Best DIY Soil Mixes for Indoor Plants
Who doesn’t love to see our plants grow well? The sight of a new shoot or a new bud or a new leaf always brings so much happiness and makes our day energetic right? So to bring life to our plants and to let them stay and grow healthy, the main criterion is the soil. Soil is one of the most important factors for the growth and health of indoor plants. It provides essential nutrients that plants need to thrive, as well as acting as a reservoir for water that plants absorb to sustain themselves. In this article, we will explore the importance of soil for different types of indoor plants, including cacti, succulents, and aroids, and how to choose the right soil mix for each one to ensure optimal growth and health.
The Three Main Soil Types:
Not all humans are the same and each one is unique in their own way the requirements and tastes differ from each individual, the same way the soil requirement depends on each plant variety and the family they belong to. Not all plant requires the same type of soil. This article is to help with preparing the right soil for your plants and you can do it yourself.
Soil Mix for Aroids:
Aroids are a diverse group of plants that include popular houseplants such as the peace lily, philodendron, and monsteras. These plants typically prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a slightly acidic pH level. How can you prepare soil mix for aroids at home? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back!
What Are The Ingredients used
● Leca balls – Improves aeration and also retains water that is needed.
● Charcoal – Helps in water absorption, holds nutrients, repels insects, and eliminates the risk of root rot.
● Coco husk – Provides aeration and nutrition to plants.
● Pumice – Enhances drainage and doesn’t allow root rot.
● Bark – Chunks of bark provide aeration and help stabilize soil pH.
● Cocopeat – Improves aeration and eliminates excess water storage.
● Rice Husk – Aroids and Tropical houseplants need a blend of large chunk orchid bark, perlite, coco peat, and compost to really live their best lives.
● Vermicompost – Helps in soil fertilization and also aids in root development.
Soil Mix for Cactus and Succulents:
Cacti and succulents are desert plants that are adapted to thrive in arid environments with minimal water. As such, they require a well-draining soil mix that allows water to flow freely and doesn’t retain too much moisture. The soil mix for this variety of plants must provide excellent drainage and aeration, which is essential for the roots of these plants. It’s important to avoid using soil mixes that are heavy or have high water retention, as this can lead to root rot in cacti and succulents.
● Sand – Use coarse sand as it helps with proper drainage
● Pumice – Enhances drainage and doesn’t allow root rot.
● Rice husk – Helps in proper drainage and retains less water.
● Charcoal – Helps in water absorption, holds nutrients, repels insects, and eliminates the risk of root rot.
● Cocopeat – Improves aeration and eliminates excess water storage.
● Fungicide- Keeps the plant healthy and protects it from diseases and soil moulds.
Soil Mix for Indoor Plants:
Indoor plants require a well-balanced soil mix that provides adequate nutrition and drainage while retaining enough moisture to sustain their growth. It's important to choose a soil mix that is appropriate for the specific type of indoor plant you’re growing, as different plants have varying soil requirements. Additionally, it’s recommended to use a fresh soil mix each time you repot your indoor plants to ensure optimal growth and health.
What Ingredients To Use?
● Cocopeat- Improves aeration and eliminates excess water storage.
● Organic fertilizer- Gentler than chemical fertilizers and gives the best nutrient for effective growth.
● Pumice/perlite- Enhances drainage and doesn't allow root rot.
● Charcoal- Helps in water absorption, holds nutrients, repels insects, and eliminates the risk of root rot.
Common Problems Plants Face Due To Incorrect Soil Mix:
Using a bad or incorrect soil mix can cause several problems for plants, including:
● Poor drainage: If the soil mix is too heavy or doesn't have enough drainage material, it can cause water to accumulate in the soil, leading to root rot and other diseases.
● Nutrient deficiencies: If the soil mix doesn't provide the necessary nutrients, plants can suffer from nutrient deficiencies, which can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and other issues.
● Overwatering or underwatering: If the soil mix doesn't retain the right amount of moisture, it can cause plants to be overwatered or underwatered, leading to stress and other problems.
● pH imbalances: If the soil mix has the wrong pH level, it can affect nutrient uptake and lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
● Pest infestations: Poor soil quality can attract pests and diseases, which can cause damage to plants.
Signs That Your Plant Show If They Do Not Like Their Soil Mix:
Your plants can communicate to you if they are not feeling well and those signs are:
● Yellowing leaves: If a plant’s leaves start to turn yellow, it may be a sign of nutrient deficiencies caused by a lack of proper soil mix.
● Wilting: Plants that are not getting enough water or have poor drainage due to
incorrect soil mix can wilt and appear limp.
● Root rot: Overwatering due to poor drainage in the soil mix can cause roots to rot, leading to plant death.
● Stunted growth: Plants that are not receiving adequate nutrients or water due to poor soil mix may exhibit stunted growth or small leaves.
● Leaf drop: If a plant starts losing leaves, it may be a sign of stress caused by poor soil mix or other environmental factors.
● Pests or diseases: Poor soil mix can attract pests and diseases, which can cause damage to plants.
It’s not very difficult to find out the best soil mixes that suit your lovely plants. All that you have to do is gain a little bit of knowledge and try it with your plants. To buy soil mixes online visit www.dharmikgardens.com
