Welcome to our post, which is all about the wonders of activated charcoal for plants! If you’re a plant lover like us, you always look for ways to ensure your green friends thrive indoors. That’s where activated charcoal comes in. This post will explore the many benefits of using activated charcoal in your indoor plant care routine, from improving soil drainage to purifying the air around your plants. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting with your indoor jungle, activated charcoal might be the secret ingredient your plants have been craving. So, let’s dive in and discover how activated charcoal can elevate your indoor gardening experience!
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is not like your regular charcoal. It’s made by burning carbon-rich materials, like wood or coconut shells, at high temperatures. This process is called pyrolysis. Activated charcoal has a more significant surface area than regular charcoal, making it suitable for soaking up stuff.
Differences between Horticultural Charcoal and Activated Charcoal for plants
All charcoal undergoes the process of firing in kilns. However, the primary distinction between horticultural charcoal and activated charcoal lies in the additives used during their production, such as nitrogen, argon, and other chemicals. Orchid growers prefer horticultural charcoal due to its affordability and absence of added chemicals. Both types of charcoal serve to oxygenate water and absorb bacteria in stagnant water.
Horticultural charcoal is crafted from materials like fruitwood, bamboo, or coconut shells specifically designed for use in gardening and horticulture. It is often added to potting soil to improve drainage and reduce the risk of waterlogging. Horticultural charcoal can also help to eliminate odors and protect against bacteria, fungus, and rot. It is particularly effective in terrariums and can be found at garden centers and nurseries. It is subjected to kiln-firing in a low-oxygen environment known as pyrolysis. This oxygen-restricted process alters the charcoal’s structure, increasing its porosity.
On the other hand, activated charcoal can be sourced from various materials such as soft coal, wood, bamboo, or coconut shells. It undergoes a slower and more costly kiln-firing process, often conducted at higher temperatures and in a reducing atmosphere.
Is Activated Charcoal Environmentally Friendly?
Despite initial doubts, activated charcoal proves to be environmentally safe. It’s derived from renewable plant sources like wood waste and coconut shells, materials that would typically end up in landfills. This recycling practice significantly reduces the burden on our planet’s future. The conversion of biomass into activated charcoal is also eco-friendly. Instead of emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the biomass is enclosed in a compact container and subjected to high temperatures.
Advantages of Incorporating Activated Charcoal into Potting Soil
Enhances Drainage
It uses activated charcoal, which results in a potting mix that is more permeable. This lightweight and porous medium is crucial for the health of indoor plants as it prevents root saturation. Moreover, it can be employed in containers lacking drainage holes to absorb excess water, thereby averting the risk of root rot.
Absorption Properties
The innate absorbency of activated charcoal further underscores its value as a soil enhancer when fertilizer is introduced to the mix, activated charcoal functions by absorbing and releasing it gradually to nourish the plant.
Activated charcoal finds extensive application in water treatment facilities due to its absorbent qualities. It effectively removes bacteria, viruses, and pollutants from drinking water. It helps purify the world’s waterways and contributes to the preservation of environmental health.
Balances Soil pH and Acts as a Neutralizing Agent
Activated charcoal addresses soil acidity, a valuable attribute, especially in landscaping scenarios where soil may have been exposed to chemical treatments. By neutralizing pesticides, activated charcoal enhances the soil’s physical and biological characteristics, promoting healthier plant growth.
Eliminates Bacteria and Odors
Activated charcoal protects against undesirable bacteria and odors, making it especially beneficial in enclosed terrarium environments. This quality ensures a conducive and hygienic atmosphere for plant development within closed ecosystems.
Four types of plants that Activated Charcoal can apply
Houseplants
Incorporating activated charcoal into your houseplant soil is highly recommended. Numerous commercial indoor potting mixes need this vital soil amendment, underscoring the importance of preparing your houseplant soil. By doing so, you have control over selecting and including essential ingredients, ensuring your houseplants receive optimal nourishment.
Orchids
Activated charcoal serves as a superb growing medium for most orchid varieties. Its larger charcoal chips provide an ideal substrate for orchid roots to anchor onto, facilitating their growth and stability. Additionally, charcoal effectively prevents the accumulation of excess salts in the potting mix, ensuring a healthier environment for orchid cultivation.
Terrariums
Activated charcoal is frequently employed in terrariums and aquariums due to its ability to eliminate undesirable odors and fungi from the habitat. It is an indispensable component, particularly in closed terrariums, where the absence of adequate ventilation can foster the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. The absorbent properties of activated charcoal play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment within enclosed ecosystems.
Charcoal for the garden, lawn, and Shrubs
The application of activated charcoal is especially advantageous in sandy soils. Its porous nature enables the effective absorption of excess water and bacteria, thereby enhancing soil moisture retention and reducing the risk of waterlogging. Moreover, activated charcoal serves as an ideal habitat for beneficial microbial organisms, which play a crucial role in promoting your lawn’s overall health and vitality.
How to Incorporate Activated Charcoal into Your Potted Plants
To add activated charcoal to your potted plants, here’s what you can do:
1. Get the right pot: Choose a pot that doesn’t have holes at the bottom, like ones made of glass, metal, or ceramic. These pots work best because they don’t let water drain out quickly.
2. Make a drainage layer: Put some rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the pot, filling about 10-15% of the pot. This layer helps water drain and stops the roots from getting too wet.
3. Add the activated charcoal: Pour a thin layer of activated charcoal (about half an inch or 1.3 cm) on top of the rocks. Spread it out evenly. This layer keeps the stones from the soil and soaks up extra water.
4. Put in the soil: Add a layer of potting soil mix on top of the charcoal. Use a soil mix that’s good for draining, like those with vermiculite.
5. Plant your plant: Put it in the pot, adding more soil mix around it to fill any gaps. Press down gently on the soil around the plant’s base to ensure it’s snug.
6. Water your plant: Only give your plant a little bit of water first. Start with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup (59-118 mL) for small pots and a bit more for bigger ones. Typically, water your plant every 1-2 weeks. You can check if the soil needs water by sticking a wooden skewer. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water. There’s still enough moisture if it comes out wet with soil stuck.
Following these steps, you can add activated charcoal to your potted plants, creating a healthy environment that helps them grow well. Activated charcoal keeps the soil from getting too wet, stops root rot, and cleans up the soil by removing impurities and organic stuff. This helps maintain the soil’s pH so plants can soak up nutrients properly.
Final thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of activated charcoal’s role in indoor plant care, it’s clear that this natural wonder offers many benefits for plant enthusiasts of all levels. From its ability to improve soil drainage and prevent root rot to its knack for purifying the air and promoting healthier growth, activated charcoal is a versatile ally in the quest for thriving indoor greenery. So, why not give it a try in your indoor garden? With activated charcoal by your side, your plants will flourish, bringing beauty and vitality to your home for years. Happy gardening!