A crowded root system and a plant that’s too small for its container can both slow down growth. And too much soil can lead to rot, creating an environment for pests and a foul smell.
A rule of thumb is to choose a pot that’s two inches larger in diameter than your plant. However, some plants need to be repotted more frequently than others.
1. Overwatering
Unlike conventional container soil, living soil contains active microorganisms that are critical to plant health and nutrient uptake. These organisms work to naturally break down organic matter and make nutrients available for uptake by roots. By encouraging a symbiotic relationship with these beneficial organisms, living soil supports healthy and robust growth without the need for external chemical fertilizers. However, these benefits can be undermined by overwatering that saturates the soil and prevents root aeration.
In addition to the breathable fabric that encourages air circulation, living soil pots also feature a layer of moisture-retentive material that minimizes water usage. This enables a slow release of water to the soil, mimicking natural soil conditions and reducing overwatering. These features, along with a nutrient dense mix that is rich in organic matter, make living soil pots an excellent choice for growers who want to reduce the amount of chemicals they use, according to kultiva grow.
A major cause of overwatering is a lack of adequate drainage. When soil stays saturated with water for extended periods of time, it becomes difficult for the roots to absorb oxygen and can lead to rot. This is why it’s important to make sure your pot has proper drainage and to never overwater your plants.
It can be challenging to determine how much water a plant needs, especially if you’re used to using cocoa or soilless mediums. This is because living soil has a more fibrous structure that holds onto moisture longer than conventional container soil. This can cause a build-up of anaerobic pockets that limit the efficiency of microbial metabolism and carbon breakdown.
To prevent overwatering, check the moisture of the soil by touching or poking it. The surface of the soil usually dries out first, but this isn’t always an accurate indicator of what is happening deep in the root zone. You can also use a moisture meter or a stick to probe the soil, or check through the drainage hole. If the soil feels damp or spongy, wait to water and keep checking until the soil is dry. In most cases, overwatered plants will recover in a few days with careful watering.
2. Root Rot
Besides overwatering, excessive soil moisture can also lead to root rot in plants. This plant disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that grows in wet, waterlogged soils. Root rot fungi can spread from one plant to another by airborne spores, and from dirty gardening tools or working surfaces.
When a plant shows signs of root rot, such as wilting leaves, yellowing foliage or stunted growth, it can be hard to diagnose. The symptoms of this problem can look similar to nutrient deficiencies or even insects that are feeding on the plants. This often leads to improper treatment of the problem and more problems for the plant.
The good news is that there are several ways to help prevent or reduce the risk of a plant getting root rot. Start by using a pasteurized commercial potting mix instead of garden soil, as garden soils may contain root rot fungi. Avoid adding rocks or gravel to a potting mix, as these items can block drainage. Also, aerate the soil to prevent it from becoming too wet.
During the growing season, always test soil moisture levels before watering your plants. It is best to only water when the soil reaches the target moisture level (TML) for that species of plant.
In addition, many homeowners use water-soluble fertilizers on their houseplants during the growing season. When these fertilizers are added to wet, waterlogged soils they can actually fuel the growth of root rot fungi and other plant diseases.
If you have a plant that appears to have root rot, remove the entire plant from its pot, wash off the roots and cut away any affected parts of the roots. Then, repot the plant in fresh, clean potting soil that is free of any signs of root rot. Keep the new pot in a shaded area to protect it from sunlight initially, until it develops more roots and is able to absorb more sun. Once the plant has established new roots, move it to full sun. Then water as normal, but only enough to keep the soil moist, and do not overwater it.
3. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can affect living soil pots in a number of ways, including by inhibiting root growth and causing plant stunting. It can also cause a lack of energy and weaken the immune system, leading to more illness and disease. It is important to keep your plants healthy by following a balanced diet and adding plenty of exercise. If you are worried about your dietary intake, consult your doctor or dietitian for advice.
Malnutrition is a global problem with many causes. One of the most significant is that poor families have less access to healthy, nutritious foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, meat and milk. In contrast, processed foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt are cheaper and more widely available – this combination has led to a rise in both overweight and underweight people around the world.
Another factor is that people may suffer from disorders that prevent them from absorbing nutrients properly. This can include chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, and other medical issues that can make it difficult to chew or digest food. Other issues that can lead to malnutrition include mouth problems (such as poorly fitting dentures), poor mobility, and poverty.
The best way to treat malnutrition is by feeding people regularly and gradually increasing the amount of food they eat. In severe cases, a person may need to be fed through an intravenous tube.
It is important to address the underlying problems that can cause malnutrition, such as a lack of money to buy enough food. A good way to do this is to help small scale farmers and support a community-based approach.
In developing countries, the most effective solution is to fight hunger and food insecurity through economic development. To do this, we need to invest in agriculture, provide training for farmers and promote women’s empowerment. We also need to improve health and education systems, and increase the availability of affordable, nutritious food. You can support this work by making a donation. Together, we can end world hunger for good.
4. Dense Root Growth
Growing plants in a pot that’s too small can inhibit root growth, starve them, and dehydrate them. Seedlings may thrive in a small pot with a seed starter potting mix, but once they grow a bit and mature, they need to be repotted. When a plant is repotted into a container that’s too large, it can become tangled up in roots or even break the surface of the soil. Repotting into a new container that’s just right can help prevent both of these problems.
A great way to determine if your living soil pot is the right size for your plant is to look at the ratio of soil to roots. A plant that has more soil than roots is likely too big, while a plant that hardly has any room for potting soil can be too small.
Dense root growth can inhibit nutrient uptake, and it’s important to keep the roots as loose and floppy as possible. To achieve this, make sure that your grow room has plenty of light and ventilation, and use a mesh screen on your lights to filter out the fine dust particles.
Another factor that affects dense root growth is the pore structure of the soil in which your plant grows. For example, a study using X-ray CT scans to assess the pore structure of soil samples found that more root mass was produced when the plant was grown in homogenous compared to heterogeneous soils. This is because homogenous soils have fewer macropores and micropores, which allow for greater root-to-soil contact.
However, the results of this study were mixed. The density effect on root traits was highly variable, and the influence of abiotic environments and ontogeny played a role in how plants adapt to higher population densities. In particular, root growth and biomass allocation responded differently to increasing density at different soil conditions and stages.
If you are using a high-quality living soil, it should contain a large amount of organic nutrients to support the growth and health of the roots, but you should also supplement with some instant teas, foliar sprays, or a soil drench. This will ensure that your roots are receiving a well-balanced diet and will be able to absorb all the nutrients they need.
