Prevent Potting Soil Fires in Your Houseplants

Several years ago, I read that certain types of fabric can be quite flammable. This came as a surprise, as I hadn’t realized the clothes we wear could easily catch fire. I didn’t fully believe it until I witnessed my mother’s robe ignite in an instant. She simply walked past the stove where I was heating water, and before we knew it, the fabric had caught fire. Fortunately, my quick thinking prevented any harm, but the robe was destroyed.

Similarly, when I recently heard that potting soils could ignite, I took notice. In Canada, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has reported numerous fires caused by potting soil, and in Colorado Springs, U.S., the community suffered losses exceeding three million dollars in one year due to these incidents.

So when I heard recently that potting soils can and do light on fire, I took notice. It turns out that in Canada, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) often responds to fires caused by potting soil fires. In the United States in Colorado Springs, in one year the community sustained losses of more than 3 million dollars because of potting soil fires.

Why Potting Soil Can Catch Fire

Modern potting soils often contain very little natural dirt and are instead made up of potentially flammable materials like peat moss, wood chips, vermiculite, and polystyrene. While these components retain moisture well, they become highly flammable once they dry out. Furthermore, certain fertilizers act as oxidizers, which can cause a fire to grow rapidly if one starts.

For example, if a dry pot of soil is used as an ashtray, a smoldering cigarette could easily ignite it, potentially causing the pot to burst into flames—especially if it’s plastic, which can melt.

Tips to Prevent Potting Soil Fires

To avoid fire risks in your indoor garden, keep these important tips in mind:

• Keep Soil Moist: Avoid letting potting soil become bone-dry. While overwatering can lead to root rot, letting soil dry out completely isn’t ideal for fire safety. Water your plants when the top two inches of soil feels dry.
• Choose Clay Pots: Clay pots contain fires better than plastic, which can melt.
• Provide Ashtrays for Smokers: Ensure smokers use ashtrays instead of potting soil to extinguish cigarettes.
• Avoid Flammable Proximity: Keep houseplants away from flammable items like aerosols, cleaning products, solvents, and fuel.
• Dampen Stored Soil: If you store extra potting soil, dampen it periodically to prevent drying out.
• Remove Dead Plants: Remove dead plants from pots immediately to avoid the risk of dry soil accumulating in your home.
• Check Your Insurance Policy: Ensure your fire insurance policy covers potential potting soil fires. If you’re unsure, ask your insurance broker or seek home insurance quotes online for peace of mind.

Growing houseplants is a fulfilling hobby—avoid turning it into a fire hazard by keeping a careful eye on your potting soil.