THREE SUBSTRATES FOR AROID

Carried away by aroid, made up, seemingly, optimal substrate for growing them. But with time, changing composition and proportions, I came to conclusion, that there is no universal recipe. The root systems of the representatives of this family differ from each other., therefore preferences are different: half-epiphytes good, when there are large inclusions in the substrate and more air permeability; species with many adventitious roots feel better in mixtures that are smaller in structure - moisture-consuming, but not less light. So it worked out for me 3 main substrate options.

DIY substrate for aroids

1. SMALL

Composition: peat, coniferous litter, pine bark of the finest fraction, sphagnum moss (1:1:1:1), fine fraction zeolite and charcoal for barbecues - 1/3 of the total.

Aroids with a large number of small adventitious roots develop well in such a substrate.: spathiphyllum, alocasia, syngoniums, homalogens, aglaonema, diffenbachia.

Instead of shallow bark, you can use coconut peat, but then you need to consider, that the moisture capacity of the substrate will increase.

2. LARGE

Composition: coconut chips, medium-sized pine bark and sphagnum (1:1:1), expanded clay of medium fraction and coal for barbecues - 1/3 of the total volume.

It is a substrate for aroid semi-epiphytes.: anthuriums and philodendrons. For adults and strong plants, you can add coniferous litter to the mixture..

This composition is also suitable for the adaptation of Thai plants., development and growth of roots in alocasia and epipremnum.

3. TEMPORARY

Composition: coconut peat and fine expanded clay (1:1).

It is a neutral substrate, in which aglao-nema roots adapt perfectly and grow, spathiphyllum, diffenbachia. However, semi-epiphytes and syngoniums "don't like" him.

ON A NOTE. Instead of coconut peat, I prefer to use the finest fraction of pine bark. Why? It, like sphagnum, - a powerful natural antiseptic. Besides, keeps its shape perfectly, does not stick together, contributing to better aeration of the substrate.

PREPARATION OF COMPONENTS FOR PREPARATION OF SUBSTRATE

PROFESSIONAL PEAT SUBSTRATE

I buy a faction - 0-10 mm, acidity - pH 5,5-6,5.

CONIFEROUS OPAD (how relatively fresh, and partially rotted). When making a mixture, I remove large debris: twigs and cones, as they grow moldy. In the future, I periodically weed the seedlings of conifers.

The only drawback of this component is mushroom gnats.. They are not pests, any insecticide will help get rid of them.

Coniferous litter can be replaced with a universal soil, the main thing, make no mistake in choosing. First of all, take an interest in the reviews of other florists about the manufacturer. Squeeze the soil straight with the package with two fingers - if stuck together, not worth taking. If you have white threads of mold, do not use, as experience shows, it is impossible to remove the mushroom. From mushroom mosquitoes, emerging from the sod land in the composition of the soil, spring insecticide.

Pine bark.

Small (the same fraction and flowability, like peat) - I use dry. Larger - pour boiling water the day before, then I drain the water (watering plants). I grind large pieces.

SPHAGNUM MOH. I dry and grind to dust (more convenient to mix) or you can finely chop and fluff.

COCONUT CHIPS, COCONUT PEAT. I soak in boiling water the day before, then I wring out (I water the plants with water).

CERAMZITE. Small and medium fraction (I choose large and use as drainage), pre-wash with water.

ZEOLITE. If it is difficult to find on sale, can be replaced with "Barsik-standard" cat litter (water washout) or small (to 5 mm) expanded clay.

COAL FOR MANGALS (buy birch). Grind directly in the bag before mixing, so as not to get dusty.

© Author: Elena GALUZINA, plant collector, r. Krasnoyarsk Photo by the author