Too well drained?
Too well drained?
I always read that a container mix must be free draining. But if the water just runs straight through can it be too fast for the roots to have a chance to absorb water? I.e. is it possible that a container potting mix is 'too' free draining?
Re: Too well drained?
Yes, it's possible. It depends on a few different factors. What is the mix made of? Does it contain elements that absorb water like pumice/calcined clay?
What is the general environment? Dry desert, humid coastal, etc. Plants indoor or outdoors. Clay or plastic pots?
I've noticed a trend where enthusiasts/growers are going to very free draining, primarily mineral mixes where the water seemingly pours straight through. Iv'e bought a few plants in this sort of mix lately and find that I need to repot into my normal mix which has some coir, pumice and calcined clay. It seems to slow the flow down enough to allow some absorption, but not too wet.
With the mineral only mix, I'd have to water every two days and nobody's got time for that!
So, the answer is: it depends.
What is the general environment? Dry desert, humid coastal, etc. Plants indoor or outdoors. Clay or plastic pots?
I've noticed a trend where enthusiasts/growers are going to very free draining, primarily mineral mixes where the water seemingly pours straight through. Iv'e bought a few plants in this sort of mix lately and find that I need to repot into my normal mix which has some coir, pumice and calcined clay. It seems to slow the flow down enough to allow some absorption, but not too wet.
With the mineral only mix, I'd have to water every two days and nobody's got time for that!
So, the answer is: it depends.
Disclaimer: I'm in sunny Arizona, so any advice I give may not apply in your circumstances.
Tim
Tim
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Aloinopsis
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- Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 2:49 pm
Re: Too well drained?
I live in a rainforest and it is not possible to be too well drained.
In fact, I have left cuttings out in the open air and they began growing and flowering without any soil at all because it is so humid here. No amount of drainage is actually too much in my climate.
In fact, I have left cuttings out in the open air and they began growing and flowering without any soil at all because it is so humid here. No amount of drainage is actually too much in my climate.