Last Updated on July 1, 2022 by Guillermina
Find out all the interesting details about the benefits of using activated charcoal for planting.
To help your plants grow successfully and healthily, there are various strategies you can try. This can mean using a certain type of fertilizer or moving plants to another part of the garden or house. You know how people say that prevention is better than cure, so one of the prevention measures is the use of activated charcoal for planting. It can have countless, amazing benefits for plants, of course as long as you use the right kind of charcoal.
Therefore, stay with us and find out what it is and how to use activated charcoal for planting.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a black, odorless, flavorless powder that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Nowadays, it is most commonly used in medical facilities to treat drug overdoses, and in severe cases even as an emergency anti-poison remedy.
We must not forget to mention some of its main benefits, the most famous being the reduction of gas and bloating, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving kidney function. In addition, some claim it can whiten your teeth, filter the water, and some even swear that activated charcoal can cure a hangover.
Now let’s move on to chemistry. Activated charcoal is actually charcoal that has been treated with oxygen at very high temperatures, all to make it as porous as possible. As for this process, ie treatment, it basically changes charcoal’s internal structure, reducing the size of pores and increasing the surface area. In addition, we must note that it helps in the absorption of chemical impurities and pollutants.
Activated charcoal has recently gained great popularity in the healthcare and cosmetics industries. Namely, it can be found in various preparations such as air purifiers, capsules, creams, gels, face masks, toothpaste, body cleansers, soaps, and many other things.
Click here to find out why science calls it a miracle cure.
Does Activated Charcoal Always Remain Active?
The easiest way to answer this question is with a simple example. You can look at activated charcoal as a classic sponge that absorbs all these toxins and gases. Like any other sponge, charcoal soon becomes saturated, and therefore we can conclude that it doesn’t have infinite buffering capacity.
Now that you are familiar with this substance, it is time to say a little more about activated charcoal for planting. So, let’s get to the point.
Activated Charcoal For Planting
As we have already mentioned, activated charcoal is believed to have numerous health benefits for human health and even more for plants.
Wondering how this is even possible? Well, using charcoal at the base of your plant pot can help prevent you from overwatering your plant. In addition, this substance is known for its ability to keep pests away, as well as to minimize the chances of developing fungi and bacteria.
What Are The Best Types Of Activated Charcoal For Planting?
This substance is especially good to use for plants that are growing in terrariums, cachepots, and other closed-in planting mechanisms. Accordingly, we have to emphasize that the use of activated charcoal for planting succulents is one of the best decisions you can make. Experts recommend it because it is known for its ability to absorb extra water in plants.
Apart from activated charcoal, there is also a horticultural one, which is a pretty good choice for plants that prefer moist environments, the most famous of which are orchids and ferns. This type of charcoal removes stagnant water, while also increasing oxygen levels as well as the presence of beneficial microbes.
When we compare the main features of horticultural and activated charcoal for planting, we come to the conclusion that the horticultural one doesn’t absorb water as well as the activated one but it still has very great and numerous benefits for the soil.
Finally, we must not forget to mention the third type, ie aquarium charcoal, which is known for its ability to remove organic and inorganic materials that could adversely affect the quality of water in the tank, all by absorbing pollutants and acting as a filter.
Does The Use Of Activated Charcoal For Planting Affect The Soil Itself?
To be able to fully understand how many benefits activated carbon for planting has, it is necessary to look at what charcoal does for the soil itself. Activated charcoal is known for its ability to remove odors, impurities, and toxins from the soil, and acts as an absorbent in situations of excessive watering, all because of its high porosity properties.
Furthermore, another positive aspect of activated charcoal for planting is that it balances the pH of the soil. Do you remember how we mentioned at the beginning that it is given to people who have overdosed? Activated charcoal does the same thing with plants because it absorbs and neutralizes all the nasty bacteria found in the soil.
The Bottom Line
Activated charcoal is a natural remedy with various uses, the most common of which are emergency overdose or anti-poison treatment. Its toxin-absorbing properties have a wide range of applications, from medical, and cosmetic to horticultural.
This substance is so porous and absorbing that it has the ability to bind to different types of molecules, ions, or atoms and remove them from dissolved substances. When it comes to using activated charcoal for planting, it rids the soil of impurities, repels insects, prevents mold and odors, absorbs excess water, and prevents the formation of root rot.
If you have any questions, please let us know in the section below.
Take a look at this article as well.
FAQs
Is Charcoal Good For Potted Plants?
Charcoal is a great thing for potted plants as it absorbs excess water from the roots of your plant and protects your soil from bacteria, fungus, and rot.
Is Charcoal Good For Plant Roots?
Charcoal, especially the horticultural one helps the roots of your plants to absorb as many nutrients and minerals from the soil as they can.
What Type Of Charcoal Is Best For Plants?
Plants especially adore horticultural charcoal, but they will not mind if you treat them with the activated one.
How Do You Use Activated Charcoal In Potted Plants?
It is not difficult at all, you can simply add one layer of activated charcoal to the bottom of your pot, and that would be it.
