Good afternoon, my reader. The use of decorative and useful mulching materials for planting in pots makes indoor plants an excellent interior decoration.
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Nettle
Nettle mulch is often used as a surface decorative layer that provides favorable conditions for the quality development of indoor plants. It not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but also activates growth processes, saturating the soil with the following nutrients:
- potassium, which helps to improve cell metabolism, as well as increases the resistance of cultures to temperature fluctuations;
- calcium, which identifies growth processes;
- magnesium, which helps to replenish the energy deficit, which significantly strengthens the plants.
Mulch can be made from dried nettle grass as well as fresh stems and leaves. The prepared raw materials are manually chopped into small pieces. Nettle looks especially decorative when fresh, emitting a pleasant aroma.
Sphagnum
With a high moisture absorption rate, sphagnum is a mulch material that is ideal for tropical plants.
The main advantages of sphagnum moss:
- Due to its high hygroscopicity, sphagnum quickly absorbs and then easily releases moisture. Such a covering of the soil surface in a pot will avoid waterlogging with excessive watering, and will also provide the soil with moisture if there is a shortage of introduced water.
- Due to good air permeability, the soil under the sphagnum mulch layer does not grow moldy, and rot does not develop on the plants.
- The bactericidal properties of moss serve as a prevention of the appearance of putrefactive processes.
If it is required to increase the air humidity, a layer of sphagnum is sprayed daily with filtered water. A colorful green moss rug visibly decorates indoor plants.
Wood shavings
Dried wood shavings in houseplant pots look spectacular. It is also beneficial, as it slows down the evaporation of moisture, improves the structure of the soil, slows down erosion, and allows you to reduce the frequency of watering. When properly selected, the shavings provide an important nutrient medium for the development of flower crops. The coating is breathable, preventing the formation of a superficial crust.
It should be borne in mind that coniferous shavings increase the acidity of the soil. It can be scattered under plants that prefer acidic soil. Shavings obtained from such trees as walnut, poplar, oak are not recommended for use, since the toxic compounds present in this material weaken plant growth. Without restrictions, you can use shavings from fruit trees and birch for decoration.
Needles
Thoroughly dried needles in the role of decorative mulch are used for those types of indoor crops that grow well on acidic soil, for example, fuchsia, heather, rhododendron, hydrangea. Needles are also suitable for mulching calla lilies, azaleas, cypress. It develops well on the acidic soil of sarracenia, camellia, etc. indoor crops
The loose layer of needles has good air permeability and allows moisture absorption. Emitted essential oils with a pronounced aroma repel pests and prevent the development of diseases. This mulch is durable and aesthetic.
It is recommended to purchase wood mulching materials ready-made. When self-made, they must go through a one-year composting stage.
Dry tea
They are used to decorate the surface of the soil substrate in flower pots, rather large dry tea leaves. When overheated, such mulch loosens the soil, saturates it with phosphorus and nitrogen, which promotes growth and strengthens the plants. Leaf plates acquire a brighter color, flowering becomes abundant.
It is allowed to use pre-dried tea leaves that are free of sugar and other additives.
Styrofoam crumb
Synthetic materials, such as foam chips, do not affect the soil and plant. This mulch mainly serves as a decorative function. Colored chips look especially impressive.
Since this material is free-flowing, in addition to aesthetics, it allows you to retain moisture in the soil, as it slows down the evaporation processes.
Vermiculite
Airy and light vermiculite, laid out on the surface of the earth in a flower pot, does not interfere with normal air circulation. This material not only retains moisture with high quality, but also creates a magnificent decor for various plants.
More often, vermiculite is used to form the soil under cacti and other varieties of succulents.
A well-chosen mulch can create an excellent aesthetic background that emphasizes the beauty of plants and fits into the overall style of the interior. In addition to the decorative function, mulching materials provide an improvement in the structure of the soil, regulate the moisture regime and contribute to the quality development of flower crops.
Did you know that potted decor can also be useful?
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