The Role of Soil Mix in Preventing Common Indoor Plant Diseases: Tips and Tricks
As we all plant parents know soil is fundamental and essential for plant growth as it acts as a medium to extend their roots and absorb nutrients and water that are required for healthy growth. But did you know that they can rather have another benefit of preventing your beauty from deadly diseases? Yes, the right soil mix with the right ingredients works to keep your plant safe. The physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil play a vital role in determining the health and growth of plants. A healthy soil environment promotes healthy
plants, while a poor soil environment can lead to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and even plant death. If you take a deeper look at the soil, the concept of it is actually fascinating. It contains microscopic bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil, to the earthworms and other microorganisms that help to aerate the soil and create
channels for water and air to flow, there is so much going on beneath our feet that we may not always appreciate.
Importance of Soil In Plant Health:
Soil is actually really important when it comes to preventing diseases in indoor plants. Healthy soil is full of beneficial microbes and fungi that can help protect your plants from harmful pathogens. For instance, certain types of bacteria found in soil can actually produce antibiotics that fight off disease-causing fungi. And mycorrhizal fungi, which form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, can help improve nutrient uptake and overall plant health, making them less susceptible to disease.
But here’s the thing: not all soil is created equal. If you’re using soil that’s been contaminated with disease-causing pathogens, or soil that’s been depleted of beneficial microbes, your plants are more susceptible to disease. So, it’s important to choose high-quality soil for your indoor plants and to make sure you’re properly caring for your soil by fertilizing and watering your plants appropriately. And if you notice signs of disease in your plants, like wilting
discolouration, or unusual growth patterns, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
What Makes A Soil Self-Resistant To Diseases:
We all have a basic idea that soil is the ground for plant life and the most important for plants to grow but did you know that it can also protect your plants from being prone to diseases and bugs? Yes they can and some materials can be infused in your soil to make them disease resistant are as follows:
● Perlite: Perlite is a lightweight, volcanic rock that’s often added to soil to improve drainage. Good drainage is essential for preventing soil-borne diseases, as standing water can create a breeding ground for harmful pathogens.
● Compost: Compost is a rich, organic material that’s made by decomposing plant matter. Adding compost to your soil can help improve soil structure, fertility, and the overall health of your plants. Compost is also home to beneficial microbes and fungi that can help fight off disease-causing pathogens.
● Vermiculite: Vermiculite is another lightweight mineral that’s often used to improve soil structure and drainage. It can help prevent soil compaction, which can create anaerobic conditions that are conducive to disease.
● Peat moss: Peat moss is a type of sphagnum moss that’s often added to soil to improve water retention. It can also help buffer soil pH, which can be important for preventing certain types of plant diseases.
Though there are different materials that can be added to the soil, always keep in mind that different plants have different soil requirements, so you’ll want to research the specific needs
of your plants before adding any of these ingredients to your soil. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to use high-quality, sterile soil to prevent the introduction of disease-causing
pathogens.
Why Do Indoor Plants Get More Prone To Diseases?
● Lack of ventilation: If you are a person who keeps indoor plants next to your bed or in a small room without much ventilation, then your plants are likely to catch a fungal disease due to the increased humidity level making them more susceptible to fungal diseases.
● Low light levels: The concept of indoor plants, doesn’t mean they don’t need sunlight. They just mean that they can thrive in indirect and bright light so make sure you give them enough sunlight. If they do not receive enough light indoors, especially if they are placed far away from windows or in rooms with little natural light can weaken the plant and make it more vulnerable to diseases.
● Overwatering: Are you a person who thinks that even a day without watering, can harm your plants? Do you water your plants thoroughly every day? If so, you are making a mistake! Actually, overwatering is a common problem with indoor plants. When plants are overwatered, the soil can become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
● Lack of humidity: Humidity for a plant must be maintained well. It shouldn’t be too high or too low and many indoor plants out there require a certain level of humidity to thrive, but indoor environments are often very dry, especially in the winters which allows the bugs and pests to attach to plants easily. Try to group your plants together as this will help in maintaining humidity level.
Indoor Plants That Are More Prone To Diseases:
There are several indoor plants that are more prone to diseases in India. Some of the most common ones include:
● Money plant (Epipremnum aureum) – There are various variants in money plants and they are said to be extremely beginner friendly except for the fact that they are susceptible to leaf spot, root rot, and mealybugs.
● Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – This is again another common plant in the beginner-friendly list which are prone to spider mites and fungal diseases.
● Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – This elegant and beautiful flowering plant is not very hard to maintain and all that you have to take care of is the fungal diseases, leaf blight, and root rot that might be a troublemaker.
● Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) – This variety is sturdy and can have good growth but are more prone to scale insects, mealybugs, and fungal diseases.
● Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – These are beautiful plants with stunning foliage and colour. These plants are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal leaf spots, root rot, and spider mites.
We just guided you on some tips for soil mixes that can save your plants from diseases to prevent diseases in indoor plants, it is important to provide them with adequate ventilation, light, water, and humidity. Regularly inspecting and monitoring the plants for signs of disease and promptly treating any problems can also help keep them healthy. To buy some low-cost
and stunning plants online, visit www.dharmikgardens.com.
