Amid the turmoil and stress, I find nature to be a place of peace and quiet rest. And, if possible, I take respite in a walk along the ocean. A beach meandering does wonders for the soul, but in the morning, especially so. I find it difficult to wake early, but the ocean calls in the most mysterious ways.
Imagine for a moment, the waves telling you, with every break along the sand, to shhh shhh and listen and feel and breathe in the salt-soaked air. And then the sun awakens to ease us with warm touching. A simple, yet wonderful welcome of a new day. Here is Why I Wake Early, another favorite poem by Mary Oliver:
Hello, sun in my face. Hello, you who make the morning and spread it over the fields and into the faces of the tulips and the nodding morning glories, and into the windows of, even, the miserable and crotchety—
best preacher that ever was, dear star, that just happens to be where you are in the universe to keep us from ever-darkness, to ease us with warm touching, to hold us in the great hands of light— good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.
Today is National Plant a Flower Day, which presents the perfect opportunity to talk about potting mix! Though perhaps not the most interesting of subjects, it’s good to become familiar with the different types of mixes available and their benefits for each type of potted plant. After all, potting mix is what your plants will be living in year after year. It only makes sense that you give them the best possible home!
What is potting mix? We’ll start with the basics: potting mix is not the dirt you dig up out of your backyard. It’s a fine-tuned combination of pine bark, peat moss, and vermiculite to absorb water or perlite to purge water. Unlike potting soil, a potting mix is soil-less and its purpose is to remain “fluffy” and not become too compact when wet. These mixes come in different types to match the specific needs of each plant, including their drainage, moisture, or acidity levels.
Houseplants Most indoor plants will grow well with all-purpose potting mix, either organic or non-organic. These mixes will retain moisture without becoming too dense or packed. Certain potting mixes may come with time-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients for the first couple of months after potting. You’ll still have to fertilize routinely as your plant will eventually use this limited amount of nutrients. If you’re growing acidic soil-loving plants, such as azaleas, you’ll want to use a well-draining mix with a low pH. Plants like lavender, however, enjoy a sweet alkaline soil with a higher pH.
Herbs Herbs have either a moisture or drainage preference when it comes to their potting mixes. Mint and rosemary prefer a higher level of moisture, while thyme, parsley, and basil need the soil to dry out between watering. Choose a potting mix that is well-draining to ensure your herbs don’t drown. A vegetable and herb mix will provide the proper type of soil to keep your herbs thriving. If the ingredients has perlite included, this is a good mix.
Succulents and Cacti Both succulents and cacti are desert plants that thrive in dry, hot climates that receive occasional water. It’s crucial that you pot these plants in well-draining soil. The type of mix for succulents and cacti is generally more gritty, and is light and airy, with plenty of pockets to help the water quickly drain. Like other specialized mixes, your local garden center will have succulent and cactus potting mix that includes rock mineral and the right soil consistency.
Get your hands dirty Soil is the foundation of a healthy, happy plant and is just as important as proper watering and sunlight. Don’t overthink potting mix, but keep in mind the different types of soil certain plants need. As always, be sure to pot your plants in a container with proper drainage!
Did you know different types of soil existed? Or is this old news? I’d love to know!
How can something so lovely be so dangerous? I think to myself every time I run my fingers over the luscious, waxy leaves of my philodendron. Unfortunately, it’s true… for pets at least. Many indoor plants—though stylish accents and air purifiers—are toxic to dogs and cats. Thankfully, there are many non-toxic houseplants you can choose to spruce up your home, without having to worry about your pets!
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center considers these five plants (and many more) non-toxic for dogs and cats. Whether hanging from the ceiling in decorative pots or taking up the empty corner of your living room, these plants provide a worry-free and aesthetic addition for your home:
American Rubber Plant The tropical rubber plant is known for it’s dark green (and, yes, rubbery) leaves and undemanding nature. This non-toxic houseplant loves sunlight and thrives in direct, indirect, or medium levels of light. If your home is mostly dark and shady, this plant might not be the best option! As long as you give it space, rubber plants will continue to grow. They’ll make great floor plants for a living room, bedroom, or spacious dining room. Water thoroughly when the first two inches of soil are dry and wipe down each leaf if you notice they’re looking dusty.
Boston Fern Boston ferns are one of the more classic plants you may see hanging on a home’s front porch. In the wild, these ferns prefer shade, cool temperatures, and higher humidity. Hang your fern in areas of your home that receive indirect sunlight. They’ll also thrive in the bathroom that has higher levels of moisture. Boston ferns also prefer their soil to remain moist (though not soaked). You can accomplish this through a self-watering pot or by using soil high in peat moss. This soil is extremely absorbent and will retain water for longer.
Cast Iron Plant The cast iron plant is (you guessed it!) one of the most indestructible and hardy indoor plants. As far as non-toxic houseplants go, this one is perfect for people who forget to water their greenery. They’ll make a great addition to areas of your home that don’t get much sunlight, too. Because it doesn’t require much light, be sure to water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Keep an eye on their large leaves, however, which will collect dust quickly and give it wipe-down now and then.
Parlor Palm Parlor palms are perfect if you’re looking to bring the tropics indoors. Perhaps more delicate than the palms you see in southern states, these plants are still hardy and adaptable. Parlor palms can tolerate low light, but they’re sensitive to overwatering. They also prefer sand, loam, or clay as opposed to potting soil that retains too much moisture for their liking. Indoors, these non-toxic houseplants can grow between 2-6 feet, so it’s best to place them in a larger room where it gets bright, indirect sunlight.
Spider Plant Spider plants may have a cringe-worthy name, but they’re one of the more popular trailing indoor plants. They’re also hardy and low-maintenance, able to tolerate most circumstances aside from direct sunlight. Place them in bright indirect light or partial sun to optimize their growth. Spider plants also like being misted and frequent watering, though be sure to pot them with fast-draining soil. Like ferns, these non-toxic houseplants are generally displayed in a hanging basket where their eye-catching shoots are on full display.
Pets and Plants Can Live Together Have you always thought most plants were harmful to pets? You don’t have to have a plant-less home any longer! If you buy a non-toxic plant, let me know in the comments!
