Any way to get a (really dry) container to re-absorb moisture?

16 years ago

I have a couple containers that, because I am not diligent about watering, get very dry...ie: hard-sponge dry in between waterings.

Which means they are hesitant to reabsorb moisture when I DO get around to watering them.

Other than taking the plants out and squishing the mass, or sticking something in there to stir things up a bit to encourage moisture retention, is there a trick that I need to know? I do know that warm water absorbs better than cold, but sometimes even THAT doesn't work easily.

Must mention that some are hanging plants, so tossing the hose up there on 'low spray' isn't really an option.

Thanks!

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Comments (8)

lydiakitty
16 years ago
It's better to prevent the soil from getting crusty in the first place. Try mulching the containers, that will help them retain moisture and prevent the soil from crusting.
lynnencfan
16 years ago
When I have done that (which can happen at least once a season) I put the container or hanging basket into a rubbermaid tub of water and just let it soak for several hours - it will eventually soak all the dry soil - you are suppose to do that to house plants anyway to leach out salt deposits from ferts....

Lynne
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Here is more logic for engineer-types-- With alkaline soil areas, peat appears to have postive effects because the salts (excess minerals) present in irrigation water (Los Angeles?) easily move through the peat-amended soil profile, as the acidity frees up these minerals that would otherwise tightly bond to the non-peat amended, alkaline soil. (The salts, if allowed to accumulate in alkaline soil, will eventually impede root growth to a very large degree. This occurs often, with improper, shallow watering techniques.) However, where amended soil (peat or compost) in a bed butts up against non-amended soil beneath, a barrier is created that produces a perched water table, which holds up the salts from being further flushed to safely below. Ordinarily, to get around the accumulation of salts that inhibit deep root growth in alkaline soil, deeper watering is called for, and less frequently, which will push the salts lower simply due to the large mass of water combined with gravity. This is not easily accomplished with peat amended soil. Peat holds water so well, compared to compost, (if it remains hydrated), that it is eventually evaporated off or used up by the shallower roots before it is allowed to travel further in depth. Simply watering more can drown the plant or it will find a place to run off. So, the gardener loses one of his/her best tools in keeping the root zone free from accumulating salts by using peat. Therefore, lower drought tolerance, with shallow roots is the result, and weaker plants. I'm not certain how an an engineer wouldn't agree, with a little bit of patience of the technical talk. The ones I know are all on board, once they thought it through. M
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I agree with Patty. If you're going to be serious about keeping the citrus trees over the long term you should stay away from peat-based soils (like Miracle-Gro and most other commercial potting mixes). You will find that they will create all sorts of issues. In addition to the usual ones discussed on this forum you will find that overwintering plants in peat-based soils is a real problem. The soils are so water retentive that fungus gnats and root rot will be nearly unavoidable. If you do investigate the gritty mix then realize that there will be some issues to think about in terms of dealing with runoff/drainage in the winter. Overall it will be worth it but there will be an upfront time and money investment and then a daily time investment required if you go that route (you can't go a week without watering a plant in the gritty mix like you can with Miracle Gro). I can tell you where to get the ingredients for the gritty mix in St. Louis if you're interested. There's also the 5-1-1 which, while not ideal, will be better than the Miracle Gro. But.. if I'm going to bare-root a citrus tree I'd much rather put it in the gritty mix than in the 5-1-1... it will be much easier to re-pot in the future that way. I encourage you to try the gritty mix - especially since you spent, what, $160 on those plants by the time they were shipped to you? But if you *really really* don't want to go that route and you don't want to try to make the 5-1-1 then I suggest you call Hummert International (in Earthcity) and get a bag of the Fafard Mix #51. This is a bark-based mix that will be far superior to Miracle Gro. At least for 1-2 years, after which it will break down into a similar consistency/performance as the Miracle Gro. I've not tried the Fafard Mix so I can't attest to its performance but on paper it is as close to the 5-1-1 as you can get premade locally. I haven't tried Patty's suggested mix but she seems to know her citrus so you might look at that as well if you don't want to try the gritty mix. Also: I've been very happy with 4winds trees. In addition to being healthy and of good size (with reasonable prices) they also come bare-root which is *really* nice when it comes time to put them into a quality potting mix. Much better than having to bare-root yourself. If you buy more citrus trees I would go with 4winds and I would have gritty mix on hand to put them in. You will be pleased with the results.
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nixonk
16 years ago
Soaking is probably the easiest (as mentioned by Lynne) but if you don't have a big enough container to sink the pot in, then dry dripping water over a long period of time (kinda like drip irrigation). Alternatively, you can shower the container with water, till it runs off; then come back in a few minutes and repeat the process till the container has become substantially heavier. Finally, you can try to sit the container in a tray of water for a long time and hope that they water will eventually leach up and completely soak the potting mix. Hope this helps. Good luck!
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
16 years ago
The problem you are having getting the mix to accept water once it has dried out, is the reason I never use peat as a major container ingredient. Soaking now is the best remedy, and avoiding a complete drying where the mix pulls away from the sides of the container, will prevent reacurances. Al
mmqchdygg
Original Author
16 years ago
I'm back; thanks so much for all the tips...how is it that it never crosses my mind to mulch a CONTAINER?!! Seems like I *should* know that one. Thanks!

So in my shopping yesterday, I bought my mother an annual hibiscus...tree thing. As I'm looking for directions on how to CARE for this lovely creature, I come across this little tidbit:

First rehydrate the soil by putting the pot in a bucket with about 2" (5 cm) of water. Add a dash of regular dish detergent to break water tension, this will allow the water to better penetrate the dried out soil. Leave pot for 30 minutes in bucket then return to planter.

(found at THIS site)

Interesting...any truth to that, and if so, what do they mean by a 'dash?'
paulallen
16 years ago
Everyone has given you the correct advice about preventing the problem. Mulch will help a lot. If the problem occurs fill the container with water than use your hands to press the soil down, that will help stimulate absorption. Don't stop until you feel the peat loosening up. Good luck.
greenelbows1
16 years ago
A 'dash' is not a very precise measure, is it? Don't think it's necessary to be precise, tho'--I'd say just a little bit! And I use another product that makes 'water wetter'--there are any number of wetting agents. Doesn't take much--and at least with dish washing detergent I've heard that very much isn't good for the plants. No idea if that's a rumor started by people selling wetting agents!
pepper_rancher
16 years ago
Your soil became hydrophobic and as stated above, you can use dish washing detergent as a wetting agent. Just dont use anti-bacterial detergent :)
Try just a few drops mixed up in a gallon of water and see if that does the trick for you.

Any way to get a (really dry) container to re-absorb moisture?

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lydiakitty

lynnencfan

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Any way to get a (really dry) container to re-absorb moisture?

Comments (8)

lydiakitty

lynnencfan

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