Nutrient humus is the key to a nutrient-rich garden soil or a high-quality indoor plant substrate. If this organic substance is added, soil fertility, water storage, nutrient supply and structural stability are increased. Find out here how to naturally improve the growth of your indoor plants with humus!
Definition of humus
The term "humus" refers to all dead organic matter in the soil. Mainly plant residues are broken down into tiny parts by soil organisms. Even the remains of animals and microorganisms are eventually converted to humus.
Usually the top 10 to 30 cm of soil in the garden contains a layer of humus. The dark brown to black topsoil has bound many of the important macro and micronutrients.
Humus formation and composition of humus
Humus is formed from the breakdown of organic matter in the soil. This process of decomposition is also called humification. There are various organisms involved in the formation of humus, including bacteria, fungi, worms and other soil creatures. These convert organic matter into humic substances.
As the decomposition progresses, a brown to black, stable substance is formed - the humus. This has a fluffy and crumbly structure and contains both insoluble organic molecules and soluble substances called humic acids.
The formation of humus is a continuous process that is 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 tends to be faster and more efficient.
Properties of humus: fertility, nutrient availability and more.
So, the soil naturally produces a dark organic matter that is rich in nutrients and contributes to soil fertility by storing water, improving soil structure and supporting plant growth.
Because the contained humic acid promotes the absorption capacity of roots through an increased cation exchange capacity. It also improves plant health by making it more difficult for pests to enter plant cells.
How does humus affect indoor plants?
As a true miracle cure, humus in the soil substrate also has many advantages for indoor plants: Its structure can loosen a compacted substrate so that plants can root better. In addition, roots get more air and rot less often. Even old potting soil is improved again by the nutrients it contains. Humus can be used as an alternative or in addition to a fertilizer to provide plants with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium. You can find the right organic liquid fertilizer for your indoor plants 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 possibility of making hummus yourself. Alternatively, you can also buy humus in solid or liquid form.
A home composter collects organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, leaves and these materials are layered onto a compost heap. The compost heap should be kept sufficiently moist and regularly mixed or rotated to encourage decomposition of the biomass. The process can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on conditions and the size of the composter.
A worm composter uses special earthworms to break down organic waste. The worms are placed in stacked containers lined with damp cardboard or newspaper. The organic kitchen waste is then placed on the top layer and the worms eat through the waste and turn it into worm castings. The composter needs to be kept moist and it is important to feed the worms adequately to avoid odor build-up. After some time, the finished worm castings can be removed and used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants.
How a humus content is incorporated into the substrate
Humus can either be mixed directly into the soil in solid form, or you can give humus in liquid form to your houseplants!
Liquid hummus is a concentrated form of nutrients, microorganisms and other substances contained in hummus. Liquid humus is usually produced by soaking humus materials such as compost or worm castings in water. During soaking, 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 hummus can be used as a fertilizer or plant strengthener 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
Among houseplants there are heavy, medium and weak feeders. The less frugal green plants, which have a high nutrient requirement, include Monstera, Philodendron, Cala and Alocasia. These plants particularly benefit from the addition of humus and the humic substances and nutrients it contains.
Important tips and tricks for using hummus with indoor plants
It's important to note that each plant's soil requirements can vary. It is therefore advisable to take into account the specific needs of the respective plant species and to adjust the humus level in the substrate accordingly.
