Growing flowers in pots can be both a decorative and a hobby choice when the necessary conditions are right. Many people love to grow flowers in pots at home or in their offices. Pots, which allow you to grow flowers easily both indoors and outdoors, not only provide a fun hobby but also add vibrancy and freshness to the space. You’ve probably seen flower growers placing stones on top of the soil in their pots. You might be wondering why these eye-catching pot stones are included. So, let’s explore the reasons for the use of stones, which not only enliven potted flowers with their energy but also add a decorative touch.
Keeps pets and flies away from potting soil
Besides its decorative aspect, placing stones on top of the soil also makes it easier to create a healthy environment. Stones on top of the soil prevent flies from landing on or near fresh plants. If frequent flies bother you when growing flowers, you can try adding stones for a cleaner environment. To prevent flies from laying eggs under the potted soil, you can fill the top with fine sand and pebbles. This method is especially suitable for areas where you grow flowers, such as gardens and balconies.
Use pebbles only in the soil of heat-tolerant flowers
If you have a potted flower in a completely open area, you may need to be more careful when placing stones at the bottom of the pot. With the stone-on-the-bottom method, the stones can absorb the soil’s heat. For this reason, it would be extremely appropriate to apply it only to pots where flowers such as marigolds, succulents, cacti and pansies grow, which are more suitable for heat.
You Can Use Pebbles to Increase Drainage and Prevent Root Rot
Drainage is important in pots, so choose pots with multiple drainage and air holes. If your plant’s soil mix retains water for a long time, watering is likely to damage the roots of the flowers. Therefore, to prevent damage from root to tip, you should use a high-quality potting mix and ensure optimal drainage. Additionally, placing stones at the bottom of the pot will provide further benefits.
Stones placed under or on top of the soil allow the soil to breathe, preventing mold growth. You can take advantage of the benefits of stones to prevent allergens and prevent the growth of microorganisms like mold. To prevent mold and moisture from forming in the soil and roots, which are constantly confined to a closed environment, you can create a healthy environment by placing charcoal powder or charcoal particles at the bottom of the pot.
You can use this method to check the dryness of the soil while it is covered with pebbles
You can use wooden skewers to test if a plant needs watering. The top layer of soil dries much faster than the bottom layer. To check the soil’s dryness, insert the skewer into the bottom of the pot. Let it sit for a few minutes, then remove it. If there are pieces of soil stuck to the skewer, the soil is still wet; If it comes out a little dirty, you know the soil is still a little damp. If the wooden skewer is completely clean, the soil is completely dry.
