As a way of indoor decoration and plant care, potted plants are increasingly popular. Many flower enthusiasts encounter a problem: the hardening of the sandy soil in the pot, which prevents the plant roots from breathing normally and affects the growth of the plant. How to solve the problem of hardening sandy soil in potted plants? Next, we will share some practical loosening techniques.
Understanding the reasons for the hardening of sandy soilWe need to understand the reasons for the hardening of sandy soil. Generally, there are several reasons for the hardening of sandy soil:
1. Large soil particles: Sandy soil with large particles tends to form a dense structure, leading to poor soil breathability.
2. Lack of organic matter in the soil: Organic matter can improve soil structure and increase soil breathability and water retention.
3. Long-term soil compaction: Soil that has not been turned over for a long time will gradually become compacted.
Loosening techniquesIn response to the above reasons, we can take the following methods to loosen the soil:
1. Increase organic matter
Add an appropriate amount of organic matter, such as decomposed leaf soil and compost, to the potted soil. This can improve soil structure, enhance soil breathability and water retention. Organic matter can also release nutrients during decomposition, providing adequate nutrition for the plant.
2. Turn the soil
Regularly turning over the potted soil can break the dense structure of the soil and increase soil breathability. When turning the soil, be careful not to damage the plant roots.
3. Use soil looseners
There are many soil looseners on the market that can quickly improve soil structure. When using them, dilute them according to the proportions specified in the instructions, spray them evenly on the soil surface, and then gently turn over the soil.
4. Increase soil particles
Appropriately increasing soil particles, such as perlite and vermiculite, can improve soil breathability. These particles form pores in the soil, which are beneficial for root respiration.
5. Water management
Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. Excessive moisture can lead to overly compacted soil, which is not conducive to root respiration. When watering, it is best to do it in the morning to reduce water evaporation.
A hardening sandy soil is a common problem in potted plants, but it can be easily solved with the above methods. Regularly loosening the soil allows plant roots to breathe smoothly and grow vigorously. We hope these techniques are helpful to you.
References:
《The Handbook of Potted Plant Care》, China Forestry Publishing House, 2018.
《Indoor Plant Care and Arrangement》, China Agricultural Publishing House, 2019.