Find out how thick to put mulch on houseplants. Mulching your houseplants is good for promoting beneficial bacteria in the soil. Mulch also cuts down on the need for watering. This video shows you how much mulch to add and how to go about adding the mulch.
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Today, we’re going to talk about how thick to put mulch down when you’re mulching your houseplants. I do have a video on mulching your houseplants and the benefits of doing it. A couple of the benefits are conserving moisture, so you don’t have to water as often and to ensure the plant doesn’t dry out, preventing drought stress. Mulching also helps build up the beneficial microbes in the soil.
This is a peace lily, which today I am going to add some mulch to. If you’ve grown peace lilies, you know that they like to suck up the water. Although they can withstand drought and come back, it’s really not good for them. The more you can prevent them from drying out, the better, and mulch is a great way to do that.
I’m using some shredded cedar mulch today. There’s one called Gorilla mulch as well, but this one is shredded cedar bark. I am going to apply it to the top of this plant. You can see there’s some room here to go ahead and add the mulch. This plant has been mulched before, but the mulch has broken down over time, which will happen. So, you’ll want to put some more on at a later date.
When mulching, aim for about an inch to two inches of mulch, ideally an inch and a half. I’m going to go ahead and add some here. You want to water the plant before you mulch, and then you’re going to water the mulch as well. I did already water this plant.
Now, I’m putting on about an inch of mulch. You want to cover up the soil, but you don’t want to go too crazy because the soil needs to breathe so that the roots can breathe as well.
As you can see when we’re done, there’s a really nice mulch layer on here. Make sure to fill in any areas where it needs a little bit more. This is going to make the plant healthier and help it conserve moisture, as mentioned earlier.
Now the plant has a nice layer of mulch, and this will help it stay hydrated for a longer time. Sometimes it can be up to a week longer with this mulch because dry air can dry out the top of the soil, in addition to the plant cycling water. The mulch helps greatly with that.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mulching Houseplants
What is the purpose of mulching houseplants?
Mulching helps conserve moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering, and prevents plants from drying out, which can lead to drought stress. It also builds up beneficial microbes in the soil.
How thick should I put mulch down on my houseplants?
When mulching, aim for about one to two inches of mulch, ideally around an inch and a half for optimal coverage.
Can peace lilies benefit from mulching?
Yes, peace lilies can benefit greatly from mulching as it helps retain moisture, ensuring they stay hydrated longer, especially since they like to absorb water.
What type of mulch is recommended for houseplants?
Shredded cedar mulch is a good option for houseplants. Another option is Gorilla mulch, but shredded cedar bark is commonly used.
Should I water my plant before or after applying mulch?
You should water your plant before applying mulch, and it’s also recommended to water the mulch after it’s applied to ensure moisture retention.
How can I tell if I need to add more mulch?
If the mulch has broken down over time or if you notice that the soil is becoming exposed, it’s a good indication that you should add more mulch.
How does mulch affect the soil’s ability to breathe?
While mulch helps retain moisture, it’s important not to apply it too thickly, as the soil needs to breathe to allow the roots to access oxygen. Proper application ensures healthy root growth.
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