Transplanting Greenery: Lavastrome, Earth, and You
In the world of horticulture, lava rocks are gaining popularity for their unique benefits in improving drainage and creating a well-aerated environment for plants. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to clean, sterilize, and use lava rocks for container gardening.
First, it's essential to clean the lava rocks thoroughly. Rinse them under running water to remove dust, dirt, or debris before use. After washing, rinse the rocks well to eliminate any soap residues.
For a more thorough cleaning, consider sterilizing the lava rocks. This can be done by boiling them or soaking them in a mild bleach solution. Boiling the rocks for about an hour to an hour and a half is a safe and chemical-free sterilization technique suitable for lava rocks. If you prefer, a soak in a mild bleach solution followed by thorough rinsing can also sterilize the rocks, but boiling is simpler and avoids chemical residues.
It's crucial to ensure the rocks are completely dry before repotting to avoid excess moisture.
Once clean and sterilized, lava rocks are ready for use. Layering them in the pot is essential if the planter lacks a drainage hole. Start layering by adding a layer at the bottom of the container, taking up about 5-10% of the inside.
When adding the plant to the pot, remove dead or extra-long roots from the core root ball, loosen the roots, and shake off about a third of the old soil. Place the plant in the centre of the new pot, on top of the fresh layer of soil, and add potting mix around the sides until the plant is stable.
For container gardening or repotting, choose lava rocks that are small enough to provide adequate space for roots to grow. Rounded or irregularly shaped lava rocks help prevent damage to plant roots.
When selecting lava rocks, opt for those that complement the specific needs of your plants. Lava rocks are primarily composed of basalt, obsidian, pumice, and scoria, each with unique properties that can benefit plant growth. Pumice, for instance, is highly porous and lightweight, making it excellent for improving soil drainage and aeration. Lava rock is denser and heavier, providing better aeration and water retention due to its rough texture.
Lastly, source lava rocks from reputable suppliers specializing in horticultural or landscaping materials to ensure their quality and suitability for your gardening needs.
Following these tips will help ensure that your lava rocks do not introduce pathogens or pests to your plants during repotting, and will provide an optimal environment for your container-grown plants to thrive. Happy gardening!
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After a thorough cleaning with running water and rinsing, and optional sterilization via boiling or mild bleach solution, the lava rocks are ready to be used in your home-and-garden, particularly for container gardening. Ensure they're placed in the pot's lower layer if your planter lacks a drainage hole, providing better drainage and aeration for optimal plant growth, especially using pumice for improved soil drainage and aeration.
