Soil Amendments: What They Are & Why We Use Them
By Maddy Hogan
Indoor plants not only bring natural beauty into our homes but also contribute to a healthier living environment. To ensure that your leafy companions thrive, it's crucial to pay attention to the soil they call home, that’s why Riza Plants has spent ample time curating our Soil Bar located in the back of our store where we offer our potting services. Our potting services can be for purchases made in-store or for your existing plant collection at home that needs a refresh, we just ask that you only bring healthy, pest free plants into the store for potting services.
The Soil Bar at Riza Plants is stocked with all the soil, soil amendments, tools, and fertilizers that we use and recommend to keep your plant friends thriving in your space. Soil amendments play a vital role in providing the right balance of nutrients, aeration, and moisture retention. In this guide, we'll explore the various indoor house plant soil amendments we offer at Riza and their purposes, helping you create an optimal environment for your plants to flourish.
Horticultural Charcoal
- Horticultural charcoal is a fantastic addition to indoor plant soil. Its primary purpose is to improve soil drainage and absorb impurities. The porous structure of charcoal allows it to retain excess moisture, preventing root rot and providing a well-aerated environment for the roots. Additionally, charcoal helps filter out toxins from the soil, creating a cleaner and healthier substrate for your plants.
Perlite
- Perlite is a lightweight volcanic rock that undergoes expansion when heated. When mixed into soil, perlite aids in improving aeration and drainage. Its airy structure allows for better oxygen penetration to the roots, preventing soil compaction and ensuring sufficient airflow. Perlite also helps regulate moisture levels, preventing overwatering and reducing the risk of root diseases.
Orchid Bark
- Orchid bark is composed of large, chunky pieces of bark and is a popular soil amendment for orchids and other epiphytic plants. It provides excellent aeration and drainage, mimicking the conditions these plants experience in their natural habitats. Orchid bark also helps prevent soil compaction and promotes root health by allowing the roots to breathe and absorb nutrients efficiently.
Sphagnum Moss
- Sphagnum moss is a versatile amendment known for its water retention capabilities. When added to soil mixes, it helps maintain consistent moisture levels, preventing both overwatering and underwatering. Sphagnum moss is particularly useful for plants that require higher humidity levels, as it contributes to creating a more humid microclimate around the roots.
Mosquito Bits
- Mosquito bits are not just a pest control measure, as they can also serve as a beneficial soil amendment. These bits contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a naturally occurring bacteria that targets mosquito larvae. When added to indoor plant soil, mosquito bits help control pests like fungus gnats, ensuring that your plants remain healthy without the need for harsh chemicals.
Decorative Rocks
- In addition to their aesthetic appeal, decorative rocks or top dressing on the soil surface offer practical benefits. These rocks help retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation and provide an extra layer of insulation for the roots. Moreover, they act as a barrier against soil-borne diseases and discourage the growth of weeds. Choosing rocks that complement your indoor plant's aesthetic can also elevate the overall visual appeal of your plant arrangement.
By incorporating these soil amendments into your indoor plant care routine, you can create an ideal growing environment that fosters healthy root development and overall plant vitality for your indoor tropical house plant from Riza. We are always happy to educate you on the amendments we are adding into your plant during the potting service, just head to the back of the store with us and we can walk you through step-by-step. And if you are looking to tackle repotting on your own, we carry all our soil amendments for sale individually for our customers as well. Happy planting!
