I'm struggling to maintain a proper watering schedule for my indoor plants, and I'm facing a lot of root rot issues. I live in Germany, where my Wintergarten doesn't get much sunlight for about six months, but it stays around 22 degrees with a normal humidity level and grow lights. I use compost from the local market, but it seems to hold too much moisture and doesn't dry evenly. My plants seem to get thirsty and need watering even when parts of the soil are still wet. I've tried various solutions, from using clay pots to blending different soils, but nothing seems to work. I'd love to hear any tips on what I can do to avoid root rot while keeping my plants healthy!
3 Answers
I think the issue could be with the type of compost you're using. In Germany, 'Kompost' is often not the best for indoor plants. Consider using 'Blumenerde' (potting soil) instead and mix it with perlite and bark in equal amounts for better drainage. This could help maintain the proper moisture level without over-watering.
If you're focusing on tropical plants, a specialized mix like orchid potting mix or aroid soil might be worth a try. Just make sure to let the soil dry out completely before re-watering, as many tropical plants prefer this method. It might help alleviate your waterlogging issue!
Yes, bone dry before watering really makes a difference, especially for tropicals!
You might want to try mixing your compost with other materials to improve drainage. A good blend could be one part coco coir, one part compost, two parts pine bark (or orchid bark if that's easier to find), and one part perlite. This should help with moisture retention without drowning the roots.
Absolutely! Just make sure not to overwater when you do get to it. Letting it dry out is key.