Question
Hello Will,
It's Melina again, I had forgot to mention a couple of things in my earlier post/question about root rot and soil insects. I forgot to mention that I am very careful about my watering practices. I usually allow the top 1 - 2 inches of soil to dry before watering my plants except of course for plants that don't like to dry out like Bamboo plants, China Dolls and some Calatheas. I use Miracle Gro potting soil (for now, I am looking for a new kind of potting soil since I believe that my mold and root rot problem and maybe even the soil insects may be caused, at least in part, by the Miracle Gro potting soil. I had to return several bags because the soil inside those bags was old and had mold in it. Maybe the potting soil was contaminated by the soil bugs as well. Any suggestions on a good potting soil?) I usually add extra peat moss and vermiculite to the potting soil. I don't know if this additional information makes a difference or not but I thought I should tell you just in case it helps.

Melina

Answer
Yes, this confirms what I had suspected before I read this. If you are like most people, you are repotting too much. Plants do best when their roots are crowded. I rarely repot any of my plants and avoid a lot of the problems you are facing. If possible, avoid repotting.

Use a soilless potting mix and add some perlite, rather than vermiculite. The latter tends to compact after a while, so perlite is better.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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