Is it good for plants to have earthworms in the flowerpot?
When gardeners find wriggling earthworms in the soil of their flowerpots, they often wonder: do these small creatures promote or hinder plant growth? In fact, the impact of earthworms on potted flowers has a significant dual nature, and their benefits and drawbacks are closely related to the size of the flowerpot, the type of plant, and the number of earthworms.
The bidirectional effect of earthworms on potted flowers
Natural soil engineer beneficial to the ecosystem
In large flowerpots with a diameter of over 30cm, a moderate number of earthworms can act as a natural soil conditioner: 1. Form a three-dimensional pore network, increasing soil aeration by 40%; 2. Each gram of earthworm manure contains five essential microelements for plants; 3. Transform 0.3g of organic matter into readily available nutrients per day. Experimental data show that in the cultivation of Chinese roses, the germination rate of new buds in soil containing earthworms increases by 27%.
Potential threats in small containers
In miniature flowerpots with a diameter less than 15cm, earthworm activity may have negative effects: • Excessive turning in a limited space may cause the roots to become suspended; • The damage rate of the roots of seedlings and succulent plants can reach 65%; • The water retention of miniature potted plants is reduced by 30%-40%. Especially for plants with fleshy roots, such as orchids, earthworms tunneling easily causes root rot.
Three principles of scientific earthworm management
Balance between container size and biomass
It is recommended that the number of earthworms per liter of soil does not exceed two, and large盆景 can accommodate 5-8. Regularly observe whether the soil surface has dense holes and adjust the number in a timely manner.
Principle of plant variety adaptation
Leafy plants (such as Epipremnum aureum and Monstera deliciosa) are suitable for symbiosis with earthworms, while fragile-rooted plants like Cyclamen and Phalaenopsis orchids need to maintain an environment free of earthworms.
Ecological repelling alternatives to chemical agents
Use maple leaf extract (200g of fresh leaves per liter of water soaked for 48 hours) to water the plants monthly, or bury garlic cloves (one clove per square centimeter) to form a biological protective layer.
By understanding the ecological relationship between earthworms and potted plants, gardening enthusiasts can establish a more scientific maintenance plan: retain a moderate number of earthworms in large potted plants to enhance soil fertility, maintain a worm-free state in small containers, and implement biological control for special varieties. This differentiated management can not only utilize the advantages of the natural ecosystem but also avoid potential growth risks.