Benefits of Putting Rocks On Top Of Potted Plants

Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by Marco C.

Putting rocks on top of potted plants is very common among succulent owners. Well, rocks don’t only serve as decoration but they’re also a great soil protector.

Container gardens have a lot of benefits. But the main perk is that it helps gardeners grow a wide selection of blooms. Moreover, containers are for indoor use. These containers can become even more beautiful when you put colorful rocks on top of the soil.

But what type of rocks are you going to use for your succulent container? Can you put any rocks you want to? Can you color your rocks? Where can you buy decorative rocks for your succulent?

Today on the blog, we are going to answer these questions. Here, our experts explain how to use decorative rocks and some tips on decorating your succulent.

Putting Rocks On Top Of Potted Plants: Know The Right Type

Learn more about: How To Make A Succulent Garden Bed

Glazed Rocks

Glazed rocks are one of the most commonly chosen rocks for succulents. They are great-looking and are perfect for decoration for your container. Moreover, they are rich in elements that help succulents grow. These rocks are shock-melted and are richer in rare earth elements and alkali metals. Hence, the crystalline interior.

Crushed Stone 

Crushed stone or gravel have angular forms. These are smaller results of big gravels being broken down into smaller pieces of decorative stones. Some gravels have undergone further process; hence, they are shinier than the original construction rocks. Crushed rocks are great for gardens and patios. They can create a contrast between your succulents, grass, and dirt paths.

Brick Chips

Brick chips are used for trails, walkways, and planting beds. They are the same size as crushed rocks and are perfect for large pots. There are small brick chips that are used for medium to small-sized pots. 

Lava Rock

Lava or volcanic stone is a significant well-known improving material in yard arranging. It has a place with the class of volcanic shakes and is shaped when ejected magma chills off. 

It is permeable in nature and furthermore has air bubbles that fly as it dries. The air bubbles are the justification for why pumice is truly light and furthermore why they have bubble-formed openings all through.

River Rock

The expression “River rock” alludes to an assorted gathering of rocks that have been worn and adjusted by the activity of moving water. Waterway rocks are frequently found on seashores and in stream beds and can arrive in a scope of sizes, shadings, and surfaces. Waterway rocks can be sedimentary, molten, or transformative relying upon the specific topography of the stream where the stones were found.

Can I Use Pebbles As Decorative Rocks For Plants?

The short answer is no. The problem with pebbles is that they come from salty water. Succulents cannot survive well in salty water. 

Rocks with sea salt are also prone to bacterial growth. Eventually, you will find molds growing all around your succulent plant. 

Remember, don’t overuse rocks for your plants. Putting rocks on top of potted plants should be done moderately. A thickness of 1 inch above the soil would be ideal. However, make sure that there is enough soil for your succulents to grow. The roots of your succulent also need some soil to grow on. 

Learn more about: How To Use Potting Pebbles For Succulents

The Benefits Of Putting Rocks On Top Of Potted Plants

Many people don’t believe in putting rocks on top of their potted succulents. Even so, a lot of gardeners have been using rocks for a variety of reasons.

Forestalls Fungus Gnats 

Organism gnats are little fly-like animals that have a comparative appearance to mosquitoes. They have a short life cycle and can convey plant-eating growths like Phytophthora and Pythium. 

Organism gnats flourish in clammy soil conditions, particularly where there is a bounty of rotting vegetation and parasites, which is an ordinary element of dirt. 

Prevents Weeds From Growing 

Actually, like forestalling the beginning of a gnat intrusion, mulching with rock will keep weeds from filling in your pruned plant. 

Rocks Can Warm Up In The Sun 

On the off chance that the plant is in a space that gets daylight for a period during the day, it might risk having the stone mulch being warmed up. 

At the point when the stones are warmed by the sun, the hotness can likewise be moved to the plant causing plant pressure. 

Moreover, as the top layer of soil becomes warmed the vanishing rate expands causing dampness misfortune from the dirt. 

Compresses The Soil Before Putting Rocks On Top Of Potted Plants

Setting rocks on soil has its advantages yet, in the event that a lot of is utilized it can make soil become packed. 

A packed soil can prompt waterlogging subsequent to water as the dirt won’t permit the water to deplete openly. 

Also, with less dividing between soil particles, the dirt will lose its air circulation capacities, smothering the foundations of oxygen which will ultimately prompt the passing of the plant.

Putting Rocks At The Bottom Of The Plant

You can also put your rocks at the bottom of the plant. This is helpful if your pot does not come with a hole. If you have a ceramic or glass container without a hole, the best way to improve drainage is to add rocks on the base. 

While most articles say that there are no studies that back this claim, many gardeners would attest to its benefits. When you place rocks at the bottom, do not overdo the top. When your rocks outweigh your soil, it may affect the health of your succulents. 

Should I Be Putting Rocks On Top Of Potted Plants Or Mixing Them?

You should not blend rocks with soil. Putting rocks on top of potted plants is okay but when you do, there is no need to mix them both together. 

It doesn’t build waste or air circulation nor does it add supplements to the dirt. What the stones really do is that it occupies the room that would have been loaded up with supplement-rich soil. Truth be told, it denies the plant of supplements that would have been accessible in case there was soil rather than rocks. 

The foundations of the dirt become caught with the stones which makes it a genuine aggravation while repotting the plant. 

Rather use soil revisions, for example, perlite and pumice for better waste, air circulation, and the perfect measure of water maintenance.