Floral Careers Plant Propagation Growing Media Floral Careers Plant Propagation

Four Functions of a Growing Medium (Root Medium) Provide a source of nutrients Provide a source of water Provide aeration and drainage Support the plant in the container

Growing Medium Components and Their Roles in the Medium

Sphagnum Peat Moss Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Decomposed sphagnum moss. Organic -Water holding capacity. -Acidic.

Composted Bark Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium -Composted hardwood and softwood barks. -minus ¼ inch diameter. Organic -Improves aeration and drainage. -Nutrient holding capacity.

Composted Yard Waste Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Composted leaves, grass clippings and brush. Organic -Water holding capacity. -Nutrient holding capacity.

Coir Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Waste product from coconut hulls after the fibers have been extracted. Organic -Water holding capacity. -Used like sphagnum peat moss in the medium. -Can be high in salt; leach before using.

Perlite Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Volcanic rock that has been crushed and heated to high temperatures. Inorganic -Improves aeration and drainage. -Available in different grades.

Vermiculite Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Mica-like mineral that is crushed and heated in a furnace to high temperatures. Inorganic -Water holding capacity. -Nutrient holding capacity. -Available in grades. -Coarser grades improve aeration and drainage.

Calcined Clay Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Clay heated in a furnace to high temperature. Inorganic -Water holding capacity. -Nutrient holding capacity.

Rockwool Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Synthetic fiber made from melted basalt, coke and limestone. Inorganic -Ground rockwool can improve water holding capacity.

Sand Origin Organic or Inorganic? Role in the Medium Coarse silica sand. Inorganic -Adds weight to the medium. -May improve aeration and drainage.

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