When growing flowers indoors, you need to carefully take care of green pets so that they feel as comfortable as possible indoors. It is desirable to create conditions close to the natural habitat. To do this, you will need to maintain the temperature in the room, air humidity, and also choose the right soil for plants, which would combine exactly the qualities that this particular flower or shrub needs. Although in flower shops you can find bags with universal planting material that will suit most green pets. About what kind of land is needed for planting indoor plants and how to properly classify the types of substrates, read our article.
Types and characteristics
Ground for indoor plants can be purchased at any modern flower shop. They present a large assortment of land for planting indoor and outdoor shrubs, flowers, vines, and so on. Thinking about how to pick up the soilfor indoor plants? The type of substrate is of great importance for the proper cultivation of flowers. Each of them has its own characteristics and unique composition.
Heavy ground
This type of soil is best suited for growing large plants with deep roots. Among these representatives, the most common are clivia, dracaena and palm trees. As a rule, this garden mixture is prepared from three components:
- 5 parts soddy soil;
- 1 piece coarse sand;
- 1 part humus.
Knowing about the preferences of indoor flowers regarding the quality and composition of the substrate, it can be prepared at home. All components are prepared independently or purchased at any specialized store.
Medium soil
Most representatives of indoor plants prefer this type of soil, because its composition is optimally balanced. Such soil mix can be made from the following ingredients:
- 1 piece of peat;
- 1 piece of sand;
- 2 parts of humus;
- 2 pieces of sod land.
If you decide to prepare the substrate and soil for plants with your own hands, then it is worth noting that all components must be of good quality. You should also correctly observe all proportions, because with the slightest mistake, the root system of a pet can be affected by rot, which will be practically eliminated.impossible.
Light ground
This soil is best for growing small flowers that have a shallow root system. Among the popular representatives: gloxinia, cyclamen, begonia and aloe. Also, such a substrate can be successfully used for growing seedlings and for rooting cuttings. With a standard cooking scheme, you need to mix the following elements:
- 1 piece of sand;
- 1 part humus;
- 1 piece of leaf land;
- 3 pieces of peat.
Before connecting all components, it is recommended to properly sift the earth from foreign bodies. Otherwise, small stones and twigs will interfere with the proper development of the root system. Remember that the soil should be clean, airy and loose.
Structure of substrates
Characteristics of soil for indoor plants include two main parameters that you should pay attention to first of all - acidity and structure. The composition of purchased substrates can be very different. It is simply impossible to determine by eye whether the contents of the packages correspond to the composition indicated on the package. In this regard, when assessing the quality of the proposed substrate, it is necessary to focus on easily recognizable and always visible characteristics, for example, the presence or absence of structure.
Land for indoor plants (flowers, vines, shrubs, etc.) should have a pronounced structure, that is, the presence of some rough texture, heterogeneity and lumps. This can be easily checked by feeling the bag of substrate with your hands. In such a soil, plants will never suffer due to the dry "layers" that form on the surface of the flowerpot as a result of the drying of the soil. In a soil with a pronounced structure, moisture will be evenly distributed and retained in any part of the substrate. It also retains its air permeability even several years after planting, since the upper layers of the soil do not corrode and compact. At the same time, substrates that are too homogeneous are more prone to acidification, as well as uneven distribution and retention of moisture.
Soil acidity
Determining the composition of the soil for indoor plants is not so difficult, but what to do with acidity? Even in universal substrates, this parameter must be indicated on the packaging with the ground, since most indoor crops have their own individual characteristics, which are by no means uniform in terms of soil reaction requirements. Of course, most plants will thrive in a neutral environment, but there are also representatives that develop exclusively in soil with an alkaline or slightly alkaline reaction, as well as species that need an acidic environment.
For indoor flowers, the average acidity is 6.0 on the pH scale (neutral). Soils with a pH value of 7.0 and above are alkaline or calcareous, while substrates with a pH of 5.5 and below are classified as slightly acidic and acidic.
Alkaline soil is preferred by very few indoor plants. Among the prominent representatives:chlorophytum, ophiopogon, calceolaria and bluebells.
Soil for indoor plants and flowers with a reaction of 5, 5 pH will be optimal for cyclamen, cestrum, sansevier, pittosporum, pachyphytus, ferns, oxalis, dieffenbachia, cypress, cordilina, calla, camellia, gerbera, alocasia, akalifa and others. A substrate with an indicator of 4.0 to 5.0 on the pH scale is preferably used for Bergeranthus, Hydrangea, Suphorbia, Ocularia, Ceropegia, Rhododendron, etc.
In the description of any houseplant, in addition to the transplant strategy, as well as optimal conditions of detention, one can find both the preferred composition and soil structure. If you decide to determine which composition of the earth is best for flowers, then you should not stop at the "average" option, since for each pet you need to choose your own substrate, based on the individual preferences of this plant. Of course, most crops will prefer a nutritious, loose and versatile type of substrate with a neutral environment, however, in indoor collections there are often species for which such soil will be detrimental.
Universal primer
When choosing a soil composition for plants, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the acidity index, which must be indicated on the packaging without fail, but also to the suitability of the substrate for a particular type of plant - in most cases, the list of crops will also be given on the package with the planting material. Also, do not forget that you can get advice aboutthe suitability of a particular type of soil from a sales assistant who will help you make the right choice.
A single, or universal, complex earth mixture is most often found on sale. Manufacturers can name it anything from the usual "soil" to smart brand names. This soil is considered suitable for various groups of plants due to its "average" characteristics. Most of the unpretentious indoor crops that do not require special care will be happy to settle in it.
Special types of substrates
Special substrates are soil mixtures designed and selected for a specific family, species or type of indoor plants. A distinctive feature of such soil is its narrow orientation. These earth mixtures differ from the universal ones not only in their structure and acidity, but also in a different degree of nutrition, which is achieved through additional additives in the form of sphagnum or pine bark. Such compositions are always better than universal ones, since they really satisfy all the needs of indoor crops. However, it will be extremely difficult to choose this type of substrate, so you first need to familiarize yourself with the information about the plant itself.
Special types of substrate include:
- soil for violets;
- soil for growing indoor roses;
- substrate for tubers, jasmine, citrus fruits;
- soil for palm trees (in rare cases, you can find separate mixtures for dracaena andyucca);
- primer for succulents and cacti;
- earth mixtures for ornamental deciduous and ornamental flowering plants.
Moreover, ready-made soil for plants of narrow specialization is perfect for representatives who are similar in terms of soil requirements. For example, in the soil for violets, almost all Gesneriaceae will feel great, and the soil for yucca or dracaena is also suitable for hibiscus. But orchid soil is a highly specialized substrate that can only be used for orchids.
Composition and components
Now you know about the types of soil for plants. It's time to talk about the components that this or that mixture includes. The reaction of the soil will also vary depending on its composition. Such information will be especially useful for those who want to prepare the substrate at home.
Sod land
The result of overheating the sod layers is quite nutritious soil. To prepare the substrate, it is necessary to put the grass in a pile, and then cover it with a layer of cow dung. It remains only to wait until this "pie" is overheated. The substrate is used for planting plants that prefer acidic soils, since soddy soil has an acidity of 5 to 6 pH. In order to reduce the reaction, as well as to give the substrate a looser structure, soddy soil is often mixed with other types of soil, as well as sand or clay.
Leaf land
Perhaps the lightest and loosest soil for plants. MixtureThe substrate, which includes leafy soil, perfectly passes water and air to the root system, however, its nutritional value is at an average level, since such planting material is obtained as a result of rotting of simple leaves from deciduous trees. They are harvested in autumn in small piles and left for a period of one to two years. In order for the process of overheating to go faster, the layers of the heap must be constantly watered and turned over. Leafy soil can be used to enhance the acid reaction.
Peat land
This land differs from others in its special lightness and friability. It is it that is most often used to improve the overall soil composition. The peat mix provides the mineral balance for any soil mix. It is obtained exclusively from peat, which has passed the decay period at least a year ago. In horticulture, horse peat is most actively used, less often - dark transitional peat, which has an acidity of 3.5 to 5.5 pH. If there is peat in the mixture, then you should definitely see fibrous reddish pieces in it. Such soil is best suited for growing young seedlings, especially all aroids. Ferns and philodendrons can even live in pure peat. However, in order for the soil to better pass water and air, it is recommended to mix it with other types of soil.
Coniferous land
This variety of acidic, light soil is perfect for growing flowering houseplants such as azaleas and anthuriums. The soil is the top layer of litter taken from a coniferous forest.(usually pine). If you decide to prepare the soil for the plants yourself, then you should know that you do not need to remove the layer from the very top, since there are many unripe needles there. It is best to use the bottom layer, which is at a depth of 20 centimeters. This is a fairly loose earth with a reaction of 4 to 5 pH.
Compost or humus
Quite saturated and rich in active substances earth, which is very aggressive in its pure form. If you decide to add pure humus to the substrate, you risk damaging the plant root system (it will simply burn out). So this type of soil should definitely be mixed with other types of soil. To obtain compost, it is best to use spent greenhouse manure, which decomposes within 2-3 years. Its acidity on the pH scale is in the region of 8.0 units.
Sand
One of the most important ingredients for many earth mixes. Although many people say that you can’t grow anything in sand, you won’t be able to completely do without it in home floriculture. For planting plants, only river white sand is used. Before use, it must be thoroughly washed, ignited, and disinfected.
Kora
In most cases, flower growers use exclusively pine bark. It can be collected right in the forest. For disinfection and softening, the material is boiled for 30 minutes in boiling water, after which it is cut into small pieces. The bark will give the substrate good water permeability, as well asease. It will also provide an acid reaction for the mixture (4-4.5 pH). Pine bark is also used to loosen the soil for plants. This property is especially required by aroids, ferns, and most of all - orchids.
Sphagnum (moss)
It is an indispensable component of the soil mixture for epiphytic plants. Moss is used to give the soil lightness, friability, hygroscopicity. However, before use, it must be well dried, and then grind almost into powder. Sphagnum will give an acid reaction around 4 pH. Also, moss is perfect for covering the aerial roots that are on the trunks of some plants, so that they do not dry out and do not freeze. It is also better to cover dug branches (during reproduction) with fresh moss.
The information from the article will help you properly prepare the soil for pets and answer the question of what kind of land is needed for planting indoor flowers. Remember that not all crops prefer to "live" in a universal soil, so before transplanting, it is better to consult a specialist in a flower shop or find information in the relevant literature.
