Most indoor plants do not tolerate waterlogging. Even small mistakes in choosing the substrate or a suitable bucket cause root rot, which kills the plant. However, if you know what is important, you can avoid the crucial care mistakes and enjoy your indoor plants for a long time.
A drainage layer in the plant pot prevents waterlogging
How does waterlogging damage indoor plants?
Waterlogging does not only occur when watering a plant. If the irrigation water cannot drain off, the substrate is permanently damp and prevents the plant from absorbing oxygen and minerals. The roots literally suffocate in the wet earth.
recognize symptoms
It is not always easy for a layman to correctly interpret the symptoms of his indoor plants. Most gardeners are wrong, especially when it comes to waterlogging. Because the signs of root rot are similar to those of drought. Withered or discolored leaves also appear with overwatering. Many interpret this as a sign of an increased need for water and make the damage worse by giving additional water.
Avoid waterlogging
You can prevent waterlogging by taking the following measures:
Create a drainage
Thanks to a drainage system, the irrigation water flows off more easily and does not collect at the bottom of the pot. We recommend a layer of gravel, sand, expanded clay (€19.73) or granules that you work into the pot before planting. It is very important that your bucket has a hole in the bottom from which excess water can drain. Don't just take care of the pot alone, but don't forget to regularly pour standing water out of the trivet. The drainage is laid as the bottom substrate layer. Only then does the actual substrate follow.
The thumb test
For the thumb test, press the tip of your thumb a few centimeters into the ground. Does the substrate still feel wet? Then the plant does not need to be watered again. You only have to water the next time when the top layer of substrate has dried.
Choose a suitable substrate
So that the irrigation water does not accumulate, the soil should be permeable. Coconut soil is highly recommended because it stores liquid but still allows it to seep away. You should occasionally loosen up conventional potting soil with a small rake or a wooden stick.
tips
Be careful, the plant pot is also important. Plastic buckets repel moisture and direct it back into the substrate. Clay pots are a better choice.