Wednesday, January 25, 2012

What kind of dirt and size pot do I need for some plants?

I don't know anything about plants and I have a Ficus, Dracaena and a Peace Lily to care for. Also what window and how much water do they all need? Oh, and is there a special way they need to be re-potted?

What kind of dirt and size pot do I need for some plants?
Yes. First of all when transplanting a plant, the new pot should only be 2" bigger than the current one (ex: it is in a 8" pot, so transplant it to a 10" pot.) If the new pot is more than 2" bigger there is a chance the plant will go into shock. Also, fill the pot half way w/potting soil, set the plant in (after loosening the roots by running your fingers through them, the same way you do w/your hair!) WATER, fill the rest of the way w/soil and make sure the roots are covered and water again. WATER AGAIN, by watering it twice while transplanting that will force air bubble out which could also cause shock.



The Peace Lily will do well in a room that is shady or does not get direct sunlight. These do not like a lot of direct sunlight.



The ficus will do well in almost any lighting EXCEPT shade. Some indirect or direct sun will be good.



Dracaena is basically the same as the ficus, some direct sun and you are good.



With watering, just use your judgment. Make sure your pots have drainage holes on the bottom and a tray underneath. If you stick your finger in about 1/2" and the soil is dry it needs to be watered. When you do water, water the plant until water comes out of the bottom drainage holes. This way you know that the water has reached all of the roots. If you want to add "extra" drainage you can put pebbles about 1/2"-1" thick on the bottom of the pot before you put the soil in.



The dirt.... you can use basically any type of "potting soil". I would go with Miracle Gro. There are some specifically for houseplants but that doesnt make a huge difference, as long as it says "potting soil" your good!







Good Luck
Reply:I don't have a green thumb either. My plants survive solely from sheer will. However, I do know that when I repot them I was told to always add the dirt to the bottom and never to surround the stems with new dirt as it would rot the stems. So when you pop them out of the old pot, add the dirt to new pot then plop them in there and tuck them in but leave the new dirt away from the stem. Hope this helps.

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