The myth is, gravel or rocks in the bottom of a plant pot will improve drainage. This is false. Putting gravel, rocks, or other layers of material in your plant pots with drainage holes does NOT improve potting soil drainage, it increases the water saturation level that leads to root rot.
Secondly, can you use lava rock for drainage?
The porous air filled rock also has a high water holding capacity as the moisture will stick to the extra high surface area. In almost a complete contradiction, lava rock has very good drainage. … Interestingly, lava rock can be used to filter water.
Keeping this in consideration, what can I put in the bottom of my planter for drainage?
planters
- Plastic Bottles. Recycle your plastic bottles by using them at the bottom of your big containers. Your flowers and plants will love the extra breathing room inside. …
- Packing Peanuts. Reuse your Styrofoam packing peanuts as filler for large pots. …
- Wood Chips. Don’t have enough of the previous two ingredients? …
- Landscape Rocks.
What’s the difference between potting soil and potting mix?
Potting soil vs. potting mix: Though these terms are used interchangeably, there is a difference. Potting soil may or may not contain soil, while potting mix is strictly a soilless medium. Potting mix is sterile, which makes it safer for plants because it doesn’t contain pathogens such as fungus or other diseases.
Do I need drainage holes in my planters?
Plants that don’t like a lot of moisture will need a drainage hole for moisture to escape and for airflow to circulate through the pot. Another important function of drainage holes is to allow water to flush the soil of excess salts from fertilizers.
Which is better lava rock or pumice?
Many forms of pumice are more porous and lighter than lava – hold more water than lava. Many forms of pumice can be crushed between your fingers. Others are pretty darn firm, more similar to what I think of as lava rock. From what I’ve seen of pumice and lava, I think there’s a spectrum between the two.
How long does black lava rock last?
Lava rocks are volcanic rocks, widely used in landscaping as a ‘hardscape. ‘ Their widespread use is with good reason – they are extremely durable, essentially permanent mulch, and provide all the same benefits without the need for replacement every 6-12 months.
Is lava rock toxic to dogs?
Lava rock can be very rough on paws and can even cause tiny cuts that can get infected. Some dogs, for some reason, also like to eat lava rocks which can really mess up their intestines and digestive system so it’s best not to use lava rock.
Does lava rock attract termites?
The natural, crushed lava rock resists fading and cracking and won’t attract wood pests, such as termites and ants. It will help retain moisture in the soil and help prevent erosion.
Is mulch or lava rock better?
Benefits of Lava Rocks in Your Landscape
This is good for two reasons. … One of the benefits that lava rocks provide over mulch is that they don’t decompose, which means that they don’t need to be replaced every year. They also tend to be heavy enough that they won’t blow away during storms or when using a leaf blower.
How do you attach moss to lava rock?
You could try attaching your moss to a piece of lava rock. At least there are holes and rough surfaces for the moss to grow into. You can use thin strands of black sewing thread to attach the moss. Simply put the two together and wrap the thread around them.
Can you put Styrofoam in the bottom of a planter?
The answer: Not really. In fact, if you are using a pot with little to no drainage, adding Styrofoam packing peanuts could do more harm than good. Deep plant roots can grow into the foam material, and without sufficient drainage, they can become waterlogged and rot or die.
What do you put in the bottom of a wooden planter?
Consider Drainage
Even with drainage holes, however, water may not be able to drain from the planter if the soil is too tightly packed on the bottom of the container. To improve drainage, place a layer of broken terracotta pots, pebbles or Styrofoam packing peanuts on the bottom of the planter.
