I've been gardening outdoors for years—growing veggies and flowers—but I'm new to keeping houseplants, and I've got a couple of questions. First off, why is it important for many houseplants to be pot bound? In their natural habitat, they aren't restricted to tight pots, so I wonder if it's just to prevent overwatering or if it's for impatient growers who want instant growth. The second question is about using coarse bark in potting mixes. Outdoors, we're told that large bark pieces can leach nitrogen from the soil, so how is it that this doesn't cause nutrient deficiencies when growing indoors?
3 Answers
I can’t speak much on the bark part since I mainly use orchid bark for my orchids, but I can say that pot size does matter when it comes to moisture. If the pot's too big, it can hold too much water, leading to soggy conditions for the roots. Keeping the pot just a bit larger than the root ball is a good strategy to avoid water retention issues.
Great questions! The pot-bound thing is mainly about moisture control. In the wild, plants have space for water to drain away, but in a pot, if it's too big, the soil can stay wet for too long, leading to root rot. Keeping plants in pots that fit their root systems helps manage moisture levels better. About the coarse bark, it's actually processed and aged for indoor use, which changes things. Fresh bark can tie up nitrogen temporarily while it breaks down, but once it's composted, it helps with drainage without leeching nutrients too heavily. So it's essential to fertilize potted plants to balance things out!
You're definitely on the right track about root rot. To answer your moss pole question, it’s usually better to allow some air pockets. If you pack the moss too tightly, it could compact, which might hold too much moisture and suffocate the roots. A looser fill can help ensure it's breathable while still being supportive!
Exactly! It's all about giving those roots enough air and drainage. Also, be sure to occasionally flush the soil with plain water to prevent nutrient buildup.