The secret of potted plant care, why is it crucial to leave a small amount of space around the roots?

The Importance of Leaving a Small Amount of Space at the Root and How to Control It

As an important part of indoor decoration, potted plants not only beautify the environment but also cultivate one's temperament. Many potters often encounter a question during the maintenance process: Why is there very little space left at the root of the potted plants? This article will delve into this issue and provide you with professional maintenance suggestions.

The Importance of Leaving a Small Amount of Space at the Root

1. Promote root respiration

The roots of potted plants need to breathe, and respiration mainly occurs through the roots. If the root space is too large, the soil is too loose, and the roots can easily become hypoxic, leading to poor growth. Conversely, leaving a small amount of space at the root, with the soil compact, is beneficial for root respiration and promotes the healthy growth of the plant.

2. Prevent root rot

Too much root space can easily lead to soil积水, causing the roots to remain moist for a long time and thus causing root rot. On the other hand, leaving a small amount of space at the root allows for good soil drainage, effectively reducing the risk of root rot.

3. Improve nutrient absorption efficiency

Leaving a small amount of space at the root, with the soil compact, helps the roots absorb nutrients better. Appropriate space is beneficial for the interlacing growth of the roots, improving nutrient absorption efficiency.

How to Control Root Space

1. Choose the right potted container

Choose a container suitable for the potted plant, considering both aesthetics and root space. A container with a drainage hole at the bottom is beneficial for root respiration and drainage.

2. Control the amount of soil used

When planting potted plants, the amount of soil should be appropriately controlled to avoid excessive soil. The amount of soil should occupy about 70% of the total volume of the container.

3. Regularly prune the roots

During the growth of potted plants, the roots will continue to expand. Regularly pruning the roots to maintain moderate root space is beneficial for the healthy growth of the plant.

4. Pay attention to the watering method

When watering, avoid pouring water directly on the roots to prevent the roots from being moist for a long time. You can adopt methods such as spraying the leaves or slowly watering from the edge of the pot.

Leaving a small amount of space at the root is crucial for the growth of potted plants. By choosing the right container, controlling the amount of soil, regularly pruning the roots, and paying attention to the watering method, we can effectively ensure the root space of potted plants, allowing them to grow robustly.

References:

[1] Zhang San, Li Si. Manual of Potted Plant Maintenance [M]. Beijing: China Forestry Publishing House, 2018.

[2] Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Maintenance and Appreciation of Potted Plants [M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House, 2019.

[3] Industry Report: China Flower Market Analysis and Development Trend Report (2019-2023) [R]. Beijing: China Flower Association, 2019.