The focus is on the soil indoor plants. We consider its types, main and additional components, as well as specialized soil for indoor flowers (orchids, azaleas, palm trees).

We also describe how you can disinfect the earth in several ways. More on all of this below!

Land for indoor plants: what is good?

The soil for indoor plants is a very important factor for development and growth. Buying potting mix for houseplants is now easy and simple.

The stores present a large number of universal and special substrates. Finished soil mixtures Great for most types of indoor plants and flowers.

The soil for indoor flowers and plants can be prepared independently if you know their needs and have the necessary components at hand.

Good land for plants is a special nutrient mixture, which consists of certain components in the right proportions.

Different types of plants need different type soil mixture, including with an acid-base indicator (Ph). Neutral or slightly acidic soil is suitable for most indoor plants and flowers.

• For example, they love acidic soil: azalea, hydrangea, camellia. Slightly acidic: begonia, fern, cyclamen, pelargonium, fuchsia. Alkaline: carnation, lily, cineraria.

Soil for indoor plants: the main components

SODD LAND

One of the main components of the soil mixture. This type land is obtained after the cut sod (top layer of soil) in the meadows and fields is laid in layers on top of each other with the addition between them organic fertilizers(manure).

Such a “pie” lies for two years, then it is sifted, packaged in bags and sent for sale.

Soddy soil for preparing your own soil mixtures is often replaced with garden soil, but clean and fertile, or soil is collected from wormholes.

LEAF EARTH

In autumn, leaves are collected (preferably - maple, linden, apple, ash; you can’t - oak, willow, chestnut, poplar). Then add slaked lime and make compost.

In a young forest, the top layer of soil is removed, and in an old forest, you can dig deeper. Deciduous land is quite light and loose, together with sand it is used for growing seeds and planting cuttings.

HUMUS

Humus pH 5-6. Fresh manure (cow, horse) is piled, covered with black polyethylene, and sieved after two years.

• Signs of high-quality humus: uniformity, friability and absence strong odor. For indoor plants and flowers, biohumus should be used instead of humus.

SAND

It is recommended to use only coarse clean river sand. Sand transports air to the root system, has good water permeability. Therefore, it is an important component for most soil mixtures.

PEAT

For indoor plants, peat is used in factory packaging (high-moor peat is acidic, and lowland peat is slightly acidic). Peat is one of the main components for the vast majority of soil mixtures.

• Fresh peat for potting crops can only be used after it has become uniform, free-flowing and soft.

Peat improves the quality of the substrate, increases its friability and makes it lighter. Due to its properties, peat is used for germinating seeds and planting cuttings.

coniferous land(pH 4-5).

Under coniferous trees remove the top layer of soil, mix together with a small amount of sand and peat. This soil mixture is well suited for azaleas, begonias, gloxinia, violets.

Soil Mix Components

Soil for indoor plants: additional components

CHARCOAL

It is formed after burning wood, and is also suitable for using charcoal for grilling (it is crushed into fractions with a diameter of no more than one centimeter).

The ready-made store version is contained in substrates for bromeliads and orchids. Charcoal can be bought and added separately to the mixture at the time of transplanting, especially in case of root rot.

Coal increases the friability and water permeability of the substrate, they are also sprinkled with wounds on stems, leaves, roots of indoor plants and flowers.

WOOD ASH

CONIER BARK

The bark is removed from old trees, crushed and boiled in water for at least 30 minutes. Add to the soil substrate for anthuriums, epiphytes, ferns and orchids. It has a pH of 4-4.5.

HORN FLOUR

Used as a phosphate fertilizer in a ratio of 1:30 (horn meal: soil mixture).

SPHAGNUM

Retains moisture in the soil, increases friability. Sphagnum moss pH around 4.

IMPORTANT! The ratio of the components of the soil mixture is determined, as a rule, by volume, and not by weight. For example, sand is heavy and peat is light.

Soil for indoor plants: types

The main types of substrates: deciduous, coniferous, peat, heather, sod, clay and compost. Soil mixtures are divided into two main groups according to the type of base: soil or peat.

Most plants adapt equally well to both types of substrate.

SOIL SUBSTRATE

The basis of the mixture is meadow turf with fertilizers. Sometimes contains natural substances from farming or forestry. Especially for indoor plants, the mixture consists of soil, peat, superphosphate, potassium sulfate, bone and blood meal, and sand.

BENEFITS. Long lasting nutrient supply for the houseplant, providing a stable base for large specimens and a wide range of mix types for various kinds.

LIMITATIONS. unstable composition, big weight, more easily soiled, in comparison with the peat substrate.

PEAT SUBSTRATE

A popular and widespread type of substrate. Excellent soil for potted plants based on peat. The substrate is light and easy to use, has proven itself positively around the world.

Loved by many experienced flower growers, and gives excellent results. When planting, compact in a pot.

BENEFITS. Light weight, easy to use at home, high quality from most manufacturers.

LIMITATIONS. Poor stability of pots with large houseplants, it is difficult to saturate with moisture after a strong drying out, needs to be fed already in the early stages, as nutrients are quickly depleted.

Peat - important component soil substrate for the favorable development of plants.

We told you about the main types of soil substrates, the so-called potting soil, we hope that the information provided will help you achieve the desired result!

How to disinfect the ground for indoor plants and flowers?

There are several ways to disinfect the land: heating, freezing, treatment with fungicides and insecticides.

AVAILABLE METHOD

Heating in a metal bowl cooker. At the bottom of the pan, sand is poured with a layer of 2-3 cm, and on top of the earth (component). When heated, moisture begins to evaporate from the sand and the steam warms the earth. Approximate duration: 50-60 minutes for a 10 liter saucepan.

STERILIZATION

Concerning sterilization various opinions are expressed.

The magazine "Celebration of Flowers" believes that the microflora in the earth is useful for plants and its elimination negatively affects their development. Therefore, the method of warming up the earth described above can be used if the processed component in the soil mixture occupies less than 25% of the total volume.

You can restore the microflora of the earth with the help of special preparations with live microorganisms: "Renaissance", "Baikal M", "Vostok EM-1" and others.

Approximately 3-4 weeks after transplantation root system is restored and you can start using these drugs.

• At the same time, for some components, sterilization is desirable, for example, coconut fiber, tree bark.

Specialized soil for indoor plants and flowers

GROUND FOR AZALEA. The mixture is light, acidic, moisture and breathable. In store options, the basis of the substrate should be high-moor peat. It is advisable to supplement the soil for azaleas with coniferous soil (1: 1).

GROUND FOR BROMELIAIDS. The mixture consists of high-moor peat, leafy soil and sand. V purchased soil it is desirable to add tree bark or coal, sphagnum and coniferous soil.

GROUND FOR GARDENIA. The mixture consists of high-moor peat and sand. It is desirable to add leaf and coniferous soil (1: 1: 1) to the purchased soil.

GROUND FOR CACTUS AND SUCCULANTS. The mixture consists of sand with the addition of leafy soil and high-moor peat. Coarse-grained sand can be added to option stores.

GROUND FOR ORCHIDS. For different types orchids need a different nutrient substrate. For epiphytes, the soil mixture is prepared from the bark, sometimes sphagnum moss is added and charcoal(peat - it is impossible!).

You can buy a certain fraction of the bark, boil it and plant an orchid without adding other components.

For other types of orchids, the substrate is prepared from peat, sphagnum, bark and coal.

SOIL FOR PALM. The mixture consists of high-moor peat, turf and leaf soil with sand. Palm trees prefer a loose and breathable substrate. With age, plants share sod land gradually increase in the mixture.

GROUND FOR FERN. You can prepare this version of the mixture: soil for succulents + leaf humus (or biohumus) in a ratio of 1: 1.

Some of the options for a specialized potting mix for houseplants.

We hope that now the soil for indoor plants and flowers in your home will be optimal. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them!

ADDITIONS TO THE ARTICLE:

We wish you many beautiful flowers in the house and happiness in life!

Experienced flower growers know that the growth and development of indoor plants depends on the right soil. Each plant needs its own soil mixture, the most suitable for it in composition. For example, lemon, cypress, and most types of palm trees need slightly acidic and alkaline soils. Ferns, camellias, rhododendrons are ideal soils with high level acidity. Neutral soils are good for growing primrose, Kalanchoe, pelargonium, while rocky and sandy soils are suitable for cacti. A special potting mix is ​​essential for noble orchids. It consists of charcoal, moss, tree bark and fern roots.

Each type of soil has its own basis. For example, chernozem lands belong to neutral soils, peat lands belong to acidic soils, and clay-turf lands belong to alkaline soils. The permeability of water and air to the roots of plants, and hence their development, and life in general, depends on the composition and density of the soil. With the timely provision and saturation of the soil with the necessary fertilizers, it also provides plants with quality nutrition.

The composition of soil mixtures may include natural components (for example, peat, sand, ash, humus, sawdust, needles, leaves, moss, etc.) and artificial (for example, expanded clay, perlite, hydrogel). For each type of plant, it is necessary to select its optimal soil composition.

Trading networks offer a large number of different types of soil mixtures, which differ in the level of acidity, the presence of fertilizers and various baking powder.

Peat soils

Peat soils can be of two types: some consist of high-moor peat, while others consist of lowland peat.

Moss that grows in the upper reaches of the swamps, in the process of decomposition, turns into high-moor peat. This type of peat soil has its positive and negative properties. Positive are good breathability and lightness, as well as the ability to absorb moisture and retain it. Last property at the same time it is also a disadvantage, since prolonged retention of moisture in the soil can lead to decay of the root of the plant. And if such a soil is too dry, then it will be quite difficult to wet and moisten it again. Another disadvantage is the low fertile qualities and the minimum amount of minerals in the composition of the soil.

Peat, which is extracted from the swampy lowlands of lakes, rivers and the swamps themselves, is heavier, but the content of mineral elements in it is very high. This type of soil is used only as an additive in soil mixtures, since in its pure form it is always too wet and dense. In such soil, the roots of plants do not develop, but rot due to an excess of moisture and a lack of air.

Biohumus

Biohumus is a product obtained in the process of processing manure with the help of earthworms. Such soil is considered valuable for plants, because it contains a large number of effective microorganisms and useful natural substances. When compiling a soil mixture at home, a small part of biohumus can replace humus and enrich its composition.

Trading networks offer soil mixtures in a large assortment. For almost every plant, you can choose an individual substrate, but you can make it yourself. The main thing is to have all the necessary components at hand.

leaf ground

When growing indoor plants, a mixture of leafy and soddy soil is used as the main soil. It contains the rotted leaf part of many tree species (for example, apple and walnut, linden and maple, pear and elm).

sod land

This type of soil is used most often, as it has good water and air permeability, and also contains a huge amount of nutrients. You can find such soil in meadows, forests, or unused pastures for animals.

Humus

Such soil consists of a small amount of topsoil and rotted manure. This earth is light and friable, and also contains a large amount of nutrients. Many cultures are able to qualitatively develop and grow on humus soil.

heather soil

Such soil is considered rare, since it can only be obtained in places where coniferous trees and evergreen heather shrubs grow. Dark gray moorland mixed with sand white color has a loose structure, good air and water permeability. In terms of composition, it can be compared with a mixture of sand (one part), leafy (two parts) and peat (four parts) soil. Heather soil is the most favorable for growing rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

coniferous soil

This soil is often included in soil mixtures and is intended for many plants (for example, heather and orchids). Such soil is obtained in coniferous forests. The needles of spruce, pine and fir, when decomposed, turn into loose and acidic soil. When collecting coniferous land, it is necessary to remove the top layer - it is still unsuitable for compiling soil mixtures and growing plants. You only need to use the second bottom layer.

fern roots

Crushed and dried fern roots are a valuable nutrient component in the preparation of soil mixtures.

Moss

Some of the old parts of the sphagnum marsh plant die off, fall off, and eventually form high-moor peat. Harvesting of sphagnum is carried out in September - October. First, it is cleared of large branches and other unnecessary components. Then crushed, thoroughly dried and steamed. Such preparation is necessary for the disinfection of the soil. Harmful insects die, which means that there will be no danger to the growth and development of plants in the future. After the preventive measures taken, the moss is ready for use.

Moss is part of many potting mixes and makes them loose and able to retain the required moisture for a while.

river sand

Flower shops offer various types of sand (coarse, medium and fine), but you can also collect it on the river bank. Sand must be prepared before use. First, it is desirable to sift it, get rid of various debris and large stones and clean it well from dirt with clean water.

Almost all soil mixtures contain sand, as it makes the soil breathable, prevents it from compacting and caking, and perfectly passes water, although it does not contain any nutrients.

Soil mixtures with such a sand additive are necessary for growing almost all types of palm trees and cacti.

Charcoal or Ash

Coal and ash are used to disinfect the roots of plants, as well as to heal cuts on branches and stems. This component prevents the formation of rot, as it is a natural antiseptic. The most commonly used charcoal is left after burning aspen or birch branches.

Almost every soil mixture contains at least 5% crushed charcoal. Coal increases the water permeability of the soil and its friability. Charcoal blends are essential for growing cacti, orchids and many other indoor plants.

When harvesting components for the soil mixture, you have to collect the earth in different places: in the forest, in the meadow, in the field and on the river bank. Naturally, in the composition of such land there is a large number of various insects and their larvae, fungal spores, which can cause fungal diseases. In order to avoid problems in the future when growing plants, it is necessary to prepare such soil before use. It is recommended to carry out mandatory heat treatment in the form of steaming.

Choose a large container, pour a small layer of well-moistened sand (about 3-4 centimeters) on the bottom, and all the components of the future soil mixture on top. Place the container on a small fire for heating and steaming. Wet sand, when heated, will release steam, which will gradually warm the rest of the mixture. It will take about one hour to warm up a ten-liter container.

There is one significant drawback in such processing - this is the absolute death of beneficial microorganisms that are vital for the growth and development of plants. Not a single organic top dressing is able to be absorbed by plants without them. It will take some time and patience to fix this problem. When after landing indoor flower it will take at least 30 days, you can start settling the soil with new useful "residents".

Soil saturation important microorganisms it is necessary to carry out gradually and try to maintain their number. Live microorganisms are contained in many special preparations and organic top dressing. Specialized stores for gardeners and florists offer to use the Ecostyle, Baikal, Vostok EM-1 and Vozrozhdenie tools for these purposes.

As a soil disinfecting procedure, you can try freezing or treating with chemicals. Chemicals destroy all harmful bacteria and fungal spores and get rid of infectious diseases. And after freezing the soil, its structure even improves.

• For cacti - leafy soil, peat (horse) and 50% sand. Nutrients should be minimal, and water permeability is high.
• For orchids - tree bark, peat, sphagnum moss, charcoal. For different species and varieties of orchids, there is a slight difference in the composition of the soil mixture. For example, peat is not included in the soil mixture for growing those varieties of orchids that grow on trees.
• For palm trees - turf and leafy soil, peat (horse) and river sand. The soil must be well breathable.
• For ferns - an organic soil mixture with the obligatory addition of humus or biohumus.
• For gardenias, acidic soil mixtures are suitable, which include the same amount of leafy and coniferous soil, as well as river sand and high-moor peat.
• For azaleas - the main one should be peat soil (top) with a small amount of needles. Required condition– lightness, air and water permeability.

Soil acidity

The degree of soil acidity plays an important role in the development of plants. Growth, abundance of flowering culture, its adaptability to life and the ability to resist pests and diseases depend on its level.

For some representatives of the flora, the soil needs poor and acidic soil, for others it is fertile and saturated with a large number of effective microorganisms, with moderate or neutral acidity. For example, alkaline soil is necessary for plants growing on rocky mountain slopes, and slightly acidic soil is suitable for most plants.

Soil pH can be determined in two ways:

• Using special litmus paper
• With a soil meter

When buying ready-made substrates, acidity is determined by the digital indicators on the package:

• pH over 8 - strongly alkaline
• pH 7 to 8 - alkaline
• pH 6 to 7 - neutral
• pH 5 to 6 - slightly acidic
• pH 4 to 5 - acidic
• pH 3 to 4 - strongly acidic

A soil acidity meter will show more accurate data on the selected substrate, and litmus paper will show the result using a color indicator. A special color scale is offered. It is necessary to place a litmus paper on the surface of a well-moistened soil and press hard for a few seconds, and then compare the result with the proposed scale. In the presence of slightly alkaline soil, the piece of paper will be painted in blue color, with neutral - in light green or blue, with slightly acidic - in yellow, with acidic - in pink, with strongly acidic - in red.

How to prepare the right substrate for plants

For breeding and growing indoor flower plants various garden soils are needed. In the presence of sod, leaf, peat, humus, compost and heather soil, you can make various nutrient mixtures, in accordance with the needs of a given plant.

sod land harvested in dry meadows with a rich herbage consisting of cereals and clover. It is better to do this in June - July. The turf is cut manually with a shovel into layers 10 cm thick, 25 cm wide, up to 50 cm long. The turf is stacked, grass to grass, mature and up to 1 m wide. . Since water contributes to the decay of plant residues, a recess must be made in the upper part of the stack to accumulate rainwater. During the summer, the pile is needed by the end of the second year Sod land will not be ready for use until the end of the second year.

This mixture is classified as heavy garden soil due to the high content of minerals in it. Before use, it must be sifted through a screen.

Soddy land can be used to make many earthen mixtures. In its pure form, it is used to grow citrus, dracaena, palm trees.

Peat land. For its preparation, peat is used, which consists of decaying plant remains. It must be harvested from marsh chernozem - raw peat of moss swamps, which is placed in low stacks up to 70 cm high.

Within 2-3 years, it is shoveled several times. The result is loose, humus-rich peat soil. Well suited for growing ferns, orchids, rhododendrons, as well as for sowing small seeds.

Compost land. It is obtained by composting animal and vegetable waste into piles or pits. They are moistened with slurry, limed and sprinkled with peat crumbs on top. Over the next 2 years, the mass is mixed and moistened several times.

Compost soil can be used when sowing letniki (except for asters, levkoy and begonias).

In a mixture with turf and grass, it can be replaced in the absence of humus soil.

heather land harvested in coniferous forests, where heather grows in great abundance. The thickness of heather soil usually does not exceed 3 cm. In summer, heather soil is raked, stacked, periodically moistened. A year later, it can be used to make earthen mixtures when growing azaleas, camellias and other indoor plants. Instead of heather soil, you can prepare a mixture: 4 parts peat mixture, 2 parts leaf and 1 part sand.

leaf humus. It is harvested in deciduous forests, raking half-ripe leaves into low heaps. During the summer, they need to be shoveled several times, while not forgetting to pour water. After 2 years, this land can be used in a mixture with turf. It is suitable for growing basic potted crops. It may well replace heather soil if used in a mixture with peat and sand. Particularly suitable for those cultivated plants for which greenhouse manure land is not suitable.

It should be noted that best leaves are linden, maple, as well as all fruit tree species. It is better not to use oak and willow leaves, as they contain tannins.

humus earth. It is obtained from rotted manure, which at the end of summer, together with top layer the earth is taken out of the greenhouses and stacked in piles. During the season, it is periodically mixed and, if necessary, moistened. Once fully decomposed, it can be used to formulate mixtures for growing potted plants.

The humus soil is rich in various nutrients, which is necessary for the good and rapid growth of plants.

Moss, like sand, it does not provide nutrients to plants. It is used dried and crushed, which is harvested in upland bogs. Before use, it must be steamed and dried to kill harmful insects. A layer of 1 cm is covered with drainage in pots. Moss is also tied around the base of palm trunks to promote the development of new adventitious roots.

It is good to mix crushed moss into the ground: it absorbs water well and retains it for a long time.

Charcoal. It is added to earth mixtures when growing indoor plants that do not tolerate excess moisture. Charcoal is used in earth mixtures crushed up to 1 cm in diameter when growing succulents and cacti. When breeding tuberous begonia and cyclamen, the cut parts of the tubers are sprinkled with coal powder.

Also, charcoal is used as an antiseptic and protects the roots from decay. Experienced flower growers prefer birch charcoal.

Sand does not provide plants with any nutrients, but when mixed with the soil, it provides better air access to the roots. Therefore, it is necessary in all earthen mixtures. Coarse-grained river sand is considered the best. For cuttings of azaleas, camellias and other plants that are difficult to root, fine white sand should be used.

Sour and slightly acidic soils prefer:

Gfinalhemlesi for indoor plants.

On sale you can find the so-called "single garden mixture", special "universal earth mixtures" for different groups plants, peat-mineral mixtures (they are best used for rooting cuttings and for growing seedlings), artificial substrates. In the store, you can get advice from sellers, which mixture is suitable for what, in extreme cases, the packaging will indicate the main properties, such as acidity and approximate composition. V Lately the instructions are increasingly listing the plants for which this soil mixture is intended.

Sometimes the earth mixture is also composed for narrower groups of plants, for example; mixtures "Palm" or "Begonia". They can differ in both acidity and mechanical structure, the degree of "lightness", friability, as well as the presence of special additives such as pine bark, charcoal or bone meal. Some of the listed soil mixtures are very close in composition, but are produced by different manufacturers.

Specialized blends are better than generic blends because they better take into account individual requirements plants to the soil. However, some plants are completely undemanding to the soil; any “universal” earth mixture will suit them - this feature will be noted in individual characteristics plants.

As a rule, earth mixtures are sold in packages packaged in 2 kg, somewhat less often - in 5 kg. Almost all are additionally fortified with nutrients.

Here is a list of the most common soil mixtures on sale:

Folk ways to improve soil fertility

At self-training room mixture to improve fertility in the garden soil add manure, peat, litter, compost, eggshells, sawdust, yeast.

1. humus- 0.5 kg,
2. peat- 2 kg in sandy soils, 1 kg in clay soils.
3. dry bird droppings- 10 g,
4. mullein manure, from which the slurry is prepared at the rate of 1:20, insist a week. Before entering into the soil, it is diluted 2 times. Such a solution is often used to fertilize indoor plants with further care.
5. egg shell used to neutralize acidic soils.

Tip #2. Note! 10 g of ground shells will neutralize 10 liters of soil per pH scale unit.

Sawdust loosen heavy soils, in care they are used in the form of mulch. It is worth paying attention that only small chips are suitable for indoor floriculture, and conifers acidify the soil, therefore they are used together with ash, eggshell or dolomite flour.

Some flower growers use sleeping water to feed plants. Tea coffee, which improve the structure of the soil, evenly feed it, regulate acidity.

A good supplement is sugar, which replenishes the soil with glucose. To make it beneficial, add EM - preparations, for example, "Baikal - EM -1". In its presence, sugar does not cause the growth of pathogens, but is converted into top dressing for indoor plants.

It is easier to use ready-made fertilizers that are commercially available.

Serious mistakes gardeners make when preparing the soil and caring for it

1. The use of greenhouse soil in indoor floriculture. It is undesirable to use the soil of their greenhouse for indoor plants. In conditions high humidity fungal diseases develop that are dangerous for potted crops.

1. Use of substrate for planting immediately after heat treatment. At high temperature not only pests and diseases die, but also beneficial microorganisms. They can be restored with EM drugs, but this takes time, at least two weeks.

Specialized soil for indoor plants and flowers

GROUND FOR AZALEA. The mixture is light, acidic, moisture and breathable. In store options, the basis of the substrate should be high-moor peat. It is advisable to supplement the soil for azaleas with coniferous soil (1: 1).

GROUND FOR BROMELIAIDS. The mixture consists of high-moor peat, leafy soil and sand. It is desirable to add tree bark or coal, sphagnum and coniferous soil to the purchased soil.

GROUND FOR GARDENIA. The mixture consists of high-moor peat and sand. It is desirable to add leaf and coniferous soil (1: 1: 1) to the purchased soil.

GROUND FOR CACTUS AND SUCCULANTS. The mixture consists of sand with the addition of leafy soil and high-moor peat. Coarse-grained sand can be added to option stores.

GROUND FOR ORCHIDS. Different types of orchids need different nutrient substrates. For epiphytes, the soil mixture is prepared from the bark, sometimes sphagnum moss and charcoal are added (peat is not allowed!).

You can buy a certain fraction of the bark, boil it and plant an orchid without adding other components.

For other types of orchids, the substrate is prepared from peat, sphagnum, bark and coal.

SOIL FOR PALM. The mixture consists of high-moor peat, turf and leaf soil with sand. Palm trees prefer a loose and breathable substrate. With age, the proportion of sod land in the mixture is gradually increased in plants.

GROUND FOR FERN. You can prepare this version of the mixture: soil for succulents + leaf humus (or biohumus) in a ratio of 1: 1.

The best period for transplanting plants is from March to August. Autumn and winter are dormant periods, at which time plants are not recommended to be transplanted. It is undesirable to transplant plants during flowering or bud formation - you must wait until the end of flowering.

In hot weather, transplanting indoor plants is not allowed. After the plant has been transplanted, it must be watered abundantly (except for cacti, they do not need to be watered), but at the same time, watering should be minimized for next week. Each container for houseplants should have holes in the bottom.

Through these holes, excess water is removed, the stagnation of which can lead to root rot. When transplanting any plant, it is necessary to organize a drainage layer at the bottom of the bowl. This applies to all plants, even if it is indicated that drainage is not required. And finally, the last tip: transplant plants in good mood and with a smile, then your green pet will surely take root well and will feel great in a new home.

What is the soil for indoor plants

When choosing soil for indoor plants, remember that its function is not only to support the plant, but also to deliver nutrients, water and air to the roots.

When growing indoor plants, the task of an amateur grower is the timely and correct introduction of nutrients into the soil.

The soil for indoor plants can be composed by yourself both from materials that were taken from nature, and from artificial materials such as hydrogel, expanded clay and poured. The second method is more often used in the hydroponic growing method.

Before planting a new plant, you need to get acquainted with the biology of the plant and its living conditions by reading special literature to find out which soil is preferable in terms of acidity and composition.

Everything potting soil for indoor plants are divided into several groups.

In the production of soil, substances are added to the base that regulate acidity, fertilizers long-acting, and in some cases sand, perlite, expanded clay chips and other components.

Majority soil for indoor plants - soil based on top peat. Sphagnum moss growing on raised bogs decomposes and forms upper peat.

Peat is poor in minerals and quickly loses its fertile properties. On the basis of the upper peat, soil is prepared for transporting plants to nurseries.

One of the disadvantages of this soil is that it strongly retains water, which is harmful to the root system of the plant, and if it is dried out much, then after that it will be difficult to wet it.

Almost the soils of all indoor plants are made on the basis of high-moor peat.

Soil based on lowland peat

E This peat is mined in lowland swamps or in wetlands of lakes and rivers. The amount of minerals in the lowland peat is greater than in the upper peat, but they are released more slowly.

This fertilizer is peat and it is heavy in its pure form. It is better not to use it for transplanting indoor plants, as it dries poorly and remains wet for a long time, and due to the fine structure, air access to the roots is difficult, and this, in turn, can lead to their decay.

It is better to use low-lying peat for preparing soil for indoor plants.

Soil based on biohumus

When manure is processed in a certain way by earthworms, biohumus is obtained, which contains useful living microorganisms and many organic substances.

It is also used in the preparation and enrichment of soil for indoor plants, it can be used as a substitute for humus from herbs and leaves.

In the store you can already buy ready-made soil for certain types of plants, but when buying soil, check the recommendations given for this type of plant.

If you need to make adjustments, then add one or another component to get the soil that is best suited for your plant.

Additional components for soil preparation can be:

Sand – prevents soil from caking, a good additive for succulents, cacti, palm trees, etc.

coniferous land - as the name implies, it is collected under coniferous trees along with fallen and partially quailed needles. This land is poor, acidic and loose.

May be added to orchid soil.

Leaf or herbal humus is used for those plants that need enhanced nutrition, such as ferns.

sod land - recruited from molehills in the forest.

With the composition of the soil for indoor plants, soddy soil is added a little, then it is better to pour it on top of the pot.

Used for palm trees, or those plants that are kept on the balcony in summer.

Charcoal is added to the soil for bromeliads, orchids, etc. If the roots begin to rot, you need to add to the soil during transplantation.

Can be used as a powder on wounds or cuts on both stems and leaves and roots to prevent rot.

Sphagnum - used as an antiseptic and baking powder of the soil. It is used in the composition of the soil for plants that need light, breathable soils.

Pine bark - add to the soil of those plants that need a loose and moist substrate, such as epiphytes, some types of orchids, philodendrons and anthuriums.

Be sure to boil for 30-40 minutes before use.

Additional components can be:

Horn-hoofed sprat, shavings, horn meal. This component can be used as a valuable slow acting phosphate fertilizer.

When preparing substrates, it is added to the soil for indoor plants at the rate of 30 parts of the earth and 1 part of the additional component.

Wood ash. This component contains a lot of potassium, which normalizes the acidity of the soil. As an additive to the soil, ash obtained from the burning of hardwoods is used.

It is added when preparing substrates at the rate of 50 parts of earth and 1 part of wood ash.