Foam drainage. Expanded clay for plants: why is it needed and how to replace it

Properly created drainage is a kind of foundation on which the future health and well-being of all houseplants, without exception, is based. It is from him that the amount of moisture and air that are necessary to ensure the normal life of the flower will depend. Lack of drainage coupled with improper watering is the most common cause the death of many indoor plants. So what is drainage?

Almost all novice flower growers believe that drainage is the same expanded clay that is sold in stores. That it is enough to pour some of it into the bottom of the pot, and the job is done. This is a big misconception. good drainage for, this is a correctly selected amount of drainage material and a correctly selected and prepared pot for planting. The material of the pot, the number and diameter of the holes are an integral part of high-quality drainage.

Drainage holes in a flower pot

With all the abundance flower pots, it is impossible not to notice that the vast majority of them are plastic pots. This is understandable, because they are lighter and easier to care for, and they are much cheaper. But every experienced grower knows that the best dishes for a houseplant - the simplest, unglazed clay pot. Such a pot is in itself part of the drainage system. The clay from which it is made perfectly removes excess moisture, absorbing it into itself, passes air to the roots, allowing them to fully “breathe”. The drainage hole in such pots is usually one, and in most cases this is enough. Another situation with plastic pots. They are produced without holes at all, only with places marked for them, allowing the grower to decide for himself what diameter the drainage holes should be and how many of them are needed. And for each specific type of indoor plant, they should be different. So for succulents, that is, plants that do not need frequent and abundant watering and constantly moistened soil (, etc.), they are made larger both in number and in diameter. The same applies to . Good example to that. Experienced flower growers during even make additional drainage cuts in the side of the pot. They allow not only to better nourish the soil during irrigation, but also to remove excess moisture from the roots of the flower. Otherwise, the situation is with moisture-loving plants. Contrary to the claims that they do not need drainage, they cannot do without it at all. Even for himself moisture-loving plant the soil should only be moist, not wet, swampy. The ability of such plants to grow in swamps in their natural habitat does not mean that they can exist in the waterlogged soil of a flower pot. The set of conditions for natural growth and growing at home are significantly different. Drainage for these plants is created more moderate. Consequently, fewer holes are made in the pot. It is impossible to give universal advice on the number and size of drainage holes. Everything must be taken into account. And the volume of the pot, and the age of the plant, and its size. But first of all, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of growing each specific species. indoor flower. In the process of growing, you need to constantly monitor the condition of the drainage holes in the pot. They should not be tightly covered with drainage material or earth. If this happens, then they must be cleaned immediately.

Note! Often in pots suspended structures drainage holes are not provided. Otherwise, excess moisture will drip onto the floor, furniture, etc. This is not a flagrant violation of the rules. But the layer of drainage material in this case should be much thicker than usual. Yes, and you need to monitor such plants more carefully.

Drainage materials

Only materials of inorganic origin are suitable for creating a drainage layer. Moreover, they must be chemically neutral, have good resistance to destruction, oxidation. For example, marble chips are absolutely not suitable for drainage, since with prolonged interaction with water, it significantly reduces, making it excessively alkaline. Fine-grained materials, such as granotsev or sand, are also not particularly suitable as the main drainage. Over time, they become thoroughly compacted and clog the drainage holes.

Expanded clay

It is for this material that among amateur flower growers the word "Drainage" has become a household word. It is under this name that it is sold. What is the difference between building expanded clay and drainage, "flower" expanded clay? Yes, actually nothing. In any case, from the point of view of the source material and manufacturing technology. In both cases, these are burnt lumps of clay. But there is still a difference. Firstly, before it goes on sale, it is washed, cleaned of dirt and dust, and secondly, the drainage expanded clay is calibrated according to the size of the fraction. Therefore, on sale you can find expanded clay of small, medium and large fractions from 5 to 20 millimeters. It is selected based on the size of the flower pot and the diameter of the drainage holes. Balls - granules should not clog holes or wake up through them.

There is a lot of controversy about the advisability of using expanded clay as a drainage material among professional flower growers. Despite its undeniable advantages, such as environmental friendliness, high hygroscopicity, lightness, counterarguments can also be found. The main one is to increase the acidity of the nutrient solution that the roots consume. One can agree with this statement, but one can argue. In any case, your obedient servant has been using expanded clay as a drainage material for many years, and any negative impact did not notice the plants. However:

Note! Under influence humid environment expanded clay collapses over time. It does not cause any particular harm to the plant. It simply becomes part of the earthen substrate. But the drainage layer disappears. It doesn't happen soon. Average expanded clay drainage serves 5 - 6 years. But if you have a large plant in a tub, which will be carried out extremely rarely (or never at all), then it is better to use a more resistant material for drainage, for example, pebbles.

Gravel, crushed stone, river pebbles

These materials are classified as "grassroots" and you can hardly buy them in a store. Therefore, their calibration and cleaning fall on the shoulders of the grower. At its core, it is also a pretty good drainage material. Its main advantage is durability. When using these materials, an additional layer must be poured over them or. This will protect the roots of the plant from hypothermia and overheating.

Ceramic shards

When using pottery shards, we get a combination of the advantages of expanded clay and pebbles. Ceramics, despite the similarity of manufacturing technology and material, is more durable than expanded clay. At the same time, it is able not only to remove excess moisture from the roots of indoor flowers, but also to accumulate it, preventing the earth from completely drying out.

Note! Only clean, unglazed ceramics are suitable for use as drainage. Most tableware is not suitable for drainage.

At the same time, clay shards must be used very carefully. They usually have sharp, serrated edges. First you need to blunt them. Otherwise, there is a high probability of damage to the roots. To prevent such injury and to better passing moisture, clay shards should be laid with the convex side up, and sprinkled on top with a thin layer of fine expanded clay or vermiculite.

broken brick

This material is most often used for growing succulents and plants in pots without drainage holes. Only red brick can be used. Its properties are similar to those of ceramics. Before creating a drainage layer of broken bricks, it must also be prepared. Thoroughly clean from dust and dirt, handle sharp edges.

Styrofoam

It is used as often as expanded clay. It is the cheapest and most readily available material for drainage. Styrofoam is not able to absorb moisture and retain it, but it is quite suitable for removing excess water. Moreover, unlike bricks, pebbles and shards, Styrofoam is much lighter, which means it does not weigh down the pot. In addition, it protects the roots of the plant from hypothermia on cold windowsills in winter period. At the same time, it should not be abused. It is perfect for plants with an underdeveloped root system or for flowers that are transplanted annually. Such as, or, if they hibernate in a pot, and land in the summer in open ground. The fact is that the roots of plants are able not only to braid pieces of foam, but to penetrate through them (as in). Then, at the next transplant, it will be impossible to remove them without damaging the roots.

How to create the right drainage

Start with the drainage holes in the pot. As I have already noted, their size and number depend on the type of plant and the pot itself. In most cases, they follow this rule: the higher the pot, the more holes (up to five). For a low and wide pot, two are enough. There is no point in making holes with a diameter of more than one centimeter. Their usual size is from 0.5 to 1 centimeter. If you are using pots that already have big holes, then in order not to wake up the drainage material and the earth, cover the holes with a net.
With each planned transplant, create a new drainage layer. It is advisable to use fresh drainage material. Although pebbles, expanded clay and clay shards, after thorough cleaning and processing can be reused.

Important! If a transplant is done on an emergency basis due to a plant disease, the drainage layer is completely renewed and the old one is thrown away. He might be infected!

The thickness of the drainage layer directly depends on the requirements of the plant and the characteristics of the flower pot, or rather, the drainage holes. The thickness of the drainage is usually divided (conditionally) into low, medium and high. Expressing these values in centimeters is very difficult. After all, the pots have a different size, both in height and in width. I can only say that high drainage is about a quarter of the height of the pot, medium up to 1/5, and low up to 1/6 of the height. The dependence of the thickness of the drainage layer on the number and size of drainage holes, unless otherwise specified in the recommendations for plant care, is approximately as follows:

The holes are small and few (or not at all) - the drainage layer is high
The holes are large, but there are few of them (one, for example) - the middle layer
Many large holes - a low layer.

Drainage should evenly cover the bottom of the pot and not clog the holes. If the drainage is of a large fraction, then it is advisable to combine it by pouring coarse sand, perlite, vermiculite or a material of a finer fraction on top. This additional layer should completely cover the main layer.

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Drainage is essential for indoor plants. Drainage is called bulk material with particles 1-2 cm in size, but not less than 0.5 cm. The material must be waterproof, pass water and not collapse under prolonged exposure to moisture.

When planting indoor plants, drainage is placed on the bottom of the pot. The superimposed drainage layer serves to drain excess water after watering, it flows between the gaps of large particles and goes into the pan through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. After watering the plants, after about an hour, the accumulated water is drained from the pan. After removing excess water from the ground, air passes to the roots of the plant. Thanks to this regime, the plant will develop successfully, the roots receive enough moisture and air, do not rot, the earth in the pot does not turn sour.

The drainage layer should be 1-3 cm high, and for some plants it is recommended to lay drainage on a third of the pot when planting.

Drainage may be different materials- expanded clay, from broken clay shards old crockery, broken bricks, river pebbles, crushed stone, gravel or pieces of foam.

Most often, flower growers use expanded clay drainage. This material is also used in construction, but in flower shops it can be bought in small packages. Expanded clay has all the qualities for a drainage layer when planting indoor plants. Expanded clay absorbs a small amount of moisture, which gives off when the earth dries out, excess water quickly drains between the fractions of expanded clay due to its round shape. In addition, expanded clay is quite light and its use as a drainage will not weigh down an already weighty pot with a plant. The expiration date of expanded clay is 5-6 years, after this time it begins to collapse and is replaced with a new one, but until that time you can use the same drainage layer, pouring it into new pot when transplanting, pre-wash in water with potassium permanganate for disinfection.

Expanded clay is often used as mulch, spreading it over the surface of the earth in a pot. Expanded clay layer on the surface will protect upper layer soil from drying out, the formation of a crust that prevents the passage of water and air in depth to the roots of the plant, the appearance of mold and moss.

Ceramic dishes and bricks, as well as expanded clay is made from fired clay, so these materials have the same properties. Break up old pottery or bricks into small fractions and boldly use them as drainage. So that the sharp edges of the fragments do not damage the delicate roots of the plant over the superimposed drainage layer, pour a layer of sand 1-2 cm, then a layer of earth, then plant the plant.

gravel and crushed stone also apply to building materials and are crushed and fine stone. The drainage layer of stones passes water well, it is durable, as it does not collapse at all, but it is heavy, therefore it will add weight to the pot with the plant. Also, the stone does not retain heat well, placing a pot with a stone layer on a cold windowsill, the roots of the plant may suffer from cooling.

Styrofoam always at hand, from the packaging of goods. After breaking it into small pieces, use the foam to make a drainage layer when planting indoor plants. This material is chemically neutral, does not rot or mold, does not absorb water and passes it well. Also, the drainage layer of foam will protect the roots of the plant from cooling. But there is one minus - it is soft and tender roots of plants can grow into it, which will have to be cut off during transplantation. Pour a layer of sand and some earth on a layer of foam pieces and start planting.

When planting indoor plants, be sure to use drainage from any of the above materials, this will protect your plants from excessive waterlogging and the undesirable consequences caused by it. Should not be used as a drain organic materials- egg shells, tree bark, nut shells, charcoal. Since organic materials are exposed to moisture, they become moldy, rot, change the acidity of the soil, which leads to a deterioration in the conditions for plant growth and the development of putrefactive diseases.

For the most comfortable development of the plant experienced gardeners recommend creating a favorable atmosphere for the flower. external factors that affect the growth and development of a flower can be considered sunlight, air humidity, temperature environment and drainage system. And it's pretty important point, because properly selected drainage can significantly affect both the flower itself and care mistakes. Read about how to perform drainage on the site.

Drainage for flowers - what is it?

Flower drainage is a system that allows you to remove excess moisture through the root system of the flower and the soil layer. A plant is a living organism, therefore, it needs to breathe. All parts of the plant need access to oxygen:

Leaves;
root system;

If the grower, for any reason, floods the flower with water, then it will literally displace all oxygen bubbles from the soil layer. The anaerobic environment promotes the development of various kinds of bacteria. An airless environment leads to decay of the root system, the flower fades as a result.

The essence of the “work” of the drainage system is to remove excess moisture from the plant and allow the root system to breathe without problems. Read on and how to plant it.

Therefore, each flower needs:

have at the base flower pot at least one small drainage hole. It is necessary so that excess water comes out through it, plus this hole allows air to circulate.
At the very bottom of the pot, it is necessary to lay out a layer of 2-5 cm (depending on the type of plant) drainage.

Drainage for flowers, photo varieties

Today, you can not only buy drainage for a plant in a flower shop, but also make it yourself.

There are various types of drainage for flowers:

expanded clay drainage for flowers, the best-selling and popular type of drainage. For drainage, only some types of fractions (fine and medium) are used;
Styrofoam as drainage for flowers is the most readily available substance that has ever been used to create a drainage system. It is not affected by mold, is moisture resistant, chemically inert and does not decompose;

drainage based on pieces of tiles or ceramic, for drainage you need only a few pieces of pottery;
drainage from crushed stone and gravel, it is often used on garden plots, such a drainage system will last for many years;

drainage from sphagnum moss. The best option for drainage for indoor plants. Able to retain moisture, disinfectant;

drainage from charcoal. It has good antiseptic properties, can be used as a fertilizer;
brick drainage. Not the most the best way for drainage. Sharp corners can damage the root system of the plant;

Vermiculite drainage perfectly absorbs liquid fertilizers and water. It can serve as top dressing months after it has been carried out.

at the place of application:

drainage for indoor flowers;
drainage for garden plants;

How to make drainage for flowers in the garden?

In order to create a drainage system for personal plot necessary:

choose the material from which the drainage will be made;
prepare the second layer (most often sand is used for the second layer);
as well as "get hold of" the soil mixture;

After all the necessary elements for creating drainage are collected, it will be necessary:

Drainage is a system for removing water through the soil in which the plant grows. Why is it needed? The answer to this question is simple: any indoor plant for successful growth must breathe. If watering is plentiful, water displaces air from the soil, which causes bacteria to multiply. Lack of oxygen in the soil can cause root rot. So, drainage for flowers is designed to drain water from the pot and allow all parts of the plant (especially the roots) to breathe.

Drainage is necessary for absolutely all indoor plants. He needs to be given as much attention as the more familiar fertilizer, lighting or watering.

The choice of drainage directly depends on the material and shape of the pot, its size, as well as the size and shape of special holes in the bottom. When choosing a pot for a houseplant, pay attention to the holes. Remember that the higher and narrower the pot, the longer the soil dries out.

Despite the fact that drainage for flowers should take place in any case, there are different systems drainage. So, for example, cacti and orchids require a rapid drainage system, which is why they choose pots with large quantity holes. The pot is then filled with a porous substrate. Plants that need constant root moisture are planted in pots with fewer holes.

The need for moisture for each indoor flower is different, but they all love oxygen. So that the holes are not clogged with earth, large pebbles are laid out on the bottom, which allow water to flow out through the holes.

What can be used as drainage for flowers?

There are a lot of options. Among the main requirements for drainage are chemical inertness, resistance to mold, rot, and good water permeability. A huge number of materials fit these criteria: ceramic shards, and expanded clay, and broken bricks. Today, various synthetic materials (for example, polystyrene) are also used for this purpose. So, about one centimeter of the drainage layer is placed in a pot with holes, and only then the ground where the plant is planted.

The most common drainage for indoor flowers is expanded clay. It can be purchased at any flower shop, although it refers more to building materials. Expanded clay can be different sizes, the choice of which depends on the size of the pot, flower and other characteristics.

The second place in popularity is occupied by ceramic drainage for flowers. It is a shards of pottery, which are laid out on the bottom with the convex side up. A layer of sand is laid out on the ceramic drainage, and only then the earth.

Styrofoam - lightweight material, which also meets all requirements. You don’t need to buy it: you probably have a package of some kind of equipment lying around at home, and you can make drainage for flowers with your own hands.

Crushed stone, gravel and broken bricks are often used, since these materials are natural and resistant to damage.

So, right choice drainage affects how the houseplant will feel. Take it seriously, paying attention to all the details, including the holes in the pot, the size of the stones, the shape of the pot, and other points outlined above.

Studying information about planting plants at home in a pot, we meet a part - mandatory or desirable - about the presence of a drainage layer. Why is drainage needed? flower pot, what are the options for drainage for flowers and how the presence / absence of drainage affects the development of a flower, you will learn by reading today's article.

Drainage in a flower pot refers to the presence of holes in the bottom of the pot. Through the drainage holes in the pot, excess water that remains in the soil after watering flows into the pan. It must be drained immediately so that mold does not form.

Drainage in a flower pot is the presence of solid components that provide loosening. Drainage includes:

Pebble;
Sand (coarse-grained and fine-grained);
brick chips;
Expanded clay;
Perlite;
Vermiculite;
wood ash;
Styrofoam;

Function drainage components v soil mixture in a flower pot - remove excess moisture, loosen the ground, improving aeration. Water fills the holes in the potting mix, preventing the root system from breathing. The drainage layer in the soil mix improves breathability and quickly removes excess water. In addition, the drainage in the flower pot does not allow bacteria to develop, since the roots are not blocked from access to air.

Drainage at the bottom of the flower pot performs the same functions as the components in the soil, but is more aimed at removing excess moisture. Unlike the drainage components in the potting mix, the drainage at the bottom always consists of solid particles or sand so as not to mix with other components.

What if not add drainage to a flower pot?

In all likelihood, the flower will not receive the necessary volumes of air, and root system stops breathing. The soil will dry unevenly. From excessive watering, bacteria will begin to develop, settling on the roots, contributing to the onset of decay. Top part the flower in the pot will become lethargic and begin to wither or stop growing.

How to use drainage in a flower pot?

The choice of component to create a drainage or drainage layer in a pot, the thickness and volumes in the soil mixture vary depending on the type of plant and its moisture preferences. The service life of the drain depends on the type of material chosen.

How to use drainage in a flower pot:

Pour a drainage layer to the bottom. Usually it does not exceed 2-5 cm for medium plants.
Choose a pot with drainage holes. From 1 to 3 cm, depending on the size of the root system and the volume of the pot.
The term of use of drainage is up to 5 years.
Charcoal, hydrogel, moss-sphagnum - are considered useful drainage, giving and absorbing moisture. Organic components also disinfect the earth in a flower pot.
Life hack: use broken clay pots to create drainage. The shards can be split into several pieces and put on the bottom or added to the ground. suitable for plants with a strong root system.

↓ Write in the comments about your options for drainage in a flower pot. How and what ingredients do you use to loosen potting soil?