Someone gave me a spider plant that was full of gravel. It barely grew and was very weak. Repotted without the gravel, grown like mad. The advice about some not needing lots of light made me realise, all of mine need to be those plants, my old victorian house is quite dark. Great advice, as usual .
Thank you for all this important information. Ive been collecting plants over the last 3 weeks and I've found myself moving them every few days and adding fertilizer to their water. Probably killing them with kindness. No more fertilizing, spraying and moving for now. And I'll adjust the blinds on southern windows on sunny days so they'll get a couple of hours of sun not all day. I have been learning so much from your videos. I have a notebook keep track everything. It is a quick reference while I'm learning how to care for my plants. The hardest part now is stopping myself from buying more plants.
Ironically, sometimes giving up can be the best thing for the plant. I've had that experience (gave up on a herb for it just dying inside, threw it on the balcony in the cooling fall weather to wait for throwing it in the trash, stopped watering it and all. The dead plant started thriving there) and my friend as well, who had a plant that was just dying in their home no matter how they tried to take care of it. They threw it outside and stopped paying any attention to it and from dying stated it started growing happily. Sometimes they just want to be neglected in a less than optimal environment I guess. Of course you talk about giving up in whole. I agree, I always had my green thumb in the middle of my palm (combining two local sayings) and struggled to keep them alive, but little by little by studying and watching videos like these I'm getting to understand my plants.
Last year I tried gardening for the first time, it didn't work out and I got super demotivated and gave up. My tomato plant was still kicking despite me ignoring it for quite a while. It probably would've been fine if I would have done something to support the growing tomatoes.
I just discovered your videos this morning and am so pleased I did! I'm now the owner of a lot more houseplants, thanks to moving and gaining more space. I've always accorded my plants scant respect - the sink or swim approach - but NO MORE! Your tips and advice are so clearly given, and make such good sense. Thank you very much - I'm going to be the owner of a happier bunch of green companions!
How very true are the statements about overwatering and over-fertilizing. For years I watered every week regardless of the plant. Additionally, I fertilized at the same time. My plants were a disaster! Then a friend told me she didn't fertilize so I stopped completely and eventually only used a very small amount a few times during the summer months. I greatly limited watering, too. My plants are truly amazing now. How I wish I had learned this years ago.
I live in Missouri my tradescantia hangs outside in the spring summer and fall in scorching full sun on a shepherds hook and loves it. She blooms all summer long along side my Purple Heart
Yes you live in Missouri It would turn to dust here in the desert The air and sun are scorching hot It is why cactus thrive -Common sense with house plant care is "It may not work for where you live"!
My grandma taught me to use gravel in pots and a layer of fine fly screen on top to let the water through but stop the plants roots, it works quite well I have found.
Another issue is salts [from fertilizers] collecting in the pots....periodically, one must flush them extremely to wash out the salt collecting in the soil; hope this was helpful?
Gravel in a pot isn't to help with drainage, it's to stop all the soil falling out of large holes - Mostly relevant with terracotta pots which have those. And it would be bits of 'crock' (broken pots) or gravel.
@@SheffieldMadePlants People do it thinking that, but only because they're just doing what their grandparent's taught them. Of course a pot that isn't draining will fill with water whether it's got gravel in it or not. But i'm long in the tooth and a head gardener in a long line of horticulturalists, and it serves a purpose when appropriate - to stop the soil falling out. Especially with big pots, direct on paving, the soil falls out and blocks the hole - thus impeding drainage. It is better to use crock, and use feet to raise the pot off the ground. But it isn't the end of the World to use gravel in the pot.
I have a schedule for my plants. I check them every week and water & clean leaves if needed, the only exception in my collection is my bonsai that needs watering twice a week. I usually check on my plants a few times a week incase one needs emergency watering
This is awesome! One note I would add is that gravel mixed into soil does reduce the usable space in the pot, but it does help it to dry out faster for that exact reason. Some plants prefer small pockets of soil, filled with rocky gravel (mostly desert plants) because they dont hold water, and they replace soil that would be holding water, helping the pot dry out faster (like how small pots dry faster, its less to dry)
@@SheffieldMadePlants I'm still conflicted about it. I do use a layer of small pebbles and a mesh on top of them but not for the reason everyone says. I don't want soil to compact around the draining hole. It's not for "drying out faster" but to make the pot more reliable when soaking. Water gets through to the stone layer and leaves evenly from the bottom of the pot. When it's not there and you have just one hole in the middle, moisture sticks around the edges and water might have a harder time getting through there after some time.
Some things I've learned over the years having plants is, less is much better than more, like, less watering, less sun, less fertilizer, it's like seasoning your food with less salt than necessary, because you can correct the amount of salt if it's less, but if you get the amount of salt wrong, it's quite difficult to make a food less salty. Also, another thing I've learned is, there were sometimes that you'll encounter with a quite challenging plant with it needs, and normally they just got weaker and not matter what you do, they can't keep up, so in my case, rather to expending too much energy and time on that plant, I just gave them a new life, I turn them into compost and with that compost I feed my other plants, it sounds kinda rude, but for me, that's the cycle live I give to my plants.
I am not in the UK but in a desert-like weather zone. I learned my lessons that all my succulents and cacti prefer shady areas rather than full sunlight. Otherwise, they get sun burn! I can understand succulents but cacti? Don’t they love sun? Heck, it is what it is. As long as they are happy in the shades, I am okay. Although we are in different weather zones, I can still apply some of your words of wisdom except sun-related matters 🙂 I have subscribed.
I too live in the desert and yes I have 100's of cacti outside (and succulents) and they do get very burned from the intense sunlight I have little shade with some and they are indigenous but will still burn The heat waves in AZ killed many beautiful and old Saguaro's The cacti I have that are under shade trees love it Nothing likes to be in the burning sun!!
I am using Gravel at the bottom of a Ficus microcarpa , but inches Below the roots , and covered with a Layer of Course Perlite . I think it Will work , tbh ...
Nice. Probably the only exceptions to 'not in full sun' for houseplants would, of course, be cacti and most succulents, which want as much full sun as you can give them. Even then, cacti as houseplants, even on the most sunny window sill never will match those grown in a greenhouse. My 30 year old Ferocactus (which I grew from seed) has spent the last 24 years indoors (and its first 6 years in a greenhouse, which I no longer had access to when moving) and has etiolated as a result. It's still healthy though despite being half the width and twice the height it would normally be at this age ! Oh and carnivorous plants too, full sun for them.
Last week I bought 2 plants. The same plant in 2 different colors. They’ve received the same care. In the same spot hanging next to each in front of the window. One has perked up and nice and bushy. The other is depressed and droopy. 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️ I think sometimes the plant is to blame lol
For indoor plants, best mix: 25% pea gravel, 25% compost, 50% potting soil. Water every 15 days. Air circulation is also important along with sunlight. After a few months you’ll figure some plants need more water than others. Then slowly increase water frequency.
Tip nb one can't be applied to bigger plants, because you can't lift them and let them drain as shown in the video. I have been using gravel at the bottom of the pots for my larger plants, which never created any issues.
i think it depends on the size and the pot material you use. from what ive seen plants are surprisingly lightweight, same as light fluffy soil substrate. i feel like around 60%, if not even more of the weight comes from the pot at times and if you put a big plant in a big fancy ceramic pot.. yeah have fun with that. it might be too big then maybe because you need to be able to move it at least in my head. but if you dont need to or you dont want to, what about using unglazed terracotta pots for big plants you cant move anyways? because those drain moisture and drain the soil faster helping with standing water
I am with you 100%. I have large containers that I grow small trees in, some of which are 30 gallons or larger. The bottom inch or so in most pots is tapered down and you really only lose maybe 10% or less from the volume of the pot. I actually have a micro Hügelkultur in the large pots tree branches cut to fit the bottom, then wood chips and pea gravel, and then whatever soil mixture I need for the plant. Loquats, Kumquats, Raspberry, Blueberry, Feijoa... all doing well and working on their second years as indoor/outdoor plants.
@@MaybeTiberius In English we have this grammatical construct called a compound word. Let's try another compound word. Let's combine dog and house. Doghouse is a shelter for you dog! Very good. Now we learned a new concept today. Like I said, I am two years into it with multiple trees from different families. Citrus, Martle, and Stone fruit. And being in a pot almost large enough to roast a hog in, some of them are not all that micro. But some are only 3 gallon pots so there is that too. Wanna go another round, Buttercup?
@@krisspkriss dafuq another round, i m not sure what youre talking about? i was just curious if this really IS an english word or not... like i dont know.. Kindergarden...another german word? and then how do english compound words make sense with a german word? because im not sure if ''Hügel'' is something i hear alot of english people using on its own. its more like as if you would use Hundehütte instead of doghouse for some reason is whats confusing to me. is that really something english people use?. so whats the compound word of it then? i never heard the english word ''hügel'' , it just sounds bizarre talking full english and then put a random german word into it.
Gravel is great but only if its the bottom of a decorative pot with no drainage, I put a very thin layer than then put my nursery pots on top inside the decorative one. It means there's air getting to the roots and I can bottom water easily without the roots getting stuck in the pot
Putting gravel in the bottom of a pot *is* useful - but specifically useful for pots with no drainage hole. Succulents can work very well in pots like these so long as theres a drainage layer.
Gravel in the bottom of a planter is not the same as gravel in a pot with drainage holes. You put the plant in a pot with drainage holes into a planter with gravel in its bottom to actually allow for drainage. Then water into the planter, not the top of the pot soil. This will keep the surface dry and reduce fungal growth and the arrival of fungus gnats (sciarid flies).
Great tips, especially the one on misting plants. I think one type of plant that would benefit from misting though, would be orchids, but only the aerial roots, not the leaves.
i used to put gravel on the bottom of pots until i learned that water "perches" above the gravel. it is not intuitive, but there is a video that proves it. best to have a uniform soil distribution throughout the pot.
i appreciate this, i will try to get rid of my misting habit haha, i was thinking that the smaller leafed plants (which are for veggie growing) need less water, but i realised im over watering them so i needed to hear this from you, thank you for this video
Muy buenos videos 👍yo pongo filtros de papel para café en el fondo de la maceta, para que la tierra no se salga cada vez lo riego, y me ha funcionado bien con mis violetas africanas 😊
☕️ ☕️ Good morning BRO, i'm Nido, your NEW SUBSCRIBER from the Philippines, 🇵🇭 i learned so much from you, most especially the care tips, i'm a PLANTITO or another term in the Philippines who loves plants 🪴 or someone who cares a lot about plants. I'm a simple gardener, your videos are very informative, straightforward & based on SCIENCE as well, you are one of my favorite plant video shows and PLANTERINA 😃 PERFECT for my morning coffee, MORE POWER! MABUHAY! 🪴⚘️🌷🌻🦋🦋🦋
First, I would like to say, thank you for your extremely useful and informative videos. You just seem to know what problems we encounter and can get so frustrated over. I did chuckle at one point when you were fiddling with your green and pink leaf begonia. I have exactly the same one, and I love it! My daughter bought it, came to me for help potting it then almost promptly killed it with love, JUST like you say in this video! I am going to send this to her so hopefully the plants she has left in her apartment WILL survive! So, thank you for doing her a great service 😁👏🏻🌿🌵🌱❤ Next, I too have been guilty of putting gravel in the bottom of pots. My mum, who had an extremely green thumb, taught me to do this. It wasn’t a really thick layer just a very small amount, usually around the outside of the inside of the pot. The gravel size being just a little bigger than the holes in the pot. The reason she told me to do this wasn’t actually to do with drainage, it was about soil loss. She told me that if you put soil directly into the bottom of the pot some of it, a small amount, would come out through those holes every time you lifted the pot, like the mistake of constantly moving it, or even if you water it too vigorously. This was true at the time, as I witnessed when she demonstrated what she meant to me. Nowadays though there are things you can buy that are made to help with this problem, or you may make up your own. Instead of spending g money on fancy solutions I like putting in a piece of chux or something similar (I live in Australia so I don’t know if you have it there. It’s basically one of those thin, disposable kitchen cloths you use for wiping down the counter). Just measure, with your eye, the size of the inside of the pot and cut out a round shape a little bigger. Then, before putting soil in, simply fit the cut out chux into the bottom of the pot. So, it may have been a useful hack back in the day but isn’t the case any longer. That is just me though, I can’t speak for anyone else 😊
I worked part-time at a succulent nursery and I learnt that most succulents have shallow roots so I usually fill an inch or two of gravel base and it also helps me save more potting soil mix as they are fairly expensive
@@SheffieldMadePlants of course mate 👍 drainage holes in all my pots .. I've also noticed that haworthias have fairly deeper roots compared to other succulents so I don't put gravel base in them. same with foliage plants
Ok, can I just say how refreshing it is as a beginner to have advice from someone who is concise and knowledgeable! I really appreciate the way you explain things without all the crazy editing, music and chat that goes along with so many other videos! My brain can actually absorb your advice!!! I have a tall snake plant that Ive had for 8 months-ish. I have been keeping it in our north-ish facing bathroom and seems to be doing ok (no thinning of leaves ect) after watching your video on snake plants not liking too much moisture and enjoying full light better I am tempted to move it. Now, this video says don't move and I'm conflicted. Do I keep it where it is or move it to my south facing living room!? I'm a plant killer but really really trying so would appreciate anyone's advice on this 😂 Thank you!
Thank you! It sounds like it's doing pretty well in its current spot so I'd be tempted to leave it there anyway. If you do want to move it I wouldn't worry too much. It's the constant shifting that becomes a problem.
generally, if a plant seems happy, DONT MOVE IT. Plants biologically do not move so they adapt to the spot they are in (assuming you have it in half suitable conditions). If you move it to another room with different temperature, different humidity, different lighting, it may throw it off.
If the spot is not oke or you think you have a better spot for the plant which is better for it's wellbeing just move it. Don't worry too much about it. Just don't keep moving them.
In regards to the last bit. I have had multiple people tell me they wish the could grow what I grow (indoors &outdoors) but I always tell them that "Inside every master garden is a plant serial killer" 🤣. In other words we call kill plants but we learn. Hell, even now my garden that those people loved last spring not requires a ton of work after the drought this summer. Sometimes the best way is to start with something extra simple like an indoor vine. Then immediately try to propagate so you have some additional plants (just incase) to help you figure out where something is going wrong. Seriously, the basic vines are so easy to propagate that it helps you move forward over the loss of the original plant if you have multiple propagations from it. I used to try the gravel in the very beginning but now I use an unbleached paper coffee filter at the very bottom of the pot to allow for drainage. Watering is always an issue for me during seasonal changes 😅 always an adjustment.
@Sheffield Made Plants on a side note 😅 it seems my comment about regarding every master gardener is also a plant serial killer 😁 did motivate a few people I know to try again. I think like many people give up because to some a "green thumb" is a talent you are born with, but everyone (even those born in a household of gardeners) have some sort of learning curve that they have to find out the hard way for themselves. When I first started, I looked up all sorts of how to care guides for certain plants, but I kept running into the same 2 issues. First issue was running into general hacks or simplifying for the most oblivious person. To be honest, I was very skeptical about the instructions that came with my very first orchard "use ice cube to water every x amount of days!" My first reaction was "wtf 🫥, an ice cube doesn't seem right for a plant that their natural habitat is a rainforest!" Of course with reading more on how that naturally grow I realized that all 99% of the orchards I found around that time were sole in very pretty containers that happened to be the absolute worst environment for orchards 🤦♀️. The other issue was taking suggestions for how to articles/ videos but since they never specified their climate 🤦♀️ I didn't take that into account to look for hints. So I ended up taking recommendations for a climate in the northeast part of the United States while I live in a sub tropic climate of the Gulf Coast 🤦♀️. So now I know to look for the differences in climate and try to combine their information with my climate in mind 😅.
Use a few leca pebbles at the bottom of most of my plants. Even though they have drainage holes. But I'm essentially growing all my succulents in rock substrates anyway. Pumice, broken brick, lava rock. It's almost impossible to over-water them (almost) since the water just flows right through and then dries out quickly because of the air movement between the rocks.
This issue is far more complex than being discussed in this forum! Not all gravel is good for horticulture, yes, it does stop the holes in a pot from being blocked but it can also become a wet sump! Hard, smooth gravels have low water and nutrient absorbency (Cation Exchange Capacity). When parked in the bottom of a pot as a group the gaps between these “pebbles” have a strong water surface tension capability, retaining water that cannot drain away or be drawn up by the plant. Horticultural substrates are designed to be absorbent and, because they have a rougher surface giving them a higher surface area they not only absorb micronutrients but create a lower water surface tension avoiding a wet sump! This applies equally to substrates that include high levels of fine sand, organic matter and horticultural grits, both of which can deny the substrate of air pockets and promote compaction! There are a number of Hydroponic substrates available which give a consistent water retention and nutrient capacity. Most are based on high temperature baked clays, however, they are often expensive. Bonsai enthusiasts have discovered diatomaceous earth (Molar Clay) a calcined hard clay product which is capable of holding moisture, not free water, whilst still allowing good air circulation within the pot and because it’s a clay, is second only to organic matter in capturing micro nutrients and releasing them to the plant! So there is gravel and there is gravel! By all means drop in a layer of hydroponic pebbles, pumice or lava rocks as base drainage but leave the granites, flints and builders sand out!
The gravel will actually lead to root rot too. The bottom of the soil holds onto water more than the rest of the soil so if you move the base of the soil up it's reaching more of the roots. You can test this with a sponge and you'll notice that most if the sponge goes dry while some of it collects at the bottom
I finally got my 1st monstera ,I got it home,transplanted it,and went to wipe off each leaf,only to discover little rusty yellow spots,on top,and underneath the spots had a coating that could be wiped off ! I kept it separate from the rest of my plants,wiped all leaves off with a damp cloth with dawn,and a few drops of vinegar, but they came back but just a few,I got it from Lowe's 1/2 price sale,I have never had problems b4 after all these years 😢oh can't find my recept, and don't have the money,to replace the dirt I bought,for the plant even if I could exchange it😢
You only water your succulents once every three weeks? I was told to water mine that rarely and I did it and they all died. Then I read to just water them once the soil dries out, which was every few days, and now they're thriving.
This video is really helpful, I just removed the Stones I put under the pot of the flowers. Sir please I want to know which types of plants are good for inside our rooms and sitting room?
Thanks. Looks like all my pots have stones at the bottom. Well, actually I've been doing almost everything you've mentioned. Can you do a video on soils?
I have what was sold to me as a philodendron Florida Ghost. I think It may well be one... But I put the root in well-draining soil with plenty of perlite. When I got the cutting it had a substantial root on it and one leaf. This remains to this day... 15 months later. I've tried moving it (not often, twice) to see how it responds to less and more light. I've tried watering it less often (once every 3 weeks, to watering once a week). In Canada, where I am, there is significantly less light in winter (as in the UK, only a little less severe). I expected at least one new leaf last summer, but nothing happened... What do you think?
How much white it is ? Because no-chlorophyllic area is just a huge waste of energy and stress the plant. As said above, the only way to compensate this lack of chlorophylle is additionnal light... even more in Canada saddly :(
for some of my pots with out drainage that glass i but some fine almost fish tank stones that are very small to the bottom so i can make sure that i dont give to much water and if i do i dont have to worry to much and i have not noticed anything wrong with them
I would really love to have more information around watering. I don't know what "little water", or just once a week should mean? Half a liter? A shot glass? I mean I have bigger plants and I asume they want more water than smaller plants. Could you maybe make a video or a short with what you do?
I always use either stones or expanded clay at the bottom of my nursery pots, but I only use it for covering the holes of the pot so the soil doesn't clog it. It's a very small amount of either. Is that also bad? New plant mom here, sorry if it's a silly question :) Thank you for all your videos, I love your content :)
About watering especially plants who do not require so much light!!!!!!! I keep notes of how hot it has been during the week and how much sun on that window and I water accordingly..... But people come over and give them water from their bottle, idk why people come to people house doing these things at all?. When we know what we are doing, which is why our plants last all year long and are green and healthy!
When I give up on a plant it's because I'm disgusted with it. Not knowing what to do, I threw it away and BEHOLD, it improved. I did that with my Echeveria Agavoides. Now she is over 4 years old, beautiful and huge. It's a good thing she ended up in the trash, as that's the way I learned she did not like being in the sun.
I've always thought it would be great if they could tell us what they wanted like in the film, 'The Little Shop of Horrors' (other than it being a man eater!)
r.e. Gravel in the bottom of the pot. If a shallow layer of gravel results in too little soil, then I need a deeper pot. But I use the smallest gravel I can without it leaving via the drain holes. Using my trusty drill, I also usually add drain holes to my pots. I also use pebbles that have rounded edges. River rock over driveway gravel. I don't KNOW that the sharp edges of the gravel would cut or damage the roots but as I have an option, I err on the side of caution. I also buy the smallest roll of screen wire I can purchase, Steel will rust so the options left are stainless steel, aluminum, and nylon. Both the metal ones can be unfriendly to your scissors and your skin. I then cut a piece of the screen to cover the rock, and then my soil on top of that. Also be aware that screen wire has different sizes of mesh. If the mesh is too fine, then it may not drain as you wish. Pet stores that sell aquarium supplies are a great source for the type of rock I use. I also use the small colored aquarium gravel as a top dressing for some of my plants. i.e. I have an Old Lady Cactus that loves to strut her white fuzzies. I painted her pot glossy black and used black aquarium gravel as a top dressing. The old girl looks gorgeous. I think I have mentioned before that it's all about finding what works for your plants in your specific environment. And of course doing research for each and every plant you have. I have a Hoya, (Hindu Rope Plant) that actually prefers to be in a pot that looks way too small. A rope plant that's into bondage. Who would have guessed it? Maybe I should shut up now.
Another solid film mate thank you two things first i cant believe you sprayed you trad and second even mistakes are positive like you said, my Alocasia turned its toes up.
So, I took a Purple Shamrock, pressed it into a scooped out a banana with some soil, then wrapped it in a nylon stocking with orange peels, perforated a water bottle and filled it with peanut butter and a tea bag, then.... Nah, Actually I just left it alone. It looks great. Funny how they know what they're doing. -_^ Few drops of water now and then. (Me to houseplants) You guys are doing awesome! I'm gonna just go prune the Pothos for a new pot! (Houseplants) *wink*
I almost killed a tradescantia that was given to me because I had no idea there was a THICK layer of rocks at the bottom of the pot... and I was bottom watering it 🤦♀Needless to say I now always check what's inside the pot of plants people give to me.
6:55 I have heard in care guides some plants should be misted but it was like Specially lucky bamboo lol Oh btw it’s a great ans easy plant and they’re great to have in bathrooms and kitchens
@@SheffieldMadePlants I was gifted one by my aunt a long time ago. she has so many cuz they’re easy to take care of and she likes plants but can’t seem to get the hang of taking care of them but lucky bamboo seems to thrive with her esp in the kitchen and bathroom
I started doing the same to prevent potting mix to escape from the drainage hole. I've used 15gsm fleece though and it works very well. I was using LECA before for every pot and I learnt it's not a good practice for various reasons.
You should put some old leaves instead. They will decompose and turn into compost. Roots may be stuck in Geotextile and it will be much more serious problem.
He never said why gravel is bad... I use the gravel to stop soil from escaping the bottom of the pot and to weigh it down if I have a cute but cheap pot that would be top-heavy.
@@bonniemathews3162Gravel in the bottom of the pot creates an elevated water table. So, the roots of the plants are kept in water and this encourages root rot. Gravel does not improve drainage.
@@bethzahn31 what i had experienced is that potting media (if soil/sand) stuck in the gap and turn hard like concrete which block the water drainage and plant die. What you said is not the case coz pot has holes in the bottom and water drains easily.
I need help growing my Hawaian Frangipani tree that was sold to me saying it will bloom being a house plant and doesnt need to be planted outside. So far my Frangipani went in Winter sleep and is now growing new leaves. But I don't see any flower buds
I just started out as a plant parent and have done most of these 🙃 If I recently (2 wks ago) potted my plants with the gravel in the bottom, would it be too stressful for them to take them out and remove the gravel? (Prayer plant, dracena, snake, spider & pothos) Or should I leave them alone?
It's been many, many years since I have brought plants into my home.... This year I begin to garden outside again.... Because I live under trees and their root system fortunately are very strong which makes it almost impossible to dig holes.... So I have gone back to outdoor potted plants... When I tipped over old pots with soil where there had not been any plants in them that we're not still alive or just weeds growing... I noticed that the pots that had the stones at the bottom for drainage had the best soil and also had worms living and thriving.... I personally will keep stones as drainage at the bottom of my pots.... Because looking back the pots that had drainage rocks live the longest..... Plus I believe that the worms use the rocks to cool down their bodies or even get small fragments to digest their food.... I was taught by the old Japanese about putting drainage rocks in my potted plants... So I will keep that old wise tale.... Thank you for those in the past that have taught me so well....
All indoor plants should have drainage holes. You just use a tray underneath to catch any droplets. I find that mine don't usually drain any water, though.
From my experience with cactus which absolutely cannot tolerate high water table or wet soil, I noticed that using a porous rock like pumice or lava rock (the one used in barbecue grill) instead of rocks /gravels will prevent the high water table problem. And it is literally the only material that can safely retain soil moisture for cactus without root rots
How it works is that pumice or lava rock are porous, thus it wicks the water table on the soil-pumice boundary, and breaks the water surface tension, thus no pooling of water at the bottom soil. I did the pumice water table test with a kitchen sponge, and my hypothesis is proven correct, and my lithops babies (which is notoriously very2 prone to rot) are healthy
Well making cactus mix is a bit complicated tho. Yes you can always follow the 30/70 or 40/60 mixture of organic and grit (pumice, lava rock or perlite) but the best thing is you can do is ask about it on your local nursery or maybe some local group. since cactus mix vary on your zone.
TBH yes while true. You can also prevent rot just by watering a bit less but more frequently. It requires careful monitoring and it depends on the plant. But my Christmas cactuses, for example, have been growing in twenty years in a "less than ideal" mix without a problem. That is because I don't let them get wet. Damp on occasion, yes, but never wet. I wouldn't recommend it for most people though, and certainly commercial growers haven't got the time for such lark. Both these groups would be better off just using an ideal media
I've just found u and have been enjoying and subscribed to ur videos ... my wife just bought 2 mona lavender u wouldnt have a video on them by chance would u?
I have had success with prickly pear cactus and aloe vera in my yard. I do give them some weekly positive talk and plenty of Texas sunlight. The house plants seem a bit more sensitive. My girlfriend watches the murder whodunit shows and this may be the culprit.
Gravel is a great option. Your plant will eventually fill any pot with roots. If you’re assuming your potted plant sitting inside will receive total nutrients from soil, you’re mistaken. They should have a structured feeding schedule. Gravel is good.
Not sure where this myth comes from. It really depends on the plants. Gravel at the bottom has been only good for my plants and the roots do fill in the gravel area. Gravel is used in hydroponics to grow plants. It's not bad
I know this myth was started by the cannabis soil and nutrient companies. Think about the millions and millions of plants being grown just in the legal industry in California and the millions by home growers. It's just a lil bit at the bottom but that times millions and millions and millions of planters. That is a hell of a lot of soil. So this myth is all about the money money money. That being said every species of plant has its own needs. Get to know your plants 🪴. There's not one right answer for all plants. Some may prefer to not have gravel in the bottom. The plants I'm experienced with do prefer gravel. Everything from cannabis to cacti. Don't believe everything you hear, especially on the interweb
@@user-gh8wt2zi2n Gravel in hydroponics is very different from gravel on the bottom of a pot. If you have drainage issues, the best way to deal with it is to make sure you have a well-draining soil. If you've ever transplanted a plant that has grown with gravel or rocks in the bottom, you'll know that you will basically have dirt with rocks in it, because it only takes a few waterings to wash the soil down into the gravel.
I am about to plant plan in soda cans, and aI am debating if I should include something at the bottom but I am considering your advice to not do so, but on the other hand you only mentioned gravel, would pebbles or leca-balls be ok?
@@SheffieldMadePlants Ok! Thankyou, and thankyou for a quick answer! And I suppose I definitely won’t need anything but soil , if I’ve prepared holes through the tin at the bottom!☺️👍🏻 which was done by a hammer and a thin nail.
As an agronomist i'm horrified by people fertilizing their house plant. That a very very polluting practice and totally useless (and expensive) if soil is good quality and repotting frequent enough. Plus, organic matter (ie compost liquid) is largely enough for high demanding plants. In fact soil in topical forest is very poor (btw that partially why deforestation go always further because the soil is very superficial) so exotic house plants don't need fertilizer that just for making money that this stuff exist. And i dont even dare talking about fertilizing CACTUS like.... that on of the most bullsh1t stuff on earth 🥲
Get exclusive bonus content at www.patreon.com/sheffieldmadeplants
Someone gave me a spider plant that was full of gravel. It barely grew and was very weak. Repotted without the gravel, grown like mad. The advice about some not needing lots of light made me realise, all of mine need to be those plants, my old victorian house is quite dark. Great advice, as usual .
Thank you 😊
Thank you for all this important information. Ive been collecting plants over the last 3 weeks and I've found myself moving them every few days and adding fertilizer to their water. Probably killing them with kindness. No more fertilizing, spraying and moving for now. And I'll adjust the blinds on southern windows on sunny days so they'll get a couple of hours of sun not all day. I have been learning so much from your videos. I have a notebook keep track everything. It is a quick reference while I'm learning how to care for my plants. The hardest part now is stopping myself from buying more plants.
Thank you 😊
Ironically, sometimes giving up can be the best thing for the plant. I've had that experience (gave up on a herb for it just dying inside, threw it on the balcony in the cooling fall weather to wait for throwing it in the trash, stopped watering it and all. The dead plant started thriving there) and my friend as well, who had a plant that was just dying in their home no matter how they tried to take care of it. They threw it outside and stopped paying any attention to it and from dying stated it started growing happily. Sometimes they just want to be neglected in a less than optimal environment I guess.
Of course you talk about giving up in whole. I agree, I always had my green thumb in the middle of my palm (combining two local sayings) and struggled to keep them alive, but little by little by studying and watching videos like these I'm getting to understand my plants.
Very nice points thanks 👍
that resonates with me😂❤
Over watering and fertilizer kills plants.
Last year I tried gardening for the first time, it didn't work out and I got super demotivated and gave up. My tomato plant was still kicking despite me ignoring it for quite a while. It probably would've been fine if I would have done something to support the growing tomatoes.
@@SheffieldMadePlants any fridge plant hacks? maybe freezer could kill pests? ^^
I just discovered your videos this morning and am so pleased I did! I'm now the owner of a lot more houseplants, thanks to moving and gaining more space. I've always accorded my plants scant respect - the sink or swim approach - but NO MORE! Your tips and advice are so clearly given, and make such good sense. Thank you very much - I'm going to be the owner of a happier bunch of green companions!
Super, thank you very much!
How very true are the statements about overwatering and over-fertilizing. For years I watered every week regardless of the plant. Additionally, I fertilized at the same time. My plants were a disaster! Then a friend told me she didn't fertilize so I stopped completely and eventually only used a very small amount a few times during the summer months. I greatly limited watering, too. My plants are truly amazing now. How I wish I had learned this years ago.
That’s the trap I fell into 😬 Plants are best on the drier side
Indeed and some plants even prefer it if they're basically never fertilised. Others are heavy feeders (roses). Depends on the plant.
I live in Missouri my tradescantia hangs outside in the spring summer and fall in scorching full sun on a shepherds hook and loves it. She blooms all summer long along side my Purple Heart
Sounds great!
Yes you live in Missouri It would turn to dust here in the desert The air and sun are scorching hot It is why cactus thrive -Common sense with house plant care is "It may not work for where you live"!
My grandma taught me to use gravel in pots and a layer of fine fly screen on top to let the water through but stop the plants roots, it works quite well I have found.
Another issue is salts [from fertilizers] collecting in the pots....periodically, one must flush them extremely to wash out the salt collecting in the soil; hope this was helpful?
Gravel in a pot isn't to help with drainage, it's to stop all the soil falling out of large holes - Mostly relevant with terracotta pots which have those. And it would be bits of 'crock' (broken pots) or gravel.
Gravel is used as a drainage layer
@@SheffieldMadePlants People do it thinking that, but only because they're just doing what their grandparent's taught them. Of course a pot that isn't draining will fill with water whether it's got gravel in it or not. But i'm long in the tooth and a head gardener in a long line of horticulturalists, and it serves a purpose when appropriate - to stop the soil falling out. Especially with big pots, direct on paving, the soil falls out and blocks the hole - thus impeding drainage. It is better to use crock, and use feet to raise the pot off the ground. But it isn't the end of the World to use gravel in the pot.
@@relfyem for sure
I've used it as drainage 🤷🏾♀️
I've never fertilized my two big plants and they're both over 20 yrs old and thriving
I've been doing a few things wrong... thank you
I have a schedule for my plants. I check them every week and water & clean leaves if needed, the only exception in my collection is my bonsai that needs watering twice a week. I usually check on my plants a few times a week incase one needs emergency watering
This is awesome! One note I would add is that gravel mixed into soil does reduce the usable space in the pot, but it does help it to dry out faster for that exact reason. Some plants prefer small pockets of soil, filled with rocky gravel (mostly desert plants) because they dont hold water, and they replace soil that would be holding water, helping the pot dry out faster (like how small pots dry faster, its less to dry)
Yes I use perlite in this way. Using gravel at the bottom isn’t the way
@@SheffieldMadePlants I'm still conflicted about it. I do use a layer of small pebbles and a mesh on top of them but not for the reason everyone says. I don't want soil to compact around the draining hole. It's not for "drying out faster" but to make the pot more reliable when soaking. Water gets through to the stone layer and leaves evenly from the bottom of the pot. When it's not there and you have just one hole in the middle, moisture sticks around the edges and water might have a harder time getting through there after some time.
@@bassboosted4025 Just use the mesh, not the pebbles.
Some things I've learned over the years having plants is, less is much better than more, like, less watering, less sun, less fertilizer, it's like seasoning your food with less salt than necessary, because you can correct the amount of salt if it's less, but if you get the amount of salt wrong, it's quite difficult to make a food less salty.
Also, another thing I've learned is, there were sometimes that you'll encounter with a quite challenging plant with it needs, and normally they just got weaker and not matter what you do, they can't keep up, so in my case, rather to expending too much energy and time on that plant, I just gave them a new life, I turn them into compost and with that compost I feed my other plants, it sounds kinda rude, but for me, that's the cycle live I give to my plants.
I guess they’re serving a purpose at least
Lmao
I am not in the UK but in a desert-like weather zone. I learned my lessons that all my succulents and cacti prefer shady areas rather than full sunlight. Otherwise, they get sun burn! I can understand succulents but cacti? Don’t they love sun? Heck, it is what it is. As long as they are happy in the shades, I am okay.
Although we are in different weather zones, I can still apply some of your words of wisdom except sun-related matters 🙂
I have subscribed.
Very different climates!
Worth mentioning too, not all cacti are desert cacti. Some are tropical cacti that grow in the understory of trees (hence they're prone to burn)
I too live in the desert and yes I have 100's of cacti outside (and succulents) and they do get very burned from the intense sunlight I have little shade with some and they are indigenous but will still burn The heat waves in AZ killed many beautiful and old Saguaro's The cacti I have that are under shade trees love it Nothing likes to be in the burning sun!!
Top ten tips why I don't keep houseplants, yet I do have a flowery balcony 👍 Fascinating videos however, thanks.
Thank you 😊
I am using Gravel at the bottom of a Ficus microcarpa , but inches Below the roots , and covered with a Layer of Course Perlite . I think it Will work , tbh ...
Nice. Probably the only exceptions to 'not in full sun' for houseplants would, of course, be cacti and most succulents, which want as much full sun as you can give them. Even then, cacti as houseplants, even on the most sunny window sill never will match those grown in a greenhouse. My 30 year old Ferocactus (which I grew from seed) has spent the last 24 years indoors (and its first 6 years in a greenhouse, which I no longer had access to when moving) and has etiolated as a result. It's still healthy though despite being half the width and twice the height it would normally be at this age ! Oh and carnivorous plants too, full sun for them.
Last week I bought 2 plants. The same plant in 2 different colors. They’ve received the same care. In the same spot hanging next to each in front of the window. One has perked up and nice and bushy. The other is depressed and droopy. 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️ I think sometimes the plant is to blame lol
That’s weird
Thank you for this information. It makes caring for plants so much easier.
My pleasure 😊
For indoor plants, best mix: 25% pea gravel, 25% compost, 50% potting soil. Water every 15 days. Air circulation is also important along with sunlight. After a few months you’ll figure some plants need more water than others. Then slowly increase water frequency.
not many people know about all this
thank for your video
Tip nb one can't be applied to bigger plants, because you can't lift them and let them drain as shown in the video. I have been using gravel at the bottom of the pots for my larger plants, which never created any issues.
i think it depends on the size and the pot material you use. from what ive seen plants are surprisingly lightweight, same as light fluffy soil substrate. i feel like around 60%, if not even more of the weight comes from the pot at times and if you put a big plant in a big fancy ceramic pot.. yeah have fun with that. it might be too big then maybe because you need to be able to move it at least in my head.
but if you dont need to or you dont want to, what about using unglazed terracotta pots for big plants you cant move anyways? because those drain moisture and drain the soil faster helping with standing water
I am with you 100%. I have large containers that I grow small trees in, some of which are 30 gallons or larger. The bottom inch or so in most pots is tapered down and you really only lose maybe 10% or less from the volume of the pot. I actually have a micro Hügelkultur in the large pots tree branches cut to fit the bottom, then wood chips and pea gravel, and then whatever soil mixture I need for the plant. Loquats, Kumquats, Raspberry, Blueberry, Feijoa... all doing well and working on their second years as indoor/outdoor plants.
@@krisspkriss is micro Hügelkultur really a word?
@@MaybeTiberius In English we have this grammatical construct called a compound word. Let's try another compound word. Let's combine dog and house. Doghouse is a shelter for you dog! Very good. Now we learned a new concept today.
Like I said, I am two years into it with multiple trees from different families. Citrus, Martle, and Stone fruit. And being in a pot almost large enough to roast a hog in, some of them are not all that micro. But some are only 3 gallon pots so there is that too.
Wanna go another round, Buttercup?
@@krisspkriss dafuq another round, i m not sure what youre talking about? i was just curious if this really IS an english word or not... like i dont know.. Kindergarden...another german word? and then how do english compound words make sense with a german word? because im not sure if ''Hügel'' is something i hear alot of english people using on its own. its more like as if you would use Hundehütte instead of doghouse for some reason is whats confusing to me. is that really something english people use?. so whats the compound word of it then? i never heard the english word ''hügel'' , it just sounds bizarre talking full english and then put a random german word into it.
Gravel is great but only if its the bottom of a decorative pot with no drainage, I put a very thin layer than then put my nursery pots on top inside the decorative one. It means there's air getting to the roots and I can bottom water easily without the roots getting stuck in the pot
Putting gravel in the bottom of a pot *is* useful - but specifically useful for pots with no drainage hole. Succulents can work very well in pots like these so long as theres a drainage layer.
I have some pumice pebbles from hydroponics system in my citrus pots to add water reserve.
Thanks for sharing the valuable informations.
Gravel in the bottom of a planter is not the same as gravel in a pot with drainage holes. You put the plant in a pot with drainage holes into a planter with gravel in its bottom to actually allow for drainage. Then water into the planter, not the top of the pot soil. This will keep the surface dry and reduce fungal growth and the arrival of fungus gnats (sciarid flies).
👍👍👍
yes thank you! i got confused because it works really well for me
Thank you for your plant 植物 love ❤ sharing, your videos have not only brought a lot of knowledge but human connection to me
My pleasure 😊
Great tips, especially the one on misting plants. I think one type of plant that would benefit from misting though, would be orchids, but only the aerial roots, not the leaves.
Thanks!
Thanks for telling me not to give up!!! Your videos are amazing!
Thank you 😊
i used to put gravel on the bottom of pots until i learned that water "perches" above the gravel. it is not intuitive, but there is a video that proves it. best to have a uniform soil distribution throughout the pot.
Definitely 👍
i appreciate this, i will try to get rid of my misting habit haha, i was thinking that the smaller leafed plants (which are for veggie growing) need less water, but i realised im over watering them so i needed to hear this from you, thank you for this video
Glad it was helpful!
Muy buenos videos 👍yo pongo filtros de papel para café en el fondo de la maceta, para que la tierra no se salga cada vez lo riego, y me ha funcionado bien con mis violetas africanas 😊
Great stuff 👍👍
☕️ ☕️
Good morning BRO, i'm Nido, your NEW SUBSCRIBER from the Philippines, 🇵🇭
i learned so much from you, most especially the care tips, i'm a PLANTITO or another term in the Philippines who loves plants 🪴 or someone who cares a lot about plants. I'm a simple gardener, your videos are very informative, straightforward & based on SCIENCE as well, you are one of my favorite plant video shows and PLANTERINA 😃 PERFECT for my morning coffee, MORE POWER! MABUHAY! 🪴⚘️🌷🌻🦋🦋🦋
Thanks Nido! Love that term Plantito!
First, I would like to say, thank you for your extremely useful and informative videos. You just seem to know what problems we encounter and can get so frustrated over. I did chuckle at one point when you were fiddling with your green and pink leaf begonia. I have exactly the same one, and I love it! My daughter bought it, came to me for help potting it then almost promptly killed it with love, JUST like you say in this video! I am going to send this to her so hopefully the plants she has left in her apartment WILL survive! So, thank you for doing her a great service 😁👏🏻🌿🌵🌱❤
Next, I too have been guilty of putting gravel in the bottom of pots. My mum, who had an extremely green thumb, taught me to do this.
It wasn’t a really thick layer just a very small amount, usually around the outside of the inside of the pot. The gravel size being just a little bigger than the holes in the pot.
The reason she told me to do this wasn’t actually to do with drainage, it was about soil loss. She told me that if you put soil directly into the bottom of the pot some of it, a small amount, would come out through those holes every time you lifted the pot, like the mistake of constantly moving it, or even if you water it too vigorously.
This was true at the time, as I witnessed when she demonstrated what she meant to me. Nowadays though there are things you can buy that are made to help with this problem, or you may make up your own.
Instead of spending g money on fancy solutions I like putting in a piece of chux or something similar (I live in Australia so I don’t know if you have it there. It’s basically one of those thin, disposable kitchen cloths you use for wiping down the counter).
Just measure, with your eye, the size of the inside of the pot and cut out a round shape a little bigger. Then, before putting soil in, simply fit the cut out chux into the bottom of the pot.
So, it may have been a useful hack back in the day but isn’t the case any longer. That is just me though, I can’t speak for anyone else 😊
Thanks Angela. I tend to put a stone or broken piece of terra cotta at the bottom of the pot for just that.
Thanks Angela. I tend to put a stone or broken piece of terra cotta at the bottom of the pot for just that.
I worked part-time at a succulent nursery and I learnt that most succulents have shallow roots so I usually fill an inch or two of gravel base and it also helps me save more potting soil mix as they are fairly expensive
Is that will drainage holes in the pot? No issues then
@@SheffieldMadePlants of course mate 👍 drainage holes in all my pots .. I've also noticed that haworthias have fairly deeper roots compared to other succulents so I don't put gravel base in them. same with foliage plants
Ok, can I just say how refreshing it is as a beginner to have advice from someone who is concise and knowledgeable! I really appreciate the way you explain things without all the crazy editing, music and chat that goes along with so many other videos! My brain can actually absorb your advice!!!
I have a tall snake plant that Ive had for 8 months-ish. I have been keeping it in our north-ish facing bathroom and seems to be doing ok (no thinning of leaves ect) after watching your video on snake plants not liking too much moisture and enjoying full light better I am tempted to move it.
Now, this video says don't move and I'm conflicted. Do I keep it where it is or move it to my south facing living room!?
I'm a plant killer but really really trying so would appreciate anyone's advice on this 😂
Thank you!
Thank you! It sounds like it's doing pretty well in its current spot so I'd be tempted to leave it there anyway. If you do want to move it I wouldn't worry too much. It's the constant shifting that becomes a problem.
Yes I hate videos where you can't hear the person over the music
generally, if a plant seems happy, DONT MOVE IT. Plants biologically do not move so they adapt to the spot they are in (assuming you have it in half suitable conditions). If you move it to another room with different temperature, different humidity, different lighting, it may throw it off.
If the spot is not oke or you think you have a better spot for the plant which is better for it's wellbeing just move it. Don't worry too much about it. Just don't keep moving them.
In regards to the last bit. I have had multiple people tell me they wish the could grow what I grow (indoors &outdoors) but I always tell them that "Inside every master garden is a plant serial killer" 🤣. In other words we call kill plants but we learn. Hell, even now my garden that those people loved last spring not requires a ton of work after the drought this summer. Sometimes the best way is to start with something extra simple like an indoor vine. Then immediately try to propagate so you have some additional plants (just incase) to help you figure out where something is going wrong. Seriously, the basic vines are so easy to propagate that it helps you move forward over the loss of the original plant if you have multiple propagations from it. I used to try the gravel in the very beginning but now I use an unbleached paper coffee filter at the very bottom of the pot to allow for drainage. Watering is always an issue for me during seasonal changes 😅 always an adjustment.
I agree always a good idea to take props of a plant as a backup 😁
@Sheffield Made Plants on a side note 😅 it seems my comment about regarding every master gardener is also a plant serial killer 😁 did motivate a few people I know to try again. I think like many people give up because to some a "green thumb" is a talent you are born with, but everyone (even those born in a household of gardeners) have some sort of learning curve that they have to find out the hard way for themselves. When I first started, I looked up all sorts of how to care guides for certain plants, but I kept running into the same 2 issues. First issue was running into general hacks or simplifying for the most oblivious person. To be honest, I was very skeptical about the instructions that came with my very first orchard "use ice cube to water every x amount of days!" My first reaction was "wtf 🫥, an ice cube doesn't seem right for a plant that their natural habitat is a rainforest!" Of course with reading more on how that naturally grow I realized that all 99% of the orchards I found around that time were sole in very pretty containers that happened to be the absolute worst environment for orchards 🤦♀️. The other issue was taking suggestions for how to articles/ videos but since they never specified their climate 🤦♀️ I didn't take that into account to look for hints. So I ended up taking recommendations for a climate in the northeast part of the United States while I live in a sub tropic climate of the Gulf Coast 🤦♀️. So now I know to look for the differences in climate and try to combine their information with my climate in mind 😅.
I have never added rocks or any gravel nor misted any of my plants and they thrive. I will be very busy this spring repotting many plants.
👍👍👍
Use a few leca pebbles at the bottom of most of my plants. Even though they have drainage holes. But I'm essentially growing all my succulents in rock substrates anyway. Pumice, broken brick, lava rock. It's almost impossible to over-water them (almost) since the water just flows right through and then dries out quickly because of the air movement between the rocks.
With drainage holes it's all good 👍
Actually, filling the bottom of the pot with clay pebbles or perlite is fine!
But I agree, just fill it with the same substrate from top to bottom.
This issue is far more complex than being discussed in this forum! Not all gravel is good for horticulture, yes, it does stop the holes in a pot from being blocked but it can also become a wet sump! Hard, smooth gravels have low water and nutrient absorbency (Cation Exchange Capacity). When parked in the bottom of a pot as a group the gaps between these “pebbles” have a strong water surface tension capability, retaining water that cannot drain away or be drawn up by the plant. Horticultural substrates are designed to be absorbent and, because they have a rougher surface giving them a higher surface area they not only absorb micronutrients but create a lower water surface tension avoiding a wet sump! This applies equally to substrates that include high levels of fine sand, organic matter and horticultural grits, both of which can deny the substrate of air pockets and promote compaction!
There are a number of Hydroponic substrates available which give a consistent water retention and nutrient capacity. Most are based on high temperature baked clays, however, they are often expensive. Bonsai enthusiasts have discovered diatomaceous earth (Molar Clay) a calcined hard clay product which is capable of holding moisture, not free water, whilst still allowing good air circulation within the pot and because it’s a clay, is second only to organic matter in capturing micro nutrients and releasing them to the plant!
So there is gravel and there is gravel! By all means drop in a layer of hydroponic pebbles, pumice or lava rocks as base drainage but leave the granites, flints and builders sand out!
In the beginning of my plant journey I also put gravel in the pot 😅
The gravel will actually lead to root rot too. The bottom of the soil holds onto water more than the rest of the soil so if you move the base of the soil up it's reaching more of the roots. You can test this with a sponge and you'll notice that most if the sponge goes dry while some of it collects at the bottom
Well put thanks Lydia
I just covet the drainage holes with a single pebble. 8 holes, 8 small pebbles. Works great for my succulents and snake plants
That’ll work 👍
I finally got my 1st monstera ,I got it home,transplanted it,and went to wipe off each leaf,only to discover little rusty yellow spots,on top,and underneath the spots had a coating that could be wiped off ! I kept it separate from the rest of my plants,wiped all leaves off with a damp cloth with dawn,and a few drops of vinegar, but they came back but just a few,I got it from Lowe's 1/2 price sale,I have never had problems b4 after all these years 😢oh can't find my recept, and don't have the money,to replace the dirt I bought,for the plant even if I could exchange it😢
Sounds grim. Was it scale insects?
Never Fail At Houseplant Watering Again | Full Guide 👉 ua-cam.com/video/48EiPuDCIlI/v-deo.html
Thank you for sharing beautiful and amazing plants lovely collection lovely
Thanks 😊
You only water your succulents once every three weeks? I was told to water mine that rarely and I did it and they all died. Then I read to just water them once the soil dries out, which was every few days, and now they're thriving.
This video is really helpful, I just removed the Stones I put under the pot of the flowers. Sir please I want to know which types of plants are good for inside our rooms and sitting room?
There’s tons to choose from! Depends what you like and how much space you’ve got!
Thanks. Looks like all my pots have stones at the bottom. Well, actually I've been doing almost everything you've mentioned. Can you do a video on soils?
I normally sprinkle soil info in my videos rather than doing a dedicated one
Really like your content cause it brings value
Thank you very much
Thanks for all your tips on plants.. 💐
Most welcome 😊
Excellent video! Thank you.
My pleasure 😊
I have what was sold to me as a philodendron Florida Ghost. I think It may well be one... But I put the root in well-draining soil with plenty of perlite. When I got the cutting it had a substantial root on it and one leaf. This remains to this day... 15 months later. I've tried moving it (not often, twice) to see how it responds to less and more light. I've tried watering it less often (once every 3 weeks, to watering once a week). In Canada, where I am, there is significantly less light in winter (as in the UK, only a little less severe). I expected at least one new leaf last summer, but nothing happened... What do you think?
That's very odd. Do you have a grow light? This might be your best option to get it going
How much white it is ? Because no-chlorophyllic area is just a huge waste of energy and stress the plant. As said above, the only way to compensate this lack of chlorophylle is additionnal light... even more in Canada saddly :(
Brilliant vid. Thanks!
Thank you 😊
for some of my pots with out drainage that glass i but some fine almost fish tank stones that are very small to the bottom so i can make sure that i dont give to much water and if i do i dont have to worry to much and i have not noticed anything wrong with them
I would really love to have more information around watering. I don't know what "little water", or just once a week should mean? Half a liter? A shot glass? I mean I have bigger plants and I asume they want more water than smaller plants. Could you maybe make a video or a short with what you do?
Keep it simple. Water only when the soil is dry and water deeply. If water can drain you can’t give too much
Man your awesome thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤
I appreciate that!
So many important things I learned!
Thanks Monique 👍😁
I always use either stones or expanded clay at the bottom of my nursery pots, but I only use it for covering the holes of the pot so the soil doesn't clog it. It's a very small amount of either. Is that also bad? New plant mom here, sorry if it's a silly question :) Thank you for all your videos, I love your content :)
No that’s absolutely fine. It’s when there’s no hole that it’s a problem
About watering especially plants who do not require so much light!!!!!!! I keep notes of how hot it has been during the week and how much sun on that window and I water accordingly.....
But people come over and give them water from their bottle, idk why people come to people house doing these things at all?. When we know what we are doing, which is why our plants last all year long and are green and healthy!
You’ve got people watering your plants?!? That’s not on! 😅
When I give up on a plant it's because I'm disgusted with it. Not knowing what to do, I threw it away and BEHOLD, it improved. I did that with my Echeveria Agavoides. Now she is over 4 years old, beautiful and huge. It's a good thing she ended up in the trash, as that's the way I learned she did not like being in the sun.
That’s wild 😜
I've always thought it would be great if they could tell us what they wanted like in the film, 'The Little Shop of Horrors' (other than it being a man eater!)
😂
Have you ever asked them?
Probably would tell use to take them back to where they belong!
. Good video with useful tips. Thanks 🙏
Thanks Miss J!
Thank you so very much and for your informative information 😊
Thanks for watching 😁
r.e. Gravel in the bottom of the pot. If a shallow layer of gravel results in too little soil, then I need a deeper pot. But I use the smallest gravel I can without it leaving via the drain holes. Using my trusty drill, I also usually add drain holes to my pots. I also use pebbles that have rounded edges. River rock over driveway gravel. I don't KNOW that the sharp edges of the gravel would cut or damage the roots but as I have an option, I err on the side of caution.
I also buy the smallest roll of screen wire I can purchase, Steel will rust so the options left are stainless steel, aluminum, and nylon. Both the metal ones can be unfriendly to your scissors and your skin. I then cut a piece of the screen to cover the rock, and then my soil on top of that. Also be aware that screen wire has different sizes of mesh. If the mesh is too fine, then it may not drain as you wish. Pet stores that sell aquarium supplies are a great source for the type of rock I use. I also use the small colored aquarium gravel as a top dressing for some of my plants. i.e. I have an Old Lady Cactus that loves to strut her white fuzzies. I painted her pot glossy black and used black aquarium gravel as a top dressing. The old girl looks gorgeous.
I think I have mentioned before that it's all about finding what works for your plants in your specific environment. And of course doing research for each and every plant you have. I have a Hoya, (Hindu Rope Plant) that actually prefers to be in a pot that looks way too small. A rope plant that's into bondage. Who would have guessed it? Maybe I should shut up now.
Another solid film mate thank you two things first i cant believe you sprayed you trad and second even mistakes are positive like you said, my Alocasia turned its toes up.
Haha 😂 what’s it not liking?
@@SheffieldMadePlants its just tuned to mush
Outstanding
So, I took a Purple Shamrock, pressed it into a scooped out a banana with some soil, then wrapped it in a nylon stocking with orange peels, perforated a water bottle and filled it with peanut butter and a tea bag, then.... Nah, Actually I just left it alone.
It looks great. Funny how they know what they're doing. -_^ Few drops of water now and then.
(Me to houseplants) You guys are doing awesome! I'm gonna just go prune the Pothos for a new pot!
(Houseplants) *wink*
😂😂😂
Thanks for the tips. I use to spray my plants,but i also thought i might be overwatering it. I took your advice👍🏽
Excellent!
Answering was rapid , good thanks
What about foliar spraying/ misting with fertilizers though? Is it as bad as normal misting with water?
It's still getting the leaves wet but I'm not sure how often you're meant to spray?
I almost killed a tradescantia that was given to me because I had no idea there was a THICK layer of rocks at the bottom of the pot... and I was bottom watering it 🤦♀Needless to say I now always check what's inside the pot of plants people give to me.
Phew 😮💨
As far as the light for your plants. Do you use the strategy for plants grown? For plants using artificial lights (plant Lights)?
Yes I use SANSI lights and they work well. Good growth
6:55 I have heard in care guides some plants should be misted but it was like
Specially lucky bamboo lol
Oh btw it’s a great ans easy plant and they’re great to have in bathrooms and kitchens
I’ve never had one for some reason 🤷🏻♂️
@@SheffieldMadePlants I was gifted one by my aunt a long time ago. she has so many cuz they’re easy to take care of and she likes plants but can’t seem to get the hang of taking care of them but lucky bamboo seems to thrive with her esp in the kitchen and bathroom
You should put geotextile inbetween the gravel and the soil. I have all of my plants that way, no issues ever.
I started doing the same to prevent potting mix to escape from the drainage hole. I've used 15gsm fleece though and it works very well.
I was using LECA before for every pot and I learnt it's not a good practice for various reasons.
You should put some old leaves instead. They will decompose and turn into compost. Roots may be stuck in Geotextile and it will be much more serious problem.
He never said why gravel is bad... I use the gravel to stop soil from escaping the bottom of the pot and to weigh it down if I have a cute but cheap pot that would be top-heavy.
@@bonniemathews3162Gravel in the bottom of the pot creates an elevated water table. So, the roots of the plants are kept in water and this encourages root rot. Gravel does not improve drainage.
@@bethzahn31 what i had experienced is that potting media (if soil/sand) stuck in the gap and turn hard like concrete which block the water drainage and plant die. What you said is not the case coz pot has holes in the bottom and water drains easily.
What is the best watering habit for palm’s thank you
Water thoroughly when it’s dry. I bottom water my plants
What about turning plants ( i'm trying to let my monstera grow in circles around the moss stick )
I'd personally leave a climbing plant like monstera to face one direction
I need help growing my Hawaian Frangipani tree that was sold to me saying it will bloom being a house plant and doesnt need to be planted outside. So far my Frangipani went in Winter sleep and is now growing new leaves. But I don't see any flower buds
Sorry never had the plant
I just started out as a plant parent and have done most of these 🙃
If I recently (2 wks ago) potted my plants with the gravel in the bottom, would it be too stressful for them to take them out and remove the gravel?
(Prayer plant, dracena, snake, spider & pothos)
Or should I leave them alone?
You can go in again
@@SheffieldMadePlants 🙏 thank you
It's been many, many years since I have brought plants into my home....
This year I begin to garden outside again.... Because I live under trees and their root system fortunately are very strong which makes it almost impossible to dig holes.... So I have gone back to outdoor potted plants... When I tipped over old pots with soil where there had not been any plants in them that we're not still alive or just weeds growing... I noticed that the pots that had the stones at the bottom for drainage had the best soil and also had worms living and thriving....
I personally will keep stones as drainage at the bottom of my pots.... Because looking back the pots that had drainage rocks live the longest..... Plus I believe that the worms use the rocks to cool down their bodies or even get small fragments to digest their food.... I was taught by the old Japanese about putting drainage rocks in my potted plants... So I will keep that old wise tale.... Thank you for those in the past that have taught me so well....
Do these pots have holes at the bottom? If that’s the case then water can run freely out and have stones at the bottom isn’t a big deal
Hello,i would like to know if it's a good idea to throw tea leafs in the soil after using it. Thanks
Will give a little boost of nitrogen 👍
But what if your indoor plant doesn't have drainage holes because it's indoors, you don't want moisture possibly dripping over the floor?
Which bit are you referring to?
@@SheffieldMadePlants The first tip I think, you said a pot needs drainage holes, but what if you have an indoor plant?
All indoor plants should have drainage holes. You just use a tray underneath to catch any droplets. I find that mine don't usually drain any water, though.
From my experience with cactus which absolutely cannot tolerate high water table or wet soil, I noticed that using a porous rock like pumice or lava rock (the one used in barbecue grill) instead of rocks /gravels will prevent the high water table problem. And it is literally the only material that can safely retain soil moisture for cactus without root rots
How it works is that pumice or lava rock are porous, thus it wicks the water table on the soil-pumice boundary, and breaks the water surface tension, thus no pooling of water at the bottom soil.
I did the pumice water table test with a kitchen sponge, and my hypothesis is proven correct, and my lithops babies (which is notoriously very2 prone to rot) are healthy
Is that pumice mixed in with the soil?
Well making cactus mix is a bit complicated tho. Yes you can always follow the 30/70 or 40/60 mixture of organic and grit (pumice, lava rock or perlite) but the best thing is you can do is ask about it on your local nursery or maybe some local group. since cactus mix vary on your zone.
TBH yes while true. You can also prevent rot just by watering a bit less but more frequently. It requires careful monitoring and it depends on the plant. But my Christmas cactuses, for example, have been growing in twenty years in a "less than ideal" mix without a problem. That is because I don't let them get wet. Damp on occasion, yes, but never wet. I wouldn't recommend it for most people though, and certainly commercial growers haven't got the time for such lark. Both these groups would be better off just using an ideal media
I've just found u and have been enjoying and subscribed to ur videos ... my wife just bought 2 mona lavender u wouldnt have a video on them by chance would u?
Sorry not got that plant
I add coco coir instead of stones in bottom
I have had success with prickly pear cactus and aloe vera in my yard. I do give them some weekly positive talk and plenty of Texas sunlight. The house plants seem a bit more sensitive. My girlfriend watches the murder whodunit shows and this may be the culprit.
😂😂😂
Google is Destroying YT with ads.
I have a spider plant without pups, how would I prune it? Do they need pruning?
You only really prune by dividing it into smaller plants. You can't really trim the leaves.
Thank you dear 🙏
Thanks for watching 😁
Gravel is a great option. Your plant will eventually fill any pot with roots. If you’re assuming your potted plant sitting inside will receive total nutrients from soil, you’re mistaken. They should have a structured feeding schedule. Gravel is good.
Not sure where this myth comes from. It really depends on the plants. Gravel at the bottom has been only good for my plants and the roots do fill in the gravel area. Gravel is used in hydroponics to grow plants. It's not bad
Drainage too ...roots need O2
I know this myth was started by the cannabis soil and nutrient companies. Think about the millions and millions of plants being grown just in the legal industry in California and the millions by home growers. It's just a lil bit at the bottom but that times millions and millions and millions of planters. That is a hell of a lot of soil.
So this myth is all about the money money money.
That being said every species of plant has its own needs. Get to know your plants 🪴. There's not one right answer for all plants.
Some may prefer to not have gravel in the bottom. The plants I'm experienced with do prefer gravel. Everything from cannabis to cacti. Don't believe everything you hear, especially on the interweb
I agree...plus people don't put gravel at the bottoms for the reason he thinks, they put it there to prevent drainage holes from clogging...
@@user-gh8wt2zi2n Gravel in hydroponics is very different from gravel on the bottom of a pot. If you have drainage issues, the best way to deal with it is to make sure you have a well-draining soil. If you've ever transplanted a plant that has grown with gravel or rocks in the bottom, you'll know that you will basically have dirt with rocks in it, because it only takes a few waterings to wash the soil down into the gravel.
I am about to plant plan in soda cans, and aI am debating if I should include something at the bottom but I am considering your advice to not do so, but on the other hand you only mentioned gravel, would pebbles or leca-balls be ok?
I wouldn't bother if there is going to be soil on top. Like the idea of soda cans an planters!
@@SheffieldMadePlants Ok! Thankyou, and thankyou for a quick answer! And I suppose I definitely won’t need anything but soil , if I’ve prepared holes through the tin at the bottom!☺️👍🏻 which was done by a hammer and a thin nail.
Thank brother for sharing good Idea!
Thanks
Can i cut some of the roots before I re-potting the plants?
Absolutely
Thanks!
As an agronomist i'm horrified by people fertilizing their house plant. That a very very polluting practice and totally useless (and expensive) if soil is good quality and repotting frequent enough. Plus, organic matter (ie compost liquid) is largely enough for high demanding plants. In fact soil in topical forest is very poor (btw that partially why deforestation go always further because the soil is very superficial) so exotic house plants don't need fertilizer that just for making money that this stuff exist. And i dont even dare talking about fertilizing CACTUS like.... that on of the most bullsh1t stuff on earth 🥲
Wow. Thank you. 🙌🏻
Any time! 😁
I water my house plants with oats and tea leaf water ,, does this count as fertiliser ?🖖
That’s a good natural feed
Fully agreed! 👍