This video shows you how to choose the best soil for repotting your houseplants. Find out why many soils aren’t the best choice for repotting houseplants. Discover what to look for in the best soil for repotting houseplants. What amendments and fertilizers to add to your houseplant soil for optimum indoor garden growth.
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Hello, and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening and the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll find in the description below. You’ll also see links in the description for any videos mentioned, including links to the other parts of this series on repotting houseplants. This is part 3 in the series, focusing on choosing soil, an important part of the repotting process. Soil is where roots reside, and the health of your plant’s roots determines the health of its foliage and the overall top part of the plant.
This is Marvin, the star of this series, and today he’s going to be repotted. Choosing soil can be tricky because many commercial soils are primarily composed of ground-up mulch, sometimes even just mulch itself. For example, here is a mix with large pieces of bark and sand. While sand is often thought to promote drainage, too much sand can actually hold excess moisture and cause root rot. Sand creates a thick and heavy texture that can be detrimental to the roots.
Instead, I prefer potting soils that contain perlite, such as Pro-Mix BX. This is one of my favorite soils for growing houseplants. The white pieces you see in the Pro-Mix are perlite, which creates excellent drainage. In contrast, large amounts of sand can make soil overly thick and heavy, which isn’t ideal. In these mixes with large bark pieces, the mulch can decompose and release gases harmful to roots. Ideally, you want a stable soil composition, so the ongoing decomposition that occurs with bark-heavy soil is less than ideal. Decomposition is natural and necessary to some extent, but it should come from stable organic additions like worm compost rather than unstable mulch pieces.
Other mixes are fine but can also be thick and heavy. These can work well if you add a substance like perlite or pumice. Pumice, a lava rock that doesn’t decompose, is my favorite drainage aid. Once pumice is in the soil, it stays there unless removed, offering long-lasting drainage without breaking down. If you have a fine, heavy soil, adding about 25% pumice can create a well-draining mix suitable for many plants. Use your intuition and adjust the ratio until you reach a consistency that feels right.
Specific plants require different drainage levels. For example, succulents need a very fast-draining mix, while plants like maidenhair fern can tolerate a heavier, more moisture-retentive soil. However, remember that all roots need oxygen. If soil is too heavy, it will limit oxygen availability and can cause root rot, leading to plant decline.
Additionally, you might find additives like alfalfa meal, which acts as a natural growth hormone, or worm compost, which enriches the soil. If your soil doesn’t include these, you can always add them. Mycorrhizae are also a beneficial addition; these microscopic fungi establish a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, helping them absorb more water and nutrients. Pro-Mix also includes mycorrhizae, making it a great option, though you can add additional mycorrhizae if desired.
In summary, take the time to choose the right soil, as it’s vital to plant health. Remember to use potting soil rather than outdoor soil for houseplants and container-grown plants. Outdoor soil isn’t designed for indoor use and can negatively impact plant growth. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave comments if you have any questions or requests for indoor gardening tutorials. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
Choosing Soil for Houseplants FAQ
Why is choosing the right soil important for houseplants?
Choosing the right soil is crucial for houseplants because it provides a suitable environment for roots. Healthy roots lead to healthy foliage and overall plant health, while poor soil can lead to root rot and other issues.
Why can commercial soils be problematic for repotting houseplants?
Commercial soils often contain large pieces of mulch or bark that decompose over time, releasing gases that can harm plant roots. They may also hold excess moisture, which can lead to root rot.
Is sand beneficial for houseplant soil?
While sand is sometimes added to promote drainage, too much sand can actually hold excess moisture and make the soil heavy. This can cause root rot and reduce oxygen availability to the roots.
What is perlite, and why is it good for houseplant soil?
Perlite is a lightweight, white substance found in potting soils like Pro-Mix BX. It creates excellent drainage, allowing air to reach plant roots, which helps prevent root rot.
Why should I use pumice in my houseplant soil?
Pumice is a stable, lava-based rock that provides long-lasting drainage without decomposing. Adding about 25% pumice to heavy soil creates a well-draining mix suitable for various houseplants.
How much pumice should I add to my soil mix?
If you have heavy or fine soil, adding approximately 25% pumice can help improve drainage. Adjust the ratio based on your plant’s specific needs and the consistency of the soil.
Do different plants require different types of soil drainage?
Yes, some plants, like succulents, need very fast-draining soil, while others, like maidenhair fern, tolerate more moisture-retentive soil. Adjust drainage based on the plant’s needs.
What are some beneficial soil additives for houseplants?
Common beneficial additives for houseplants include alfalfa meal, worm compost, and mycorrhizae. These additives enrich the soil, support plant growth, and improve nutrient and water absorption.
Why shouldn’t I use outdoor soil for houseplants?
Outdoor soil is not recommended for indoor plants because it can compact in containers, limiting oxygen to roots, and may contain harmful elements or organisms that negatively affect plant health.
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