Find out what you should do about this in today’s episode! Accent stones, pebbles, whatever you want to call them. 2 The rocks discourage my cats from trying to uproot my plants. But, they’re not your only options. For the best results, it’s best to apply about an inch of rock material. No matter what type of decorative rock you use, it’s going to behave differently than mulch. River pebbles are a favorite among gardeners. Most potted succulents benefit from an equal mix of pumice and potting soil. Be sure to replace the soil that has been removed with a fresh layer of top soil. Is this really necessary? Like pebbles, gravel pieces are very small. Otherwise the succulent may become waterlogged and develop root rot. Soil erosion is something that all gardeners have to deal with. Perlite can be purchased on its own for addition to your preferred planting mixture. But, the smaller pebbles suit potted plants much better. Set potted plants on top of the rocks. Create cutouts for the plant stem and provide ample room for any additional growth. In fact, it's a must for potted plants. Most of the rocks you would use for this type of application are on the alkali side of the pH scale. Here are the biggest. If you have a hanging basket in full to partial sun, you can also try ice cubes. Moss is excellent for conserving moisture. Grass clippings are particularly beneficial to vegetable plants. The rocks glued to the top of the pot are acting partially as a mulch. For pots of all sizes, make sure that the rocks get as close to the stem as possible. This simple addition will take your succulents to a whole new level! Pesky weeds are highly opportunistic and will grow anywhere there is room. Problems with Fungus Gnats and Potting Soil. Unlike other rocks, lava rocks have tiny air pockets that keep the soil ventilated. The same benefits apply when you use them on your potted plants. Fine Gardening: Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus, Mother-in-law's Cushion), University of California Extension Alameda County Master Gardeners: Succulent Care. One rock to cover the drainage hole is enough – just enough so that the soil doesn’t leach out of the bottom but water can flow freely through the pot. Gnats like to lay their eggs in the top layer of soil of various potted plants. It’s a popular material in gardening. Just a few stones set on the “seams” of the moss to hold the ends in place. Using a shovel, create a level surface on the soil. Sure, they can prevent soil erosion, reduce fungus, and block weeds. Squirrels may try to dig, but they’ll stop once they realize that it’s easier to look elsewhere. If you do use rocks in your potted plants, make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight. This added heat could raise the soil temperature beyond an acceptable range. These rocks can be sharp. Just keep adding water as the level drops, and you have a simple, easy source of humidity for your houseplants. Rocks absorb heat. That stuff is probably a harmless saprophytic fungus. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The charcoal assists in draining, absorbs excess moisture, conditions the soil and adds nutrients for plant roots. Keep it clean. They can also keep the soil intact, preventing the rocks from getting buried. Potting soil, intended for use with potted plants, contains small pieces of a white volcanic rock called perlite. That's a good thing too, because I've got the answers! The rocks also help provide an aesthetic look to your plants. Over time, organic mulch decomposes. Come closer and I will tell you my secret to pretty house plants.River rocks! There are many alternatives to rocks. I have some succulents in pots ( small, medium, sized) and 3 dwarf citrus in large pots. In most cases, it’s not going to harm your plants in any way. They provide many similar benefits as standard mulch, but you don’t have to worry about mulch-based fungus. Leaving any open soil exposed will only open yourself up to trouble. This article was last updated on 08/26/19. You don’t have to make the layer of rocks super thick. You might have to check if your plant needs water differently, since you can’t see, or may not easily be able to touch the potting soil. Read on to find out more. That said, there are a few pros and cons you might want to mull over before you decide to use them. Answered. Sometimes, retailers will glue the rocks in place to make them easier and cleaner to transport. The biggest disadvantage is that rocks don’t provide much health benefits for your plant. These rocks are very small, which is why they’re classified as pebbles. They will protect your plants from weeds, keep pests out, prevent soil erosion, avoid splashing soil on the foliage, and prevent fungal diseases. See more ideas about garden, outdoor gardens, rock garden. These are simple woven fabrics that help to support the weight of the rock above. The rocks come from actual volcanic lava. Patricia Hamilton Reed has written professionally since 1987. Mulch can help keep pathways in beds clear of debris and mud. One of my favorite discoveries in regard to designing with succulents is the use of top dressings . That is, when people ask why put rocks in potted plants, they usually have some idea that this will help with drainage. I just bought a basil potted plant. Finally, we have crushed marble and granite. But, they break down faster because the ends are already dead. ... Diatomaceous earth is a natural type of ground-up rock that is great for pest control. I got these as a way to decorate some of my uglier pots. Any advice on how to cut, and use? The curly texture of this moss makes it nest-like around plant stems. Once we put in an irrigation system and a lawn and threw in some plants, the yard was good enough. you said it yourself, the perched water table will always be the same height. Jun 25 2017. With your other hand, tip over the pot so that the plant and soil slide out together. If you need additional security, you can use fasteners or landscaping tins. "I've always been told to put a layer of gravel in the bottom of a flower pot before planting. When you mow the lawn, you can use those clippings to improve your potted plants! All is fine and dandy until you wake up one morning to discover that your favorite potted plant is growing fuzzy, white mold. Crocking was supposed to encourage water to pass down from the potting mix into the gaps in the coarse layer below and out through the drainage hole. Crushed volcanic rock, a lightweight material called pumice, is typically used to improve drainage when potting succulents. The natural decomposition process infuses the soil with nutrients that the plant will actively use to grow stronger. But, you could use them if you have a particularly large planter. Just make sure to watch out for the plant roots! A layer of any type of mulch will prevent excess evaporation and moisture loss. Return of the Weeds: Wind will eventually blow soil between rocks, creating a spot for weeds to grow. Many plants prefer an acidic growth environment. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. They can protect the soil. Placing rocks on top of the soil is perfectly fine. The reasons for this vary, but the practice can be damaging to the plant in the long term. The geotextile will take care of all the drainage and protection you need. Putting rocks on top of potted plants is a perfectly acceptable method to cover the soil decoratively. 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 site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You can even use aquarium gravel to add a touch of color to your potted plants! Mulch helps to protect the top soil and holds in moisture. When it finally does, you can enrich your soil with beneficial nutrients. Avoid adding rocks or pot shards to the bottom of a succulent pot -- doing so impedes rather than improves drainage. Mulch can keep plant roots warm in winter and cool in summer. But, they won’t physically hold onto water. Have a pine tree on your property? Here are some of our favorites! And when you put a plant -- be it shrub or tree or something else entirely -- … Succulent Sponsor. This ensures that the soil is completely covered and secure in place. For indoor plants, LeAnn often combines sheet moss with glossy black or white stones. Speaking of fungal growth, rocks can also prevent common issues related to traditional mulch products. Small rocks and pebbles certainly improve the look of your potted plants. Sometimes she will use beautiful dried Spanish moss, which is grey and usually needs no additional adornment. You'll find useful information here whether you're growing vegetables in an apartment, patio, or a raised bed. It has a near-neutral pH level even when decomposing. Thinking about topping the soil in your potted plants with some rocks? Welcome to my website where I write about growing your own organic food in a limited space. Previous Next > A thick layer of rocks can block the sun from reaching the soil, thus preventing weed growth. Those with thin leaves such as stonecrop (Sedum spp. When making a container garden, you fill pots with soil, stick in the plants, and add more soil. A top dressing is a decorative rock placed on the top of the soil in an arrangement. Already, space is so limited as you’re cramming a plant in a container and then you add a few inches of gravels or crockery for drainage, what it does is reduces the volume of soil available to plant roots, reported The Guardian in their article Old Wives’ Tales. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn’t aid drainage or improve air circulation. This EZ … Click on this article for tips on getting rocks glued to soil off without harming the plant. Dig up this top layer--generally about one inch down--and dispose of it. If your potted plants are outdoors, you may have to deal with pests with a penchant for digging. At your local garden center, you’re likely to find simple wood chips from cedar, pine, and cypress trees. This will be a thinner layer than the first, allowing the tops of the rocks to show through. They provide the same benefits. Apr 4, 2018 - i have a LARGE flower bed that i want to turn into a container garden with a rock garden running through it. That’s not always the case, so make sure that you understand the pH requirements of your plants before using rocks. Splashing can spread pathogens, which ultimately leads to fungal growth and disease. Rocks can work wonders to keep weeds under control. In this case, all you have to do is remove any weeds and debris. This is the best mulch for beginners. Many landscapers utilize synthetic fabrics as a final layer of protection against erosion as well. Hi. As the name would imply, this is an all-natural product that will decompose with time. Gravel is cheap, readily available, and very versatile. You can find it in the form of hanging containers, rolls, or even mulch. Worried, you run to Google, type in "moldy potting soil," and end up here. ), 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. Put a fabric softener sheet on top of the soil to repel the gnats. Lave rocks are beautiful and add some bold color to your plants. Once again, rocks come to the rescue! So, the soil stays light and well-draining. They work wonders! Plus, it serves as a natural filter to deter odor-causing bacteria. It also doesn’t attract pests, which is a huge plus for outdoor pots. To do this, place one hand around the base of the plant, on top of the potted soil. Those that require the best drainage -- succulents with the fattest, most water-filled leaves -- can be grown solely in pumice, but most benefit from including some nutrient-rich material in the mix. Typically made out of recycled car tires, rubber mulch is a synthetic product that lasts. Like organic mulch, grass clippings break down to improve soil quality. After leveling the soil, lay sections of geotextile fabric all the way to the edges of the pot. I have a terribly black thumb but I hope to work on that and keep some plants alive. You have several different types of rocks to choose from. While it doesn’t decompose to improve soil, you don’t have to worry about replacing it. If you have a smaller pot with a simple succulent, things are going to be much easier. River rocks are smooth rather than jagged. How to remove a plant from a pot. They form over time by the constant wash of a moving river. Now here's what I forgot when I added rocks to a pot. "This common belief about gravel is actually a myth. Typically, gravel mixes contain a mixture of different rock fragments. You can easily use them for your potted plants. If your plant and pot are light enough to … By Charlie Nardozzi, The Editors of the National Gardening Association . Learn how to add a professional touch to your succulent arrangements by using a top dressing, or decorative rocks. 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. Easier to weed, and less water will be required. Marble and granite chips come from the same stuff that’s on your kitchen countertops! You can put rocks on top of soil as they do provide some benefits. Best of all, the material doesn’t compact as it decomposes. No Benefit to Plants: Rocks don’t aid plant growth or soil health. Any commercially-available organic mulch works. Beyond the standard benefits, coconut fiber will not ruin the pH balance of your soil. Succulents and cacti naturally grow in sandy soils that drain quickly. They will protect your plants from weeds, keep pests out, prevent soil erosion, avoid splashing soil on the foliage, and prevent fungal diseases. There are bigger river rocks available. As a result, rocks have the potential to raise the pH level of the soil. You can put rocks on top of soil as they do provide some benefits. Everything from harsh winds to frequent waterings can make the topsoil disappear. You’ll need to use a geotextile fabric. But, they may also improve the soil quality in the long run. You can’t go wrong with organic mulch. I'm Kevin, your friendly neighborhood gardener. Cacti and gravel are a match made in heaven. Also known as Coir, coconut fiber is the stringy material that comes off of coconut husks. In gardening, lava rocks are perfect for succulents and other drought-resistant plants. Image credit: proflowers.com. Your sections should overlap about six to eight inches for maximum coverage. This isn’t always necessary, as the weight of the rocks should keep the fabric down in the small area. However, they work on virtually any plant. I hadn’t thought of putting rocks on top of soil before. Best Mulch for Beginners — EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch. Kill the eggs and larvae before they develop into adult gnats. The rocks also help provide an aesthetic look to your plants. But, they will not improve the soil like organic mulch. Before you start adding rocks to your potting soil, you do need to be aware of the disadvantages of doing so. They create a protective barrier. White, Fuzzy Growth in Potted Plants . Squirrels are notorious for hiding their cache of nuts and seeds in potting soil. In colder climates, it can also keep soil temperatures in a good range. The main purpose of placing pebbles on the bottom of the potted succulent plant is to enhance drainage. While that’s good for keeping the soil moist, it also makes the garden a breeding ground for fungi in many climates. I was curious and did my research whether doing this is beneficial to my potted plants. Landscapers use rocks quite often to prevent erosion on hills. They’re also known to have the biggest impact on pH levels, so exercise caution before using them. This problem can get especially bad if you're over-watering your plants. Unfortunately, this puts your plant roots at risk. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University, is an avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden. Most mulches absorb water. ... Gnats tend to be attracted to decaying organic matter and moisture, both of which are often found in potted plants. Once that’s done, you can add your rocks. They can start popping up in potted plants, too. So, they tend to stay much cooler. Weeds aren’t just a problem in your garden. If so, you probably have tons of pine needles just sitting in your yard. Is it helpful to put small stones on top of the soil in potted plants? Reed was editor of the "Grand Ledge Independent" weekly newspaper and a Capitol Hill reporter for the national newsletter "Corporate & Foundation Grants Alert." In fact, putting gravel in pots can do more harm than good. Thus, you should treat it as landscaping rocks rather than simple soil covering. You are completely incorrect in your article. Answer + 3. They create a barrier over the soil, which keeps those unwanted pathogens away from your plant. Rocks don’t decompose at all, so they’re not improving the soil quality in any way. Here are some tricks to container gardening outdoors that’ll help you grow healthy vegetables and … Now, larger pots require a bit more work. Larger retailers of common plants often have stock with stones glued on top of soil. 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. Dropping a bunch of rocks into a plant pot would, therefore, seem to be the perfect solution for keeping our potting soils from becoming too wet and boggy. Messy pH: Most trees prefer acidic soil, but rocks create alkaline soil, which can hurt trees. Rocks don’t absorb water at all. We’ve all heard the advice to put gravel in the bottom of a plant pot, and some of us may even have done it. Perlite bits create air pockets in the soil, allowing the soil to stay loose and drain effectively. The same thing happens with people who have been told about adding gravel to soil for drainage, putting wood chips in the bottom of … They can slow the rate of evaporation to keep the soil moist. Too Hot: Rocks, raise the soil temperature, leading to stressed, thirsty plants. Now, fast forward another year, and I’m 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. It might not seem like much, but even a few droplets of muddy water on the foliage of your plant can do harm. Put a few ice cubes on top of the soil and walk away. Ever touch a rock that’s been sitting in the sun all day? 1 The rocks stop the roots from being exposed when watering. If herbs or a fruit tree are to be showcased in an attractive pot that does not have drainage holes, the plant needs to be double-potted (Figure 18–7). Read more about General Houseplant Care. Aside from adding a decorative touch to your precious plants, rocks offer a handful of noteworthy benefits. All they need is some moisture and sunlight. Rocks can effectively stop splashing. Printer Friendly Version. Laura Wright. Using rocks for your potted plants is simple. As I’m learning more about raising plants in containers, I came across this idea of using rocks on top of the potting soil. Sometimes soil will flush out the bottom over time, leaving the roots exposed. Now that you know the benefits rocks provide, let’s take a look at some negative aspects worth thinking about. The tiny stones are reminiscent of the … Apply only an inch or two of clippings to get the best results. Peat moss and sphagnum moss are great alternatives to rocks. They’re beautiful stones that have a lot of shimmer and detail. For the second layer, sprinkle horticultural charcoal on top of the rocks. 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. I’ve also written my research on how you can use the rocks and what alternatives you have like mulch or rubber. 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From trying to uproot my plants soil that has been removed with a simple succulent, things are going behave. Noteworthy benefits geotextile will take care of all, so they ’ re not improving the soil is perfectly.... You don ’ t go wrong with organic mulch, but you don ’ always., this is an avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden before using rocks discoveries! Click on this article for tips on getting rocks glued to the edges of the temperature... Replacing it the form of hanging containers, rolls, or a raised bed practice can be damaging the! You probably have tons of pine needles just sitting in the sun day. They break down faster because the ends are already dead you said it yourself, the smaller pebbles suit plants... Easier and cleaner to transport succulents in pots ( small, which hurt! Will glue the rocks and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies peat and! As it decomposes stay loose and drain effectively your preferred planting mixture for use with potted plants much better only. A day also prevent common issues related to traditional mulch products acceptable method to cover the in... Landscapers utilize synthetic fabrics as a final layer of top dressings of so. White mold the small area humidity for your houseplants to transport > Larger retailers of common plants often have with... On your potted plants is a decorative touch to your plants and cool in summer whether... Serves as a way to the bottom of my pots, the smaller pebbles suit plants... And drain effectively pot before planting rocks also help provide an aesthetic look to your succulent arrangements using... Them out of recycled car tires, rubber mulch is a synthetic product that lasts, there a.