Growing Plumeria > Questions & Answers – FAQs
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Soil Ingredients and their benefit.
If you are considering creating your own soil mix, it’s important to keep in mind the pros and cons and nutritional values.
NOTE: The ratings have been developed from research done by Plumeria Care Guide admins.
| Ingredient | Properties and Usage | Rating for Pots (1-10) | Rating for Ground (1-10) | Rating for Seedlings (1-10) | Nutrition (1-10) | Pros | Cons |
| Biochar | It enhances soil fertility and retains water and nutrients. | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | Improves soil health and nutrient retention and is environmentally friendly. | It can be expensive and requires correct application for maximum effectiveness. |
| Blood Meal | Slow-release source of nitrogen stimulates growth. | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | High nitrogen content, good for vegetative growth. | It can attract animals, which is imbalanced if not used with other nutrients. |
| Bone Meal | Slow-release phosphorus source supports root and flower development. | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | Provides phosphorus for root and flower development. | It improves soil health and nutrient retention and is environmentally friendly. |
| Canadian Peat | Highly decomposed organic matter, excellent for moisture retention, slightly acidic. It is more uniform in texture. | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | Excellent moisture retention, more uniform texture. | It can compact over time, reducing aeration. |
| Charcoal | Slow release requires planning for timely effectiveness. | 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 | It helps to remove impurities and odors from the soil. | Limited in nutrient content can be expensive. |
| Coarse Perlite | It improves drainage and absorbs impurities and odors. | 8 | 7 | 9 | 1 | It prevents soil compaction and improves aeration. | Can float to the surface with no nutrient contribution. |
| Coconut Coir | It retains moisture, improves soil aeration, and is pH neutral. Decomposes slower than peat moss. | 8 | 8 | 8 | 3 | Sustainable, good moisture retention and aeration. | Less nutrient-dense compared to other organic matters. |
| Composted Cow Manure | Adds nutrients and improves soil texture. | 5 | 8 | 4 | 7 | Rich in nutrients, it improves soil structure. | High moisture content, not ideal for pots. |
| Composted Pine Bark | Adds structure to the soil and improves drainage and aeration. | 7 | 8 | 5 | 3 | Improves soil structure, good for drainage. | The larger size is less suitable for pots. |
| Dolomite Lime | Adjusts soil pH to neutral and adds calcium and magnesium. | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | Balances soil pH and provides essential minerals. | Overuse can lead to alkaline soil conditions. |
| Fish Emulsion | Adds quick-release nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Good for leaf growth. | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | Quick nutrient boost, particularly nitrogen. | It has a strong odor and requires frequent application. |
| Florida Peat | Organic matter retains moisture and is slightly acidic. It contains more sand and silt, and varies in decomposition. | 6 | 7 | 6 | 4 | Good moisture retention. | Faster decomposition, less uniform in texture. |
| Green Sand | Source of potassium and other trace minerals. | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | Slow-release potassium source improves soil mineral content. | Acts slowly may not provide immediate nutrient benefits. |
| Horticultural Grit | Enhances drainage and soil structure, especially in clay soils. | 5 | 7 | 4 | 1 | It improves overall plant health and enhances nutrient and water uptake. | Limited benefits in potting mixes add weight to the mix. |
| Lava Rock | It provides excellent drainage and adds aeration to the soil mix. | 8 | 8 | 6 | 1 | Ensures good aeration and drainage. | No nutritional benefits can be heavy in larger quantities. |
| Mycorrhizae Fungi | It enhances nutrient and water uptake and improves root growth and health. | 9 | 9 | 8 | 4 | It adds a wide range of nutrients and improves soil health. | Benefits are more pronounced when correctly established; they can be expensive. |
| Organic Compost | Enriches soil with organic matter and nutrients. | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | Breaks down slowly, lowering nutrient contribution. | Quality varies, and the potential for weed seeds or pests. |
| Pine Bark Fines | Improves drainage and aeration, slightly acidic. | 9 | 9 | 8 | 3 | Excellent drainage adds acidity favorable to Plumeria. | Limited nutritional value. |
| Pumice | It enhances drainage and aeration and prevents soil compaction. | 9 | 9 | 9 | 2 | Excellent for drainage and aeration, moderate nutrient retention. | Slightly less effective in nutrient holding compared to other materials. |
| Rice Hulls | It improves soil texture and adds silica. | 6 | 7 | 5 | 3 | Sustainable, lightweight, and improves soil aeration. | It can lead to waterlogged conditions in excess. |
| Sand (Coarse) | Improves drainage, especially in heavy soils. | 5 | 7 | 4 | 1 | Enhances drainage, particularly in clay soils. | Can compact in pots, reducing effectiveness. |
| Vermiculite | It helps retain water and nutrients, which is good for moisture control. | 7 | 6 | 7 | 2 | Good for moisture retention. | It improves soil drainage and aeration and retains some moisture and nutrients. |
| Worm Castings | Rich in nutrients, it improves soil structure and moisture retention. | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | Enhances soil health and balanced nutrient profile. | It may attract pests if used excessively. |
