The dainty, round leaves of artillery plants make them a uniquely charming addition to any indoor garden. But like any houseplant, artillery plants require specific care and growing conditions to really flourish. One of the most critical factors is choosing the right type of soil.
Soil serves as the foundation that anchors the plant’s roots and supplies vital nutrients and moisture. With so many options on the market, deciding on the best artillery plant soil can feel overwhelming for any plant parent. In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations for selecting the ideal soil to help your artillery plant thrive.
Understanding Artillery Plant Needs
Artillery plants also known by their botanical name Pilea microphylla hail from tropical forests in Central and South America. In their natural habitat, they grow in humid conditions and nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil. Replicating these conditions as closely as possible gives artillery plants their best shot at vigorous growth.
When choosing soil, it’s important to understand artillery plants prefer:
- Soil with abundant organic material
- Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0)
- Consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Excellent drainage to prevent root rot
- Warm temperatures between 65-85°F
With these needs in mind, let’s examine how to select the ideal soil type and composition.
Key Factors to Consider
Drainage
Since artillery plants are prone to issues like root rot if overwatered, drainage is by far the most critical factor when selecting soil. The soil must drain quickly and freely to prevent waterlogged conditions. At the same time, it should retain just enough moisture in between waterings.
Incorporating components like perlite, coarse sand, bark chips, or gravel into potting mix creates air pockets that allow excess moisture to drain away. A quality potting mix formulated for tropical plants typically includes these amendments to improve drainage.
Organic Matter
Organic materials like compost, leaf mold, peat moss, and worm castings provide nutrients that artillery plants thrive on. Aim for potting mixes with 30-50% organic matter. Organics also help retain moisture and improve soil structure.
pH Level
Artillery plants grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5-7.0. Potting soils usually indicate their pH level on the package. If not, use a soil pH tester to determine the mix’s acidity before planting.
If needed, the pH can be lowered by mixing in organic material like pine bark or sulfur. Dolomitic lime raises pH levels. Get the soil pH in the optimal artillery plant range before potting your plant.
Moisture Retention
Artillery plants require consistently moist (but not wet) soil. The potting mix should retain enough moisture between waterings while still draining well. Ingredients like coco coir fiber and peat moss help increase moisture retention.
Vermiculite and perlite balance this out by improving drainage and aeration. A quality potting mix suitable for artillery plants will blend these types of ingredients to create the right moisture levels.
Best Soil Types for Artillery Plants
Now that we’ve covered what to look for in artillery plant soil, let’s explore some recommended pre-mixed options:
Peat or Coconut Coir-Based Mixes
Potting mixes based on peat moss or coco coir work well for artillery plants. Both materials help retain moisture and provide organic matter. Look for mixes that also include perlite or bark bits for better drainage.
Popular choices like Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix or Espoma Organic Potting Mix are peat-based and specifically formulated for indoor use.
African Violet Soil
Soil blends designed for African violets make an excellent choice for artillery plants. They are finely textured, moisture-retentive mixes perfect for tropical houseplants. Quality African violet mixes offer great drainage too.
Two reliable options are Black Gold African Violet Mix and Miracle-Gro African Violet Soil.
Cactus & Succulent Soil
If you tend to overwater, a cactus/succulent potting soil is a smart choice. The gritty, sandy texture provides exceptional drainage to prevent soggy soil. Just be sure to water more frequently, as these mixes don’t retain much moisture.
We recommend Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix or Superfly Bonsai Cactus Succulent Soil.
Homemade Mix
You can create your own custom artillery plant soil by blending organic potting mixes with drainage-boosting amendments:
- 2 parts high-quality potting soil
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
- 1 part peat moss or compost
Mix thoroughly before potting your artillery plant. This DIY soil gives you total control over the ingredients and drainage.
Potting Your Artillery Plant
When repotting or potting new artillery plants, follow these tips to get your plant off on the right foot:
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Gently loosen and remove as much old soil as possible from the root ball.
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Prune off any dead or damaged roots.
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Choose a pot with drainage holes, only 1-2 inches wider than the current container.
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Add a layer of gravel, pebbles, or other coarse material at the bottom for drainage.
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Fill the pot about 2/3 full with soil. Place the plant and fill remaining space with soil.
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Lightly tamp down but don’t pack too firmly. Leave about 1⁄2 inch from soil to rim.
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Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the bottom.
With the proper soil and potting method, your artillery plant will be primed for success! Monitor soil moisture and only water when the top inch becomes dry. Add a thin layer of worm castings or compost every 2-3 months to replenish nutrients. Repot annually in fresh soil.
Following these guidelines for choosing the right soil will ensure your artillery plant thrives for years to come. Let that vibrant tropical style flourish in your indoor garden!
Choosing the Right Pot for Your Plant’s Next Chapter
When its time to upgrade your Variegated Artillery Plants digs, size is key. Aim for a pot thats 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This gives the roots some elbow room without swimming in excess soil, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Root Health Check: Inspecting and Tending to the Roots
Now, inspect the roots with a critical eye. Trim away any dead or overlong roots to encourage healthy growth. If roots are circling, gently tease them apart. Handle the healthy roots with care; theyre the lifelines of your plant. After pruning, your plant is ready for its new home, and youre one step closer to that lush growth youre aiming for.
How to Choose BAGGED SOIL for Your Garden
FAQ
What kind of soil do artillery plants like?
Why is my artillery fern dying?
How often should I water an artillery fern?
Do artillery plants like humidity?
Where should artillery plants be planted?
When considering where to grow artillery plants inside, choose a southern window, away from drafts. Artillery plant care includes placing the plant where day-time temperatures remain at 70 to 75 F. (21-24 C.) and 10 degrees cooler at night. Part of your artillery plant care includes keeping the soil moist, but not soaked.
How big does an artillery plant get?
Plant Type and Habit: The Artillery Plant is an evergreen perennial plant with a creeping habit. In its natural habitat, it often spreads over rocks and other surfaces, forming a lush carpet. Size: It generally grows to about 6-12 inches in height (15-30 cm) and can spread widely if given room, making it an excellent ground cover or pot filler.
Are artillery plants hardy?
Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 11-12 and is typically grown as an annual or indoor plant in cooler climates. Uses: The Artillery Plant is used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, terrariums, and as a ground cover in warm climates. It’s also popular as a houseplant due to its adaptability and ease of care.
Is artillery a nettle?
It belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae) and is part of a diverse genus with over 600 species. Plant Type and Habit: The Artillery Plant is an evergreen perennial plant with a creeping habit.