Should I change the soil when the potting soil becomes compacted?
Abstract: Let's explore the related content about changing the soil when the potting soil becomes compacted in green plants.
Some friends ask, "The potting soil is severely compacted. Can I change the soil and replant it in autumn?" Many friends may have the same question. If pot plants are not repotted for a long time, and chemical fertilizers are used frequently, combined with frequent watering in summer, it is easy for the soil to become compacted, which makes it difficult to water thoroughly and absorb fertilizers, severely affecting the growth of potted plants.
Methods to deal with compacted potting soil
Many gardening enthusiasts encounter the problem of compacted potting soil and the first thought is to change the soil. Can changing the potting soil in autumn solve the problem of soil compaction? To answer this question, we first need to understand whether it is suitable to repot potted plants in autumn.
1. Is it suitable to repot potted plants in autumn?
Generally speaking, when repotting potted plants, we need to choose the dormant period or the period of slow growth, as changing the soil during this time has the least impact on plant growth. If repotting is done during the plant's vigorous growth period, it can easily cause the plant to wilt, severely affecting growth or even leading to withering.
So, when thinking of repotting potted plants in the fall, we need to first figure out which plants can be repotted and which cannot.
For example, plants like Clivia Miniata, Christmas Cactus, and other plants that are dormant in summer and resume growth in autumn can be repotted after the onset of autumn, which is more conducive to their growth and flowering.
But for plants like roses, hibiscus, osmanthus, camellias, chrysanthemums, and azaleas, which are in a period of vigorous growth or budding in autumn, repotting may lead to weakened growth and dropped flower buds.
Therefore, for plants that can be repotted in autumn, if the soil is compacted, we can solve the compaction problem by changing the soil. However, for potted plants not suitable for repotting in autumn, it is personally recommended not to do so to avoid more serious impacts on the plants.
2. How to deal with soil compaction if repotting is not an option?
Soil compaction should actually be prevented during routine maintenance. How can we prevent it?
Firstly, when planting potted plants, choose loose and breathable soil or nutrient-rich soil. Secondly, when watering, use a watering can to water slowly, avoiding direct hose watering or excessive watering. Most importantly, fertilizing should combine organic and chemical fertilizers, as excessive use of chemical fertilizers is also a major cause of soil compaction.
For already compacted potting soil, how can we make it loose and breathable? I have summarized the following three techniques for you to try.
Should I change the soil when the potting soil becomes compacted?
① Manual soil loosening
For potted plants with compacted soil, where watering and fertilizing are difficult, we can use a small spade to loosen the top 3-5 cm of soil. Manual soil loosening is a quick method to alleviate soil compaction, but it does not solve the problem fundamentally and should be combined with the following two methods to gradually improve the soil structure.
② Switch to organic fertilizers
Stop using chemical fertilizers and switch to organic fertilizers. You can use concentrated organic nutrient solutions or water with fermented sheep or chicken manure. You can also bury a thin layer of fermented organic fertilizer powder around the pot edge. Consistent use for a period can effectively improve soil compaction.
③ Supplement with microbial fertilizers
Microorganisms are indispensable for making compacted soil loose and breathable. Due to the long-term use of chemical fertilizers, the lack of organic matter in the soil, and the insufficient microbial flora, the potting soil becomes compacted. Therefore, supplementing microbial bacteria and organic matter is the most effective way to quickly make compacted soil loose.
We can cultivate microbial bacteria through the process of organic fertilizer fermentation, which can also make the potting soil loose.
The specific steps are as follows:
First, turn over the surface soil, then sprinkle a thin layer of unfermented rapeseed cake on the surface, mix it slightly with the surface soil, and finally water thoroughly.
This can cultivate microbial bacteria using the rapeseed cake, making the soil loose and breathable. The rapeseed cake also provides nutrients for the plant, but this method takes longer. It is recommended to apply once every 15-20 days until the soil becomes loose.
If you want to improve soil compaction faster, you can directly use microbial fertilizer to supplement the soil with microbial flora. First, sprinkle or shallowly bury fermented organic fertilizer around the pot to supplement the soil's organic matter, then dilute the microbial bacteria in water and water the roots. Regularly adding microbial bacteria to the water can keep the potting soil loose and breathable.
The above-mentioned methods for dealing with compacted potting soil and the specific introduction of changing the soil when potting soil becomes compacted are hoped to be liked by everyone!