Experts warn against popular trick for potted plant health.

The "sponge" hack for potted plants, which involves cutting up sponges and placing them at the bottom of the planter before adding soil, is not recommended by gardening experts. While the hack claims to help retain excess moisture and prevent root rot, it can actually cause waterlogging, soil compaction, and the growth of harmful microorganisms. Instead, experts recommend using traditional drainage materials such as gravel or sand, or using mesh discs to avoid waterlogging that causes root rot.