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Old 06-16-2007, 01:38 PM
dearylou dearylou is offline
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Default What does it mean to have well drained soil for a houseplant?

Any suggestion on keeping Calatheas, Basil, and Airplane plants happy?


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Old 06-16-2007, 01:39 PM
dingbat dingbat is offline
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Well-drained means water is easily drained away from the compost and that the plant's roots are not water-logged. For a cactus or any succulent make a mix of 40% horticultural grit or sand and 60% compost. Never water if they are kept in a cool place in winter as they hate a combination of cold and wet. In the spring/summer months make sure you only water when the compost feels dry or the plant will die from overwatering. If it's not a cactus or succulent and is a tree, shrub or herbaceous needing well-drained soil, only mix about 25% grit to the compost. Don't worry too much it can be a bit confusing not knowing how much water a plant needs so always find out where the plant originally comes from and that can give you a good idea as to its needs. Also most plants are quite forgiving and will soon show you if they are unhappy.
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