Mulching your houseplants can cut back on the need to water by 50 percent. This video shows you how to mulch your houseplants. Also find out the other good reasons to mulch your houseplants, such as how mulch helps build up beneficial bacteria in the soil. Healthy soil leads to healthy houseplants. Mulch also looks nice on top of houseplant soil. Find out what type of mulch is best for houseplants.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHousePlants.com, where I teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you can see in the description below.
Today, I’m going to share a secret for keeping your plants moist so that you don’t have to water them as often. This method can reduce your watering needs by about 50%, and that secret is mulching your houseplants.
Here, I have shredded bark, specifically shredded redwood, which is my favorite for mulching houseplants, as well as other plants, outdoor plants, trees, and shrubs. This is a specific brand known as Gorilla Hair, but there are other similar products available.
Shredded bark is beneficial because it forms a nice, interlocking layer, which creates a protective barrier on top of the soil. This not only helps retain moisture but also creates a self-sustaining environment in the soil. The good bacteria that contribute to a healthy organic soil thrive in the top few inches of soil, making it a healthy environment for your plants.
Mulching also means you don’t have to fertilize as frequently. By maintaining this organic soil environment, the need for chemical fertilizers decreases.
Before mulching, water your plant thoroughly. This ensures that the soil is moist and helps seal in the benefits of mulching. After watering, apply a layer of mulch about half an inch to an inch thick on top of the soil. Pat the mulch down as you go.
The amount of mulch you use depends on the size of the plant and its pot. For a larger plant, closer to an inch of mulch is ideal. For smaller plants, such as this one that tends to dry out quickly, aim for between a quarter inch and an inch of mulch.
Once the mulch is in place, water the plant again with room temperature water. This will help seal the mulch in place and keep the soil moist. If you find that the mulch is not allowing enough air circulation, you can make small holes in it to improve airflow.
For larger plants or tall trees, leave about an inch of space around the base of the plant to prevent excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. For smaller plants, it’s okay to have the mulch closer to the base, but still, be mindful of not over-mulching.
Mulching mimics the natural process of fallen leaves in nature, which is beneficial for plants. It provides a neat appearance and covers the rims of containers, enhancing the overall look of your plant setup.
Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see, and remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
FAQ: Mulching Houseplants
What is the secret to keeping houseplants moist and reducing watering needs?
The secret is mulching your houseplants. Mulching can reduce watering needs by about 50% by retaining moisture in the soil.
What type of mulch is recommended for houseplants?
Shredded bark, specifically shredded redwood, is recommended for mulching houseplants. It creates a protective layer that retains moisture and promotes a healthy soil environment. Brands like Gorilla Hair are suitable, but other similar products are available.
How does mulching benefit houseplants?
Mulching creates a protective barrier on top of the soil that helps retain moisture and fosters a self-sustaining soil environment. It also reduces the need for frequent fertilization by maintaining a healthy organic soil structure.
How do you properly mulch a houseplant?
Before mulching, water the plant thoroughly. Apply a layer of mulch about half an inch to an inch thick on top of the soil. Pat the mulch down as you go. For larger plants, use closer to an inch of mulch, while for smaller plants, aim for between a quarter inch and an inch.
What should you do after applying mulch?
Water the plant again with room temperature water to help seal the mulch in place and keep the soil moist. If necessary, create small holes in the mulch to improve air circulation.
How do you handle mulching for different plant sizes?
For larger plants or tall trees, leave about an inch of space around the base of the plant to prevent excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. For smaller plants, it’s okay to mulch closer to the base but avoid over-mulching.
What is the overall effect of mulching on plant appearance?
Mulching mimics the natural process of fallen leaves and provides a neat appearance. It also covers the rims of containers, enhancing the overall look of your plant setup.
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