Easy Breezy: How to Aerate Your Houseplants' Soil, and Why You Should!
The benefits of aerating your plant’s soil
Did you know that loosening up your plant's soil before watering allows better and more even distribution of moisture? And that it also helps oxygen flow more easily through the plant’s roots? Most people think of watering when it comes to basic plant care, but what they don’t realize is that aerating the soil is also a small task that can make a big difference.
How to aerate houseplants’ soil
Follow these easy steps and enjoy healthier, happier houseplants:
Step 1: Find a chopstick
Step 2: Gently poke a few holes through the top of the soil (you may strike a root or two, don't worry)
Step 3: Give your plant a thorough watering around the base towards the center, allow all the water to drain through the bottom of the nursery pot
Will aerating the soil damage roots?
Worried about damaging roots along the way? Rest assured that even though you might break some roots in the process, this is nothing compared to what overly-compact soil might cause.
If your plants are staged in a decorative pot, empty out any excess water from the bottom and fluff up any soil toppings like moss or rocks. Within a few hours, you should notice a more refreshed look on your foliage.
How often should you aerate the soil?
Houseplant whisperer Derryl Cheng of @houseplantjournal prescribes doing this approximately every other watering for best results.
As always, keep an eye on your leafy friends to notice any changes or trends!
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