1. Floral Careers Plant Propagation
Growing Media
Floral Careers Plant Propagation

2. 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

3. Growing Medium Components and Their Roles in the Medium

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. The End