Does anyone, as a normal matter of procedure, drill holes in the side of the cup. Not the bottom but the sides, for the purpose of letting oxygen in. It would have a  similar effect hopefully of being like a clay pot, which breathes a little more. But you can still see through it to observe root development. I do realize it will cause the perlite (or whatever medium is being used), to dry out faster. But it would let oxygen in. Somebody must have tried this? Please let me know what has happened. Or I'll let you know. Cause I'm going to try it unless someone has done it and can tell me it doesn't work. Thanks

Sorry, This is for rooting cuttings. I just realized I had not mentioned that.

I always do as I follow tom from this forum and as New England gardener on You tube.
Larry

Bretton....Yes, I punch holes in the side as well as the bottom! One of the things that will kill a small plant is too much moisture! The best way I have found is to use a cheap soldering Iron and melt holes on the side as well as the bottom! Hope this helps...Good Luck!

Frank

See. I figured it was a good idea and somebody was doing it. But I always looked at rooted cutting pics and I could never see any holes in the side. Frank, I use a  propane torch. I just set it on my dining room table, light it, and then put one of those metal shishkebob things in its flame until it gets red hot. Goes through like butter. I can do a good bunch of holes before it cools down. The only thing is my wife isn't so keen on the smell. I keep promising her figs. Gonna be a  long winter....

I might miss understand your question, I guess that holes on bottom of cup, it has 2 functions.

1). it drains extra water out to stop root rotten
2). it allows oxygen in


Putting holes on side only on cup, it does allow oxygen in but it will not drain extra water out.

It should be fine to put holes on bottom as well as sides but not on sides of cup only.

Bretton...Please make holes in the  the cups the way I said previously! We have a rash of newbies giving advice which is wrong! Such as the previous poster! .....Good Luck!