Contents
In Today’s Article, I will try to answer Five interesting Garden Myths and frequently asked gardening questions. Questions like: Does Light REALLY hurt your plants roots? And What Happens when you Expose Roots to Light? Do Pot ted Plants need Soil Change periodically? Do Naphthalene Moth balls contain the best and the most expensive rooting hormone – thats naphthalene acetic acid?
Now Lets Begin with the first question !
Can We Put Earthworms into Soil of Potted Plants?
The answer is partly yes. First, identify useful earthworms like red wrigglers. If you choose to add them to your container, ensure they have sufficient moisture and decaying matter to feed on. However, avoid adding earthworms to containers with small, tender plants or seedlings, as they may damage these delicate plants.
Many Gardeners Say Putting Stones or a Layer of Gravel at the Bottom of Plant Containers Improves Drainage — Is This True?
This is actually a myth and does not significantly benefit the plant. Adding stones or gravel at the bottom of a container takes up valuable soil space. Instead, use a piece of net cloth or plastic mesh to prevent soil from washing out through the drainage holes. However, a layer of gravel can help prevent root rot if your container has drainage holes on the sides, as it can reduce water stagnation in the bottom zone. Overall, it’s crucial to ensure good drainage through holes at the bottom of the container.
Do Potted Plants Need Soil Change Periodically? Garden Myths?
Yes, potted plants do need repotting or soil changes periodically based on their growth and performance. Signs that indicate a plant needs repotting or a soil change include:
- Root Bound: When the plant has outgrown its container.
- Compacted Soil: Soil that is too compacted to insert your finger.
- Frequent Wilting: Even after thorough watering.
- Yellowing Leaves and Lack of New Growth: Indicates poor soil conditions.
Check out my video on the 10 Golden Rules of Repotting and recharging expired soil for more details.
What Happens When You Expose Roots to Light? Does Light Really Hurt Your Plant’s Roots?
This is a complex and controversial topic. To understand this, consider the following scenarios:
- Growing a money plant in a transparent container exposes its roots to light, either directly or indirectly.
- Some plants develop roots from aerial parts of the stem exposed to light, which serves a supportive function.
- Roots can naturally be exposed to light through cracks in the soil due to environmental factors.
The primary concern is not light itself but the exposure of roots to air and heat from sunlight, which can cause drying and damage. Algae growth due to light can also compete for oxygen and nutrients, harming the roots. While light doesn’t directly hurt roots, air, heat, and algae do. Research has shown that roots have light photo receptors, and concepts like positive and negative phototropism apply to them.
For more detailed studies on this topic, you can refer to the following journal articles:
Do Naphthalene Balls or Moth Balls Contain Naphthalene Acetic Acid, the Best Rooting Hormone?
The answer is no. Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) are different compounds from the naphthalene found in mothballs. Mothballs are not effective rooting agents but can be used as pest repellents in your garden. However, they can be toxic to pets and children if ingested.
I think, the concern should be for the plant root exposure to AIR and even the heat from sunlight that can cause drying and can damage your plant, rather than the light itself causing any direct damage. But still you are supposed to keep the roots in the dark because of algae growth due to light and your roots aren’t getting enough oxygen because the algae is stealing the oxygen and nutrients for itself. So light as such doesn’t hurt the roots, but air, heat and algae hurt the roots and the plant.
Actually University researches have shown that even roots have light photo receptors in them and terms like Positive phototropism and Negative phototropism and much more.
If you are interested in full Journal artciles of these studies – Download Here:
http://www.gkvk.net/links/qa1.pdf and
http://www.gkvk.net/links/qa2.pdf
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- Do Naphthalene balls or Moth Balls contain Naphthalene Acetic Acid which is the best Rooting Hormone? Or can these naphthalene balls be useful on plants as rooting agents or as pesticides?
Well the answer to the first part of the question is a straight NO. NAA and IBA auxins are entirely a different compounds.
But When it comes to the benefits or the use of moth balls on plants or in garden, you should know how these naphthalene ball work. The vapors released by the mothballs build up and kill the moths in your clothes. They are infact good pest repellents around your garden, but these can be toxic to your pets and kids if ingested by them.
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