Introduction

Potted plants are a great way to bring some greenery indoors, but sometimes they need a little extra help. Perlite is a mineral that can be added to the soil in potted plants to improve drainage and aeration. In this article, we will discuss how to add perlite to already potted plants.

What is Perlite?

Perlite is a volcanic mineral that is heated until it expands and becomes porous. It is lightweight, sterile, and chemically inert. Perlite is often used as a soil amendment to improve drainage and aeration. It helps prevent soil compaction, promotes root growth, and can increase the efficiency of fertilizers.

When to Add Perlite to Potted Plants

Perlite can be added to potted plants at any time, but it is often best to do so when repotting. If you are not repotting your plant, you can still add perlite by gently scratching the soil surface and mixing in some perlite. You should avoid adding too much perlite, as it can make the soil too porous and dry out too quickly.

How to Add Perlite to Already Potted Plants

Adding perlite to already potted plants is easy. Here are the steps:

Water your plant thoroughly a few hours before adding perlite. This will help the soil hold together when you are mixing in perlite.

Carefully pull the plant out of the pot and shake off any loose soil.

Place some perlite in the bottom of the pot. The amount of perlite you add will depend on the size of your pot, but a good rule of thumb is to add about 1/3 perlite to 2/3 soil.

Place the plant back in the pot and backfill with a mixture of soil and perlite. Make sure the plant is at the same level as before and the soil is evenly packed in the pot.

Water the plant thoroughly and let it drain before returning it to its normal location.

Conclusion

Adding perlite to already potted plants is a simple way to improve their drainage and aeration. It can help prevent soil compaction, promote root growth, and increase the efficiency of fertilizers. Remember to add perlite in moderation and to water your plant thoroughly before and after adding perlite.