7 ideas how you can replace the soil for plants in a pot | ivd.ru

In our selection, expanded clay, sand, coconut substrate and a few more good alternatives to the classic soil for indoor flowers.

The video listed the options for replacing the soil

1 Hydrogel

Hydrogel for plants is often confused with aquagrunt. The first looks like just a transparent polymer mass, and the second has a pronounced decorative component and is available in the form of multi-colored balls. Hydrogel perfectly retains moisture and gradually gives it to the plant, so the frequency of watering can be reduced. The situation is similar with top dressing: having applied liquid fertilizer once, you can temporarily forget about the need to replenish the supply of nutrients. The hydrogel will gradually evenly "give out" fertilizer to the flower. In addition, this mixture is very light and does not interfere with the breathing of the root system. However, it is better to use it in combination with a classic primer.

2 Hydroponics 

This is a method of growing plants, in which they are not in the ground, but in water, but not completely, but only by the roots. It is often found in the phytodesign of interiors and decorative landscaping of walls. Vertical structures for hydroponics also work great if you need to increase the humidity of the air. Among the disadvantages are the high mortality of seedlings due to excessive nutrient medium and damage to open roots. 

3 Granulate 

Granulate is otherwise called clay soil. Usually such mixtures are completely natural and eco-friendly, they work as an automatic watering system: the porous structure of the material absorbs more moisture than required, and then gives it to the plant in a dosed manner. In addition, thanks to the same porous structure of the substrate, it is easy for the roots of the plant to gain a foothold in it. They will be securely fixed and will receive good oxygen access.

4 Coconut substrate

Coconut substrate is made from dried and pressed coconut peel. This is an eco-friendly mixture that is great for growing indoor flowers and seedlings. This soil contains natural antiseptics, thanks to which harmful bacteria die, and the plant does not get sick. The coconut substrate has a neutral level of acidity, is moisture-resistant and freely passes air to the root system. Initially, the soil is placed in a container with water at the rate of 1 part of the mixture for 5 parts of water. After a few hours, when it increases in volume, you need to leave it for some more time. After that, put it in a planter and prepare for planting the plant. 

5 Vermiculite

In its qualities, vermiculite resembles a coconut substrate. It also has antibacterial properties, has an excellent effect on the growth and development of the plant. According to its composition, it is a mineral substance, it contains many useful minerals: potassium, silicon, calcium, aluminum, magnesium. Vermiculite perfectly preserves the temperature balance and protects the plant from hypothermia. 

6 Expanded clay

Small brown balls of expanded clay are suitable for indoor plants. This is a budget durable material that will last well for more than one year: after you have used it, the expanded clay can be washed and reused. It is important to disinfect this type of soil every three years. It is also used as a drainage for indoor flowers.

7 Sand

Sand can also be used to replace the classic soil. But it is not suitable for all plants, so it is worth clarifying in advance the requirements of a particular variety to the composition of the soil. It is better to take not ordinary, but large quartz sand. Before planting a flower in it, you need to thoroughly rinse the soil so that the drained water becomes transparent. Sand is very durable, it can serve you as a soil for up to 10 years.

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