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iluvcatz Westerly, RI Jul 06, 2009

I've bought a coupple of plants in the past few weeks and the soil I used to repot them dosnt absorb water well. After I water the plants theres a puddle of water on the top of the pot. Is there anything I can do to change this?

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tapla Bay City, MI(Zone 6a) Jul 06, 2009

Peat and bark-based soils become hydrophobic (water repellent) when they dry down to about 30% moisture content. The trick is to not let them get that dry. You COULD use a surfactant (wetting agent), but it's unnecessary. Set the pots in a tub or bucket for an hour or two & they will absorb water, then water before they get too dry.

It's also helpful to water lightly, then return a little while later and water again. Proper watering will show at least 10-15% of the total volume of water you applied exiting the drain hole. If you cannot water in this fashion w/o risking root rot, your soil is too water retentive.

Al

Post #6785340
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iluvcatz Westerly, RI Jul 06, 2009

I decided to repot them with a differnt type of soil. I just boought the plants and the soil was fresh out of a bag. I will have to wait and see

Post #6786034
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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 07, 2009

You may have the same problem with the new stuff--many of the bagged potting mixes have a fair amount of peat in them and tend to behave the same way if you let them get too dry.

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iluvcatz Westerly, RI Jul 07, 2009

I have used this brand before and had better results with it. I guess all I can do now is hope for the best

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tapla Bay City, MI(Zone 6a) Jul 07, 2009

I think we've effectively been ignored, EC. ;o)

Changing soils isn't going to change the physical properties of peat moss any more than wishing real hard will. You may be fortunate enough to have stumbled on a (new) soil that has been treated with a wetting agent, but that's doubtful. I do hope you fare well.

Al

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iluvcatz Westerly, RI Jul 07, 2009

thank you for your expert advice tho. Now I know what to do if it happens again

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