Potting soil with good water absorption helps plants thrive.
Indoor and containing gardening demands attention to more issues than does outdoor gardening. The limits of small containers require closely monitoring water retention, fertilizer build-up and soil quality. Because the soil may become compacted in a container, the potting soil may not absorb water as it should. This condition can affect the health and growth of your plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Peat Moss
Most commercial potting soil is primarily made of peat moss, which is made of partially decomposed bog plants that are dried and ground into a fine powder, according to Guide to Houseplants.com. Peat moss is lighter than ordinary soil and adds more aeration to the planting medium. Peat moss is valued for its ability to hold water, which makes it the best choice for most types of container plants. In commercial potting soil, peat moss is mixed with other types of materials providing the best growing conditions for plants. Peat moss can initially resist absorbing water. Encourage it by mixing the water in with your hands or a small utensil.
Vermiculite
Potting soil contains materials giving it substance and greater ability to support the plants. Vermiculite is often mixed into commercial potting soils. It is made from natural mineral deposits and has the appearance of small flakes. It readily absorbs water and releases it slowly into the mixture. Adding a bit more vermiculate to the potting soil increases its absorptive ability.
Sand
Many potting soils contain sand helping the mixture drain more quickly. The sand is helpful for some plants, such as cacti and palms that thrive in sandy environments in the wild, but too much sand keeps the soil from retaining water. Add other components to the mixture to absorb and hold water better.
Perlite
Those small puffs of white material are perlite. They are pieces of expanded volcanic rock allowing potting mixes to quickly take up and release water, as well as allowing air to circulate through the soil, according to the Minerals Information Institute. Your potting soil may need additional perlite to help it absorb water and to help keep the soil aerated.
Soil Compaction
After a period of adding water to a container, the potting soil can become stuck together and compacted, leaving only some of the surfaces available to absorb the moisture. Breaking up the soil with a small garden fork exposes more surface area. Do this carefully, so not to tear and puncture roots, which reduces the plant's ability to take up nutrients. Adding additional potting soil loosens and aerates the potting mixture.
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