Should I mulch my indoor plants?
Using mulch in your garden is now common practice, it is used to enrich and protect your soil and help plants thrive. However, we should not limit mulch to outdoor plants. Using mulch on your houseplants, will not only add aesthetic appeal but will also lock in moisture and depending on what mulch you use, add organic matter back into the soil.
What mulch should I use for indoor plants?
If you want to mulch your houseplants, it is important to remember that most outdoor mulches may be too heavy. Indoor plants can thrive with a variety of mulches, such as bark, gravel, moss, sand, mushroom compost etc.
Envar’s decorative garden mulch makes the perfect mulch for indoor plants. It’s lightweight, visually appealing and importantly does not have an unpleasant smell to worry about. As it slowly breaks down, it also adds organic matter to the soil unlike a gravel or glass alternative.
Another alternative includes our spent mushroom compost. This sustainable by-product of the mushroom growing industry is packed full of nutrients that will help your plants thrive including phosphate, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It has a more subtle appearance compared to the decorative garden mulch, however, does have a slight earthy odour when fresh.
Negatives of indoor plant mulch
Although there is a plethora of benefits to mulching indoor plants, there are some cons to be mindful of. Properly applying mulch is crucial to avoid potential issues such as excessive moisture leading to plant rot. It’s best not to exceed an inch of mulch depth.
When watering your houseplants, remember to gently move aside the mulch to assess the soil’s moisture level — this simple step can help prevent overwatering. Keep in mind that mulched soil tends to retain moisture longer compared to bare soil, so it’s essential to monitor the watering frequency accordingly.
