Nutrient humus is considered the key to nutrient-rich garden soil or a high-quality houseplant substrate. Adding this organic substance increases soil fertility, water retention, nutrient supply, and structural stability. Learn how to naturally improve your houseplants' growth with humus!
Definition of humus
The term "humus" refers to all dead organic matter in the soil. Soil organisms break down plant remains into tiny pieces. Even the remains of animals and microorganisms are eventually converted into humus.
Typically, the top 10 to 30 cm of garden soil contains a layer of humus. The dark brown to black topsoil contains many of the important macro- and micronutrients.
Humus formation and composition of humus
Humus is created by the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. This process of decomposition is also known as humification. Various organisms are involved in humus formation, including bacteria, fungi, worms, and other soil organisms. These convert organic matter into humic substances.
As decomposition progresses, a brown to black, stable substance forms – humus. This has a loose and crumbly structure and contains both insoluble organic molecules and soluble substances known as humic acids.
Humus formation is a continuous process influenced by various factors, such as the type and amount of biomass, soil moisture, temperature, and the activity of soil organisms. In well-aerated and moist soils with a rich diversity of soil organisms, humus formation generally occurs faster and more efficiently.
Properties of humus: fertility, nutrient availability, etc.
A dark organic matter rich in nutrients naturally develops in the soil, contributing to soil fertility by retaining water, improving soil structure and supporting plant growth.
The humic acid it contains promotes root absorption capacity through increased cation exchange capacity. It also strengthens plant health by preventing pests from penetrating plant cells.
How does humus affect houseplants?
Humus in soil substrate for houseplants, a true miracle cure, also offers many benefits. Its structure loosens compacted substrate, allowing plants to develop roots more effectively. Furthermore, roots receive more air and rot less frequently. The nutrients it contains also improve old potting soil. Humus can provide plants with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, either as an alternative to or in addition to fertilizer.
You can find the right organic liquid fertilizer for your houseplants in our shop.
How to add humus to the garden and green plants: Make compost or buy humus?
Both a home composter and a worm composter offer the option of making your own humus. Alternatively, you can also purchase humus in solid or liquid form.
A home composter collects organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fallen leaves. These materials are layered in a compost heap. To promote the decomposition of the biomass, it is important to keep the compost heap sufficiently moist and to mix or turn it regularly. The process can take several months to a year, depending on the conditions and the size of the composter.
A worm composter uses special earthworms to decompose organic waste. The worms are placed in stacked containers with a layer of moist cardboard or newspaper. Organic kitchen scraps are placed on top of the composter. The worms chew through the waste, transforming it into worm castings. It's important to keep the composter moist and feed the worms appropriately to prevent odors. After a certain period of time, the finished worm castings can be removed and used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants.
How humus content is incorporated into the substrate
Humus can either be mixed directly with the soil in solid form, or you can give your houseplants humus in liquid form!
Our FARBIO® soil improver is a natural and effective additive for your soil. Its special formula with humic acids optimizes the soil, improving nutrient uptake and promoting plant growth.
Liquid humus is a concentrated form of nutrients, microorganisms, and other substances contained in humus. Liquid humus is typically produced by soaking humus materials such as compost or worm castings in water. During the soaking process, the nutrients and microorganisms from the humus material are released into the water. This water is then drained or filtered to obtain a liquid solution.
Liquid humus can be used as a fertilizer or plant tonic by mixing it with irrigation water or spraying it directly onto the leaves as a foliar spray.
Which plants particularly benefit from humus in the soil
Houseplants are classified as heavy, medium, and light feeders. Less demanding green plants with high nutrient requirements include Monstera, Philodendron, Cala, and Alocasia. These plants particularly benefit from the addition of humus, as it contains humic substances and important nutrients.
Important tips and tricks for using humus with houseplants
It's important to note that the soil requirements of individual plants can vary. It's therefore advisable to consider the specific needs of each plant species and adjust the humus level in the substrate accordingly.
Our most important tips for plant care can be found in this video!
