I’ve been meaning to do this post for quite a long time now. I mention this topic in many of my houseplant posts and give a brief explanation following it up with “post and video coming soon.” There’s no time like the present so I want to share with you my favorite way to feed my indoor plants. Here’s how I use worm compost and compost for houseplants in my indoor and outdoor gardens.
Here’s my reasoning for nourishing my houseplants with this dynamic duo: this is how these plants get fed when growing in their natural environments. Many houseplants are native to sub-tropical and tropical environments and get their nourishment from plant matter falling from above. Compost is basically decomposed organic matter. And of course, earthworms also inhabit these areas and aerate and enrich the soil.
Why not feed houseplants the same way?
When talking about worm compost, I’m not referring to vermiculture and raising my own earthworms. I buy the worm compost (organic of course) in a bag from a local garden center. My houseplants seem to love it and are healthy and happy. The only houseplants I don’t use it for are my Lucky Bamboo and Lotus Bamboo which grow in water.
A few of my houseplants outside after enjoying a bit of late October rain.
When I apply worm compost & compost:
I have been applying them both once a year in spring. Next year I’m going to start doing an application in late February/early March (I’m in Tucson where the weather warms early) & then again in July.
Worm compost on the left & compost made by a local company on the right. Both are organic.
How I apply the compost:
It depends on the size of the pot & plant. With 6″ & 8″ plants I apply a 1/4 – 1/2″ layer of worm compost & top that with a 1/2″ layer of compost. Easy does it – compost can burn houseplants if you apply too much. Floor plants get more depending on their size. For instance, my 5′ Schefflera amate in a 10″ grow pot got an inch layer of both worm compost & compost. Just water in & let the goodness begin!
A word of warning: worm compost & compost can cause the water draining out the bottom of the pot to turn brownish; for the 1st couple of months anyway. Make sure you can a saucer under your pot to collect any runoff so it doesn’t stain your floor, carpet, area rug, etc
Some Of Our General Houseplant Guides For Your Reference:
- Beginner’s Guide To Repotting Plants
- 3 Ways To Successfully Fertilize Indoor Plants
- How to Clean Houseplants
- Winter Houseplant Care Guide
- Plant Humidity: How I Increase Humidity For Houseplants
- Buying Houseplants: 14 Tips For Indoor Gardening Newbies
- 11 Pet-Friendly Houseplants
Common questions regarding compost for houseplants:
Do worm compost & compost smell when applied indoors?
No. I buy both of them in a bag so there’s no odor. If I used them fresh out of bins in the backyard, there would be a smell. Even that should dissipate over time.
Can I use compost as potting soil?
No, you can’t. I always mix it in when repotting or transplanting & as a topdressing but it’s too strong to use as a straight mix.
Will worms hatch out of the soil if I apply worm compost?
No, don’t worry. Your home won’t be crawling with worms.
How do worm compost & compost work?
Both start to break down quickly but the effects are long-lasting. The roots are the foundation of your houseplants & both of these amendments help make the roots stronger & well nourished. This results in healthier houseplants.
Will my houseplants grow faster?
Honestly, I’m not sure how to answer this. My houseplants grow fairly fast because I live in a warmer, sunnier climate.
Are pets attracted to either worm compost or compost?
My kitties have no interest in either one of these. If your pet(s) is prone to digging in the soil of your houseplants, you might want to look for another way to feed them.
Word Of Warning: Both worm compost & compost nourish the soil naturally but they do help to retain water which is a good thing. This is another reason to not over do it with these amendments when applying them to your houseplants. Also, because of this, you might have to adjust your watering schedule a bit & not water as often.
My Pothos Marble Queen loves this combo!
