Can I add perlite or vermiculite to my plants without disturbing their roots?
Asked by GreenThumbz123
I'm growing some trees, like orange and mango, and I'm curious about whether I can just sprinkle perlite or vermiculite on top of the soil while watering, or if I should actually remove the plants to mix it in properly. What's the best way to do this without messing with the roots?
Answers
If you're thinking of adding perlite or vermiculite, make sure to check your plants for any signs of rot first. You don’t want to make things worse.
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Unfortunately, you can't just pour it on top and expect it to work. Perlite and vermiculite are so light they’ll just float on the surface and create a mess. They really need to be mixed into the soil for it to be effective.
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It's not really possible to add them without disturbing the roots. You’ll likely need to do a bit of bare-rooting, which can stress out the plants. Maybe consider waiting until the next time you repot them?
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