Even the best potting soil does not protect against waterlogging, mold or even pests. So how about using a substitute for potting soil instead? How is that supposed to work? Clay balls prove to be a wonderful alternative to avoid all the problems mentioned. We explain why it is so beneficial to use clay granules instead of potting soil as a houseplant substrate and how exactly you use it. So if you have yours soon anywayTransplant flowersIf you want, consider the clay balls! So, what are the advantages of planting plants and flowers in clay granules and what are the disadvantages?
Why you can pamper plants with clay granules
What are clay granules?
First of all, we would like to clarify: What exactly is clay granules? This interesting substrate is ground and then granulated clay, which is then fired, which even improves its properties. In contrast to classic potting soil, it has a number of advantages - both for the plants themselves and for passionate plant fans. What exactly do you benefit from when you use yourPlants in clay granulesplant?
- Clay has the wonderful ability to store water. This is perfect if you want to grow your plants hydroponically and in principle this is possible with all plants, including cacti and orchids, which actually prefer dry soil and substrates. You will also have to water your plants less often.
- The air-permeable houseplant substrate prevents the formation of fungal spores, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers. For plants in clay granules, mold is a thing of the past. You canMold from potting soilAlthough it can be removed, it is better not to let it happen in the first place.
- The houseplant is less attractive to pests. Many pests require soil to lay their eggs in (e.g. fungus gnats), which is why potting soil naturally attracts them. If you plant your plants in clay granules instead, you will no longer have to worry about this problem.
- If you grow plants in clay balls, waterlogging and therefore mold formation on the roots, i.e. root rot, is prevented because the substrate is permeable to air. The perfect drainage!
How to use clay granules?
What types there are
The granules are differentiated based on three properties: their pH value and salt content, their grain size and to what extent they are suitable for which plants. Accordingly, you also decide whether you can plant your flowers in clay granules and, if so, which type of clay granules which plants go into.
If you would like to repot your plants in clay granules, we usually recommend onegrain sizefrom four to eight millimeters in diameter. These granules are small enough to provide the plant with a stable base in which it can root well. The small grains also allow less air to penetrate. For this reason you should forlarger houseplantsalso choose a substrate made of larger grains (e.g. 8 to 16 mm).
A neutral onePH valueof 7 is ideal for most plant species. Plants that have oneacidic soilprefer, can thrive well in Seramis. Also in relation to theSalinityYou should inquire because the optimal content varies depending on the plant.
Should you only plant plants in clay granules or use them as a supplement to potting soil?
Both are possible. For those already mentionedUse hydroponicsJust granules. The roots can spread out easily and at the same time you get perfect drainage for the plants. The plant granules can also be used in addition to potting soil. We explain:
Only with clay balls (it is best to repot the plants and flowers in spring):
- The pot should be larger than the previous one and also waterproof.
- Fill it one third full with the plant granules. You can immediately plant the plant in the pot on these clay granules.
- Take the plant out of the old soil, shake it off and rinse the roots completely so that no more soil sticks to them.
- Place the plant on the granules, leaving a few centimeters free to the edge.
- Insert the watering indicator into the substrate.
- Fill the empty spaces with granules and press everything down a little.
- The roots will continue to grow over the next few weeks.
Only water when the indicator shows the minimum. The maximum should only be chosen if, for example, you will be away for a long period of time. Otherwise, air permeability will be disrupted and the roots may begin to rot.
Clay granules for plants – use as a supplementary substrate (repotting is best done in spring):
- Use a waterproof and larger pot than before.
- Fill it one third full with clay granules.
- Take the plants out of the old pot and shake off the soil a little (not completely).
- Place the plant with the root ball on the granules.
- Fill the free areas with more granules.
- Also spread an approximately 2 cm thick layer of clay granules on the surface of the root ball.
- Insert a watering indicator into the soil.
You get a water storage and drainage at the same time. Therefore, you can also offer clay granules to plants as a bottom layer (like a layer of gravel) and plant your houseplant with potting soil on top of it as usual.
Disadvantages of using clay granules for plants without soil
If you use clay granules instead of soil, you should be aware that the granules will not harm plantssupply with nutrientscan. So while these are stored in potting soil and released gradually, that is not the case here. Therefore, you have to fertilize the plants more often by watering them and this of course involves additional costs. When deciding whether to use clay granules or soil, you should also think about this fact and consider whether you want and can accept this disadvantage.
With potting soil, it is also relatively easy to see when it is time to water again. However, if you plant plants in clay granules, things are different. For this reason, every pot also needs a so-called watering indicator, which shows when water should be given.
