12/31/2022 0 Comments Does gravel absorb water![]() ![]() Water naturally runs to the lowest point under the influence of gravity, and will all run out from a container with drainage holes in the base unless there is something else present to hold it there.Ībsorbent materials, such as a wet sponge sat upright or a wet bath towel hung from the line, behave the same way. The Science of Plant Pots and Perched Water Tables This wicking or absorbent property of any potting medium is the critical key to understanding the behaviour of water in pots. Since any decent quality potting mix must retain some moisture, it needs to contain material which will absorb and retain moisture, much like a sponge does. A good potting medium (potting mix) has to strike the perfect balance between sufficient moisture retention and good drainage for plants to thrive. Too much water and plant roots rot, not enough water and plants dry out. To figure out what’s best for plants, lets look at the science! Potting Mediums, Striking the Perfect Balance If pots drain because they have holes in them, then why the need to increase drainage? Well, it’s because the potting medium in which the plant grows is designed to retain moisture, to a certain degree at least… Pots, planters, tubs and containers designed to hold plants always have drainage holes in their bases to allow any excess water to drain out freely, preventing water accumulating at the bottom of the pot. The main reason for wanting to improve drainage in pots is because most plants don’t like having ‘wet feet’, otherwise known as waterlogged roots, because this leads to root rot, which can kill a plant. There’s an old gardening myth that it’s best to put a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom of a plant pot to improve drainage, but how true is it? Can the practice actually harm plants more than help them? ![]()
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