Hey everyone! I'm new to houseplants and currently have two: a dracaena sanderiana in a 6-inch clay pot and a leafy plant (which I think might be a citrus twist peperomia obtusifolia) in a 5-inch pot. I'm using Miracle-Gro moisture control potting mix for both. Here's my dilemma: the smaller pot doesn't have drainage holes, but I put a layer of gravel at the bottom. I've heard mixed things about that. I'm watering the dracaena until water drains out the bottom, but I've noticed that the top inch dries out completely by the next day. I really want to make sure I'm caring for my plants properly. Any advice on watering, soil, or whether I need to change pots? I'm eager to improve and learn more!
2 Answers
First things first, ditch that gravel layer! It just raises the water level and keeps the roots too wet, which is not good. Your dracaena is fine with the watering method you described; just make sure the pot has drainage. I'd recommend moving your second plant to a pot with drainage, or you can keep it in the decorative pot and use a plastic nursery pot inside. This way, you keep the pretty look and ensure proper drainage.
For the soil, aim for a mix that's at least 40% gritty material like perlite or orchid bark. This helps with aeration and ensures the roots don’t sit in water. As for the pots, if your current ones are glazed ceramic, they might retain moisture a bit more than terracotta, but it depends on the plant. The dracaena might appreciate a plastic pot better, as it dries out less rapidly compared to clay. Just make sure to dump out any water that drains after you water and keep an eye on the moisture levels! If you have questions about repotting or lighting, feel free to ask!
Absolutely, drainage is crucial for houseplants! You should really consider getting the other plant into a pot with drainage holes. Those holes are essential to prevent root rot. The gravel idea sounds good in theory, but it just raises the water level and keeps roots too wet.
As for the soil, Miracle-Gro is decent, but adding some grit like perlite can really help aerate the mix and let the roots breathe. When you water, make sure to let it drain well and don’t let the pot sit in excess water. For lighting, if your dracaena is across the room, try moving it closer to the window. Just make sure to provide indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. It sounds like your other plant might be getting some stress if it's browning, possibly due to insufficient light or watering. Keep experimenting, and you’ll get the hang of it!
Thanks for your input! I think I'll move the dracaena closer to the window. Should I be worried about the browning or are plants just picky sometimes?
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely consider repotting the second plant. Quick question: I read somewhere about using a pebble tray for added humidity. Does that actually help? I’ve been misting my plants but heard it could cause issues.