers, by carefully laying them over on their side onto a well padded surface and blocked so they cannot roll. Don’t try to punch or chip a hole in the bottom of the pot or you could crack the entire pot.
The type of drill bit that you use is important and should be matched to the material. Your pots are glazed on the sides, but may be un-glazed on the bottom. If so you can use a masonry drill bit, usually available in hardware stores. Go with a 1/2 in diameter bit, and you will need an electric drill that can accommodate that size bit. Take it slow and let the drill work it’s way through with moderate pressure; don’t force it too fast.
Here’s an article that may help:
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2013/06/drill-drainage-holes.html