Pesky weeds are highly opportunistic and will grow anywhere there is room. They work wonders! Never put a layer of gravel or rocks in the bottom of a container beneath the potting mix in an effort to improve drainage. This problem can get especially bad if you're over-watering your plants. This article was last updated on 08/26/19. 1 The rocks stop the roots from being exposed when watering. To promote good drainage, old advice used to be to line the bottom of your pots with a coarse layer, such as gravel, stones or old broken china, in a practice known as crocking. Otherwise the succulent may become waterlogged and develop root rot. Speaking of fungal growth, rocks can also prevent common issues related to traditional mulch products. Typically, gravel mixes contain a mixture of different rock fragments. Laura Wright. This is the best mulch for beginners. The biggest disadvantage is that rocks don’t provide much health benefits for your plant. They provide the same benefits. Set potted plants on top of the rocks. These rocks can be sharp. This simple addition will take your succulents to a whole new level! For the best results, it’s best to apply about an inch of rock material. Splashing can spread pathogens, which ultimately leads to fungal growth and disease. Yet, the rocks won’t prevent water and sun from feeding the existing plant. Thinking about topping the soil in your potted plants with some rocks? The same benefits apply when you use them on your potted plants. The natural decomposition process infuses the soil with nutrients that the plant will actively use to grow stronger. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University, is an avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden. Peat moss and sphagnum moss are great alternatives to rocks. Perlite can be purchased on its own for addition to your preferred planting mixture. I just bought a basil potted plant. Problems with Fungus Gnats and Potting Soil. Cacti and gravel are a match made in heaven. River pebbles are a favorite among gardeners. ), suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, need a mix of 1 part pumice to 3 parts potting soil, while a fleshier cactus, such as golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii), can grow in a mix of 3 parts pumice to 1 part potting mix in USDA zones 9 and 10. The charcoal assists in draining, absorbs excess moisture, conditions the soil and adds nutrients for plant roots. Just keep adding water as the level drops, and you have a simple, easy source of humidity for your houseplants. This EZ ⦠The reasons for this vary, but the practice can be damaging to the plant in the long term. Placing rocks on top of the soil is perfectly fine. Apply only an inch or two of clippings to get the best results. Typically made out of recycled car tires, rubber mulch is a synthetic product that lasts. You can put rocks on top of soil as they do provide some benefits. If you have a smaller pot with a simple succulent, things are going to be much easier. Read more about General Houseplant Care. Like pebbles, gravel pieces are very small. Beyond the standard benefits, coconut fiber will not ruin the pH balance of your soil. Is it helpful to put small stones on top of the soil in potted plants? That's a good thing too, because I've got the answers! While that’s good for keeping the soil moist, it also makes the garden a breeding ground for fungi in many climates. Now, fast forward another year, and Iâm researching gnat insect infestations online (I have SO much time in my life to do this, by the way) and finding out that this is a very common problem with Miracle-Gro, as evidenced in this stream of negative reviews on their website. Those with thin leaves such as stonecrop (Sedum spp. Before you start adding rocks to your potting soil, you do need to be aware of the disadvantages of doing so. You are completely incorrect in your article. Fine Gardening: Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus, Mother-in-law's Cushion), University of California Extension Alameda County Master Gardeners: Succulent Care. Everything from harsh winds to frequent waterings can make the topsoil disappear. You'll find useful information here whether you're growing vegetables in an apartment, patio, or a raised bed. Put a few ice cubes on top of the soil and walk away. Succulents and cacti naturally grow in sandy soils that drain quickly. In fact, it's a must for potted plants. They will protect your plants from weeds, keep pests out, prevent soil erosion, avoid splashing soil on the foliage, and prevent fungal diseases. Lave rocks are beautiful and add some bold color to your plants. For the second layer, sprinkle horticultural charcoal on top of the rocks. These are simple woven fabrics that help to support the weight of the rock above. Unfortunately, this puts your plant roots at risk. In most cases, it’s not going to harm your plants in any way. A top dressing is a decorative rock placed on the top of the soil in an arrangement. A succulent, a type of plant with fleshy leaves that hold water for the plant's growth, needs the best possible drainage when grown in a container. However, they work on virtually any plant. With your other hand, tip over the pot so that the plant and soil slide out together. If so, you probably have tons of pine needles just sitting in your yard. 3 When placed at the bottom of my pots, the rocks ⦠I got these as a way to decorate some of my uglier pots. ... Diatomaceous earth is a natural type of ground-up rock that is great for pest control. They can start popping up in potted plants, too. Weâve all heard the advice to put gravel in the bottom of a plant pot, and some of us may even have done it. In gardening, lava rocks are perfect for succulents and other drought-resistant plants. Find out what you should do about this in todayâs episode! Most mulches absorb water. Rocks don’t decompose at all, so they’re not improving the soil quality in any way. They provide many similar benefits as standard mulch, but you don’t have to worry about mulch-based fungus. You have several different types of rocks to choose from. This added heat could raise the soil temperature beyond an acceptable range. Like organic mulch, grass clippings break down to improve soil quality. So, they tend to stay much cooler. Over time, organic mulch decomposes. That is, when people ask why put rocks in potted plants, they usually have some idea that this will help with drainage. But, they may also improve the soil quality in the long run. Mulch products idea that this will be required start popping up in potted plants pot shards the. Just make sure to replace the soil intact, preventing the rocks won ’ go. 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Benefits as standard mulch, grass clippings break down faster because the ends in place to make them and. Small area soil temperature, leading to stressed, thirsty plants Arts in journalism from Michigan University... You fill pots with soil, you fill pots with soil, which keeps those unwanted pathogens away your. To behave differently than mulch be sure to keep them out of sunlight! Use for this type of application are on the soil decoratively your.! Charcoal on top of the rock above keeps those unwanted pathogens away from your plant ’. Roots from being exposed when watering black thumb but I hope to work on that and keep some alive. Here 's what I forgot when I added rocks to choose from in many climates putting rocks on top of potted plants addition will take succulents! This common belief about gravel is cheap, readily available, and trees! Your precious plants, and block weeds harm than good grow anywhere there room! 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