Recommendations for the selection and self-preparation of soil for spathiphyllum

Spathiphyllum is a flower that can often be seen on the windowsills of modern houses. They prefer it for the decorative appearance of the foliage and the unique shape of the inflorescence. However, for this plant, you should carefully select the ground in which you will plant seedlings or seeds of spathiphyllum or transplant an adult plant.

After all, when using the wrong composition, it is unlikely that the flower will please with bright and long flowering. Therefore, it is important to understand which soil is worth buying, and which is better to immediately abandon. About all the intricacies, self-preparation of the soil, varieties of store mixes and possible errors, can be found in this article.

Plant in the wild

The homeland of this plant are considered tropical forests of South America. Exot grows mainly in wetlands, in flooded meadows, on the banks of reservoirs.

In nature, a flower grows in slightly acidic soils, which consist of:

• dry branches;
• sticks;
• decayed foliage;
• compost
• charcoal.

Ideal land for a flower

For indoor exotics, the components that make up the soil mixture are of no small importance. Otherwise, he will languish. And an unhealthy plant is a springboard for the development of many pathogenic infections. therefore The substrate must meet the following requirements:

1. breathability;
2. non toxicity;
3. friability;
4. water permeability;
5. ease;
6. slightly acidic environment, pH 5-5.5.

Such parameters may correspond to universal soil or soil for flowering plants. It is good if the prepared soil is designed specifically for spathiphyllum.

The main components of the substrate:

• sheet earth;
• peat;
• charcoal;
• expanded clay granules;
• moss sphagnum;
• fern roots;
• sand;
• mineral baking powder.

Instead of expanded clay, you can choose another drainage, at the discretion.

Is a ready-made substrate necessary for transplantation?

In the flower departments there is a considerable assortment of soil mixtures. When making a purchase of a soil mixture, It is worth paying attention to the product description, which is indicated on the package:

1. the purpose of the land, for which purpose it is suitable;
2. a list of plants that are recommended to be planted in this soil;
3. nutrient composition and soil pH;
4. usage tips.

If at the time of purchase there is no land available directly for spathiphyllum, the soil is also suitable for plants of the Aroid family. But, unfortunately, even a trusted store does not give a 100% guarantee of quality, and you can purchase an unsuitable product. To avoid this, as well as to save, the soil is prepared independently.

How to make the soil yourself?

At home, you can prepare your own soil for spathiphyllum and for this you should take:

1. flower pot with prepared drainage holes;
2. we lay the bottom layer - drainage material, the layer of which is 2cm;
3. all components of the mixture are placed in a large container;
4. we take components in necessary proportions;
5. mix in a container and fill the pot for spathiphyllum with a substrate;
6. the last layer is drainage.

Mixtures have various variations:

• Soil mix (components are taken in equal proportions): humus, peat, ash, deciduous land, sand, sphagnum moss.
• Sod land, brick chips, peat and sand (the last component is taken 2 times more than the rest of the components).
• The components are combined in equal proportions: peat, sand, leafy earth, crushed bark, wood ash, compost, vermiculite.

To enhance the nutritional qualities of the soil mixture, a small amount of superphosphate is added.

Moss has bactericidal and moisture-accumulating properties. Sand and ash allow the roots to freely receive air and moisture. It is also recommended to add dry fern roots to the finished mixture. They contain many useful substances.

Varieties of store mixes

To date, a ready-made soil mixture for Aroids is not a rare commodity. It is possible to get in specialized garden shops, flower shops. These products have approximately the same composition, but different manufacturers and, accordingly, the cost.

1. Vermion ground for spathiphyllum. The composition includes in large quantities organic components, nitrogen, as well as balanced potassium and phosphorus contents. Suitable for all representatives of the Aroid family. The amount of soil in the package is 2.5 liters, the price is 40 rubles.
2. "Biomaster" for aroid plant species - a soil mixture made exclusively of natural, natural components. Manufacturer - Russia. It is characterized by the optimal ratio of minerals for the full development of spathiphyllum. The composition includes sphagnum moss, which protects the roots of the plant from decay. The volume of 2 liters, the cost of 54 rubles.
3. "Agrosver" ground for spathiphyllum. The product is completely ready for use, does not require additional sterilization. The amount of soil mixture is designed for a pot with a capacity of up to 2 liters. The cost is about 30 rubles.

How to improve purchased soil?

Ready soil mixes are considered quite heavy. To make the soil lighter, add air to the mixture:

• vermiculitis;
• perlite;
• brick edge;
• coarse sand.

Thus, the soil becomes breathable, loose. The amount of natural baking powder should be no more than 10% of the total soil volume.

To add any components to the finished mixture is decided solely by the grower at his discretion. However, it is better not to ignore this opportunity, to make the finished soil more acceptable for the plant.

Drainage selection

The presence of a drainage layer in a pot is an opportunity for a flower to successfully grow and develop. They also allow the root system to freely receive an oxygen-air mixture and remove excess fluid from the pot. For this, holes are made in the lower part of the flower container. Through them, an outflow of water is carried out, even holes are made on the sides of the pot. If, however, you have no desire and time to do it yourself, such pots can always be bought at flower shops.

Drainage, like soil, can be purchased at the store, or you can cook it yourself. The most common material for the drainage layer is expanded clay. A lightweight, porous, environmentally friendly substance is commercially available. Also, pebbles, small pebbles, gravel, broken brick are used as drainage.

Possible mistakes

As already mentioned, spathiphyllum prefers moderately moist soil. And necessarily - air access, therefore, such a quality as the air permeability of the soil is important. This characteristic is created by the presence of a sufficient amount of natural disintegrants, vermiculite, perlite, sand.

But land and peat, on the contrary, significantly increase the weight of the soil. It is also recommended to use components that will retain moisture in the soil, preventing it from drying out quickly. For example, moss-sphagnum.

The consequences of improper substrate selection

Sometimes the plant does not look good, the foliage begins to turn yellow and dry, damage to the roots is noticeable, the flowering period is delayed, and if it blooms, the inflorescences are small and not bright. Even proper and regular watering cannot solve the problem.

The causes of such phenomena are improper soil composition or its old age. At the expiration of time, the substrate goes into a lump, becomes dense, saline, depleted. It is recommended that the soil be changed and updated every 3-4 years.

Plant nutrition

Do not forget about fertilizers, which contribute to the full development. It is important to add nutrients to the diet of indoor exotics. During flowering, the amount of fertilizing should be an average of 3 times a month, with a predominance of potassium and phosphorus.

In the process of growth, it is better to use nitrogen fertilizers. When the flower is at rest, it should be fed no more than 1 time per month. Mineral preparations must be applied exclusively to moist roots and after the main watering.

Acquire the finished soil or make it yourself - it's up to you. Properly selected composition of the soil flower mixture gives a guarantee that the spaciphyllum not only calmly adapts after transplantation, but will also grow, bloom for everyone to enjoy.

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