Can I Use Garden Compost For Houseplants?

Houseplants make our houses look better and more pleasant. However, you need to realize that their maintenance is a bit different than the kind you would normally use to maintain your farm. There are many types of compost pile in the market with different recipes and those you can make for yourself. Thus, prioritize the kind of compost you use for the houseplants. Don’t just use any that you feel is the best.

In houses, we tend to put the houseplants in pots, and there is recommended adding compost for such. The common compost from the compost bin can be harmful to your plants if you fill in the pots.

The recommended bag of compost is called “potting compost.”

Different Types Of Compost You Can Use For Houseplants

Seed Compost

This specific one is meant for sowing seeds. It has fine materials; it is light and well-drained.

Initially, if you want to plant your plants, you can use it to ensure the proper growth of the seeds. You can use it on young plants but not on large plants because of the lack of enough nutrients.

Why We Love This Compost?

It will ensure that your young plants grow well. Safe for seeds that bear plants that you can use as a houseplant.

Multi-purpose Compost

Just as its name implies, this is a mix between seed compost and potting compost. Therefore, you can use it for your houseplants, young plants, and seedlings. If you are planning to plant small patio pots, hanging baskets, herbs, leafy salads, and flowering plants, this is highly recommended for you.

Why We Love This Compost?

It can be used for young plants and house plants. 100% natural which makes it eco-friendly and suitable for your plants. It is also peat-free.

Potting Compost

This is meant explicitly for established houseplants in pots. They are mainly categorized into soil-based and soilless types. The soil-based products are made to look exactly like rich, loamy garden soil.

Tips For Using Potted Compost

If you are new to growing houseplants, you need to get just enough compost for use in six to eight weeks. After getting enough, seal up the bag to prevent any impurities from getting inside. Also, ensure that you store the using compost in a dry place. This is to help prevent waterlogging.

Moreover, your plants need this because they will be in the pot the whole year. Try to add new compost to the pots every year so that the nutrients can be replaced. This will help make the plants stronger.

Why Do We Like This Compost For Houseplants?

It is 100% recommended for houseplants. It contains all the nutrients needed to maintain your plants.

Jonn Innes’s Compost Recipe

This compost recipe got its name from the initial gardener who came up with it. The first JI seed compost is mainly for sowing seeds that you can use for houseplants. JI No. 1 is highly recommended for potting up small and young plants.

As they continue to grow, you can opt for JI No2. Hence, after a year, you can use JI No3, and it won’t need repotting for some years.

This will ensure your houseplant grows well and remains healthy.

Why We Love This Ji Recipe Compost?

• The different degrees of the compost can be used at various stages of the plant.
• It contains peat. However, you need only a minimal amount for your houseplant.

How To Make Compost For Houseplants

1. Set Up Your Compost Bin

For starters, you will need to set up your indoor compost in an opaque container with a lid. Ensure it can accommodate a minimum of 1–3 gallons. Garbage cans can come in handy for this purpose. Also, place it in an ideal location and drill holes on the sides and bottom of the container.

Remember to place the bin on a shallow tray that will collect excess water.

2. Add Organic Matter.

You should then start adding organic matter to the bin. For starters, add a few scoops of potting soil that helps indoor compost as it regulates the moisture level. This will help reduce food waste unpleasant odors and insect infestation. Never use soil from outside to pot your houseplants.

Add organic scraps such as kitchen refuse and cut into small pieces to ensure there is room for decomposition.

3. Add Kitchen Scraps And Newspapers.

Whenever you add kitchen scraps to the compost, also add shredded newspaper or cardboard. This helps to balance the nitrogen-rich scraps with carbon-rich newspapers that create a balance. Also, turn the compost weekly and mix it to help incorporate fresh oxygen.

You can also decide to add potting soil. Each time, always monitor the moisture level of your compost. Ensure the compost decomposes well. You can then decide to add to your houseplants.

Proper maintenance of your compost will ensure it doesn’t smell.

How to Compost Using a Compost Bin

You need a suitable compost bin in order to properly make compost for your indoor garden. Here are some ideas for indoor compost bins that would be fantastic choices:

1. Plastic storage containers:

They make excellent indoor composting bins. They are inexpensive and simple to locate; hardware stores are typically where you can find them. Additionally, they frequently come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your space the best!

2. Plastic buckets:

In addition to plastic storage containers, you can compost indoors using plastic buckets. You can recycle used plastic buckets that are big enough for composting or purchase new ones.

3. Old wooden boxes or crates:

They can also be used as compost bins. If you have any of these items, use them.

4. Countertop compost bin:

Countertop compost bins are a popular indoor compost bin solution these days. Most of the time, these are attractive, well-made bins that can be used as compost bins and as decorative pieces.

Conclusion

You need to be careful not to use outdoor soil indoors. This is because outdoor soil is different from potting mix. Outdoor soil also has an immeasurable amount of nutrients and minerals in it. That might not be good for your indoor plants and cause them to grow abnormally.

This potting mix is typically a soilless growing medium designed specifically for container gardening. The right materials in it make growth possible to its maximum. It has a fluffy texture, proper aeration, and good water aeration. It is suitable for container gardening and contains dirt.

The dirt can easily be mixed with other soil materials and can make up for the potting soil. It is also fully organic and nutrient-rich.