Why you should aerate your houseplant soil
Let me start with a different question: Have you ever tried holding your breath and drinking a glass of water? Doesn't sound like a good idea, does it? But that's what we do to our houseplants every time we allow their potting soil to get as hard as cement. The solution is simple: soil aeration. Here's a little guide on why you should aerate your houseplants and how to do it.
What is houseplant soil aeration and why should I care?
Even if your middle school science classes were as boring as mine, you'll still remember this message: Through the process of photosynthesis, plants use their leaves to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Humans need oxygen to survive, so humans need to have more plants around them. (Or at least that's what I tell myself when I go for another browse at my local thrift store.) It turns out that's only half the story. Plants also need oxygen to survive, something we often don't think about enough. All plant cells need oxygen to perform aerobic respiration (breaking down food to obtain energy). Plants need oxygen around the roots, where photosynthesis does not take place, and they obtain oxygen from tiny air pockets in the soil.
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Wait, I'm not aerating my garden? Why should I aerate my houseplants?
Well, in the garden, the soil is constantly aerated by worms and other microbes and creates air pockets. However, houseplants are not really "house" plants. We take tropical plants and place them in an artificial environment (plastic or ceramic pot) in an almost sterile potting mix. But once we remove the tiny organisms that aerate the soil in forests, that job falls on us.
Do I really need to aerate my plant's soil?
If you want a healthy and beautiful plant, do it. If your plant's roots can't reach enough oxygen, the plant will slow down its growth. This can lead to poor absorption of nutrients and water, causing the plant to wilt and become diseased. What do you do to revive it: fertilize it and water it more, right? And then you wonder why the houseplant isn't happy? Been there, (unfortunately) done that!
How can I tell if my plant needs ventilation?
As I mentioned above, a lack of oxygen around the roots is often misdiagnosed as a lack of water or fertilizer. So look out for other signs of poor soil aeration:
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Earthenware compacted to look like cement or hard clay;
After you water your plant, water will form puddles on the surface of the soil longer than usual; The soil shrinks towards the center of the pot, leaving a thin gap between the soil and the walls of the pot; The water drains very fast in that gap I mentioned above.
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How do I ventilate my houseplants?
It's very easy and you don't need any special equipment, although you can buy some fancy ones if you want. It takes about a minute per plant and I only do it once a month. If you're doing it for the first time, let me break it down for you to see how simple it is.
Step 1: Assemble the aerator of your choice.
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An aerator is a fancy word, isn't it? I use a chopstick or bamboo straw for tall pots and some popsicle sticks for smaller pots. If you're committed to having takeout and ice cream, you can use a pen or pencil. Make sure whatever you use isn't too sharp for you and the plant. So don't use knives, scissors, or scissors.
If you are doing more plants at once, take a paper towel and spray it with some rubbing alcohol. You'll use it to sweep air between plants. This is optional, but good if some of your houseplants are showing signs of insect infestation.
Step 2: Insert the aerator into the soil surface.
Using an aerator, loosen the soil slightly in circular motions. Repeat this process every few inches until you have covered most of the surface of the potting soil. If you encounter resistance or hear roots snapping, that's okay. But please don't be too aggressive in your eagerness to get this right. Remove the ventilator and wipe it with alcohol if you are going to use it again.
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Step 3: Water your houseplant.
Now that the soil is aerated, the water will be evenly distributed and properly absorbed by the roots. The water will further break down the soil clods that you removed manually. Rather than giving your plants extra water because you've aerated. Consider soil aeration a monthly routine before watering your houseplants. I only have time to take care of plants on the weekends, so I know that every first Sunday of the month I air my houseplants. It only takes 30 seconds per plant, but the results are visible. If you don't remember it, set a reminder for the first couple of months until you get used to it.
Some additional tips to improve soil aeration for your houseplants:
1. Use the right potting medium.
"Can I use garden dirt for my houseplants?" If I had a dollar for every time I was asked that I'd have enough dollars to buy one of these expensive houseplants. No, you cannot; If you plan to keep your houseplant indoors, don't use leftover topsoil or compost from your garden. Potting medium designed for houseplants should contain elements that keep the soil aerated, such as coco coir, perlite, or LECA. If it doesn't, you can buy it separately and adjust your potting soil when you repot your plant.
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2. Plant your plants regularly.
At some point, manual ventilation just won't cut it. The potting soil becomes very compacted and nutrients are drained, so repotting can only correct the problem. I try to transplant my houseplants once a year, give or take a couple of months when time permits in spring and early summer. As you transplant, gently shake the pot as you add more and more soil to the top to allow air pockets to form below the surface. Also, under no circumstances should you end a rep session by putting pressure on the soil and inhaling too much.
3. Do not place large objects on the surface of the soil.
How to Say "Your Cat Destroys Your Plant" Without Saying It No matter how cute your ZZ is poking its head up from behind the plant, don't let Mr. Fluffy sleep on top of your houseplant pots. It's not worth it. And while we're at it, don't put heavy decorative items (like rocks or crystals) in the pot. The next time you do your houseplant care routine, make sure your beloved houseplant has all four elements: water, light, soil, and air.
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