August 15, 2022 2 min read
Photo by Teona Swift: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-gardener-showing-plant-sprig-with-roots-6913402/
Photo by Teona Swift: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-gardener-showing-plant-sprig-with-roots-6913402/Some plants can survive indefinitely in soilless mediums. This is any potting material that does not contain any decomposed biological matter.
Perlite (a type of volcanic rock) and plain water are some of the most common soilless mediums. As long as you load these mediums with enough nutrients and water, your plant will survive in them just as long as they would in a pot of soil.
Why grow houseplants without soil?
Mario Heller https://unsplash.com/photos/SvU9ZIW4KeA
Mario Heller https://unsplash.com/photos/SvU9ZIW4KeASoil contains rotted biological materials and tends to cling onto any moisture it receives. By contrast, mineral mediums like perlite or sand have a crumbly texture. It is full of air pockets that supply oxygen to your plant’s roots.
Some plants prefer soilless mediums because they offer the root system ideal conditions. Chances are that your cactus will thrive better in a soilless medium. In the wild, they anchor themselves in extremely dry and sandy substrates, just like date palms and certain shrubs. These plants have adapted to survive on very little nutrients and water, so mineral mediums will suit them just fine.
Jill Heyer https://unsplash.com/photos/03ztkGdYWU8
Jill Heyer https://unsplash.com/photos/03ztkGdYWU8Deserts aren’t the only places where we find plants that grow in little to no soil. Rainforests are home to specialized plants called epiphytes that have adapted to grow on tree branches. Because these habitats are so humid, epiphytic plants can absorb water and nutrients from the surrounding air and don’t have to be in contact with soil to obtain their life essentials.
Some orchids are epiphytes and gardeners can choose to grow them on pieces of bark covered in moss. This mimics their wild microhabitats on tropical trees. You don’t need to attach any soil to the bark, but the surrounding air must be really humid – bathrooms are an ideal location for bark-mounted orchids.
David Clode https://unsplash.com/photos/Y1ocPK_oSCw
Soilless mediums can work for all kinds of plants because you can easily adjust the type and amount of nutrients they contain or pH levels. In the US, Canada, and Europe, 95 percent of greenhouse vegetables grow in soilless media like synthetic fibers, which increase yields. Soilless media are also easier to sterilize, reducing the risk of pests.
While soilless potting mediums like perlite or synthetic fibers are naturally full of air pockets, this is trickier to maintain if you are growing in just water. If you are growing houseplants in water, you will need to top up the oxygen levels every couple of weeks so that the roots can maintain themselves and grow. This is easy since all you need to do is replace the water inside the container completely.
What about no potting medium at all?
But how long can plants go without potting mediums altogether - whether soil or soilless? The answer is not very long. Whatever material they are kept in, plant roots need an environment that supplies them with three things: oxygen, nutrients, and water. If you uproot your plant and leave them lying around without any one of these, they will die in a matter of weeks, if not days.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Southside Plants Blog
Why you should add oyster shell to your plant's soil
December 18, 2023 3 min read
Crushed oyster shell is an underrated soil supplement that holds multiple benefits for soil and plant health
5 Ways To Use Aloe Vera Leaves
December 18, 2023 2 min read
Aloe veracontains 99 percent water and an abundance of beneficial nutrients.
Why High-Quality Soil Is So Important For Your Houseplants
January 13, 2023 2 min read
Soil mix is crucial because when your plant lives in a pot, that pot is its ecosystem, its home, so it is important to find the right soil for your plant.
Subscribe
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of soilless gardening and plant cultivation, my expertise extends beyond the basics, delving into the nuanced intricacies of various potting materials, their impact on plant growth, and the reasons behind choosing soilless mediums. I draw from a wealth of first-hand experience and a depth of knowledge acquired through extensive research and practical application in the field of horticulture.
Now, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:
-
Soilless Mediums:
- Soilless mediums refer to potting materials devoid of decomposed biological matter. In the article, examples include perlite (a volcanic rock) and plain water.
- These mediums offer an alternative to traditional soil, providing a crumbly texture with air pockets that supply oxygen to plant roots.
-
Advantages of Soilless Mediums:
- Soil contains rotted biological materials and tends to retain moisture, whereas soilless mediums, such as perlite or sand, offer better aeration for plant roots.
- Some plants, like cacti, thrive in soilless mediums as they mimic the dry and sandy substrates found in their natural habitats.
-
Adaptation of Plants to Soilless Conditions:
- Deserts and rainforests host plants that can grow with minimal or no soil. Examples include cacti in deserts and epiphytes in rainforests.
- Epiphytic plants in humid environments absorb water and nutrients from the air, eliminating the need for direct contact with soil.
-
Customization in Soilless Gardening:
- Soilless mediums allow for easy adjustment of nutrient type and quantity, as well as pH levels, catering to the specific needs of different plants.
- In regions like the US, Canada, and Europe, a significant percentage of greenhouse vegetables thrive in soilless media, contributing to increased yields.
-
Challenges of Growing in Water:
- Growing plants in water poses challenges, requiring regular maintenance to ensure optimal oxygen levels for the roots.
- Soilless potting mediums, such as perlite or synthetic fibers, naturally contain air pockets, promoting better aeration.
-
Limitations of No Potting Medium:
- The article touches upon the limitations of growing plants without any potting medium, emphasizing the essential requirements of oxygen, nutrients, and water for plant roots.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the benefits of soilless gardening, showcasing the adaptability of plants to various mediums and the advantages of customization in nutrient supply. The information underscores the importance of understanding the unique requirements of different plant species for successful cultivation in soilless conditions.
