Soil Mix Disaster :( Repotting my Monstera Aurea and Updated Soil Recipe!

[@NicoleButler-jx9hg]

I know this is a slightly older video but I just wanted to say, mad respect for your honesty. That’s the kind of integrity we don’t see enough of on KZbin and I think it’s earned you trust and credibility with your subs. I hope your monstera pulls through, best wishes and prayers for your beautiful plants. Yea, that bagged mix looks like it has cheap aquarium gravel in it or something… so strange. Your own custom mix is much better.

[@bunzie13]

Thank you for your honesty!! There are too many out there that promote promote promote with zero care for quality or care but just for income! You are someone I trust!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you 🙏🏼🥹 I think the promoting has gotten a little too much lately it’s all I see. I mean to each their own. I turn down a lot of the same companies because I don’t want to turn into one of those pages 😊

[@mld5368]

I am so thankful that not only are you honest but that you admit when something you had hoped would worked doesn’t. I had been wondering if I should try Sol Soil but now I won’t. In fact I am still using the Fox Farm and other ingredients from your original chunky mix. That was one of the first videos I watched of yours and after getting all the mix made up in a plastic container just like you did I saw an immediate improvement in my plants. I have been a loyal viewer since and really enjoy every video. Thank you Melissa!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much I really appreciate that and for you being here 🥹 I think I’ll just stick to my own soil mix from here on out for my plants. I love it and my plants to do. I’m glad yours are doing well 🥹 I was excited to try something new and I appreciate companies that reach out and want me to try their products but if I ever try anything else it will be a controlled experiment on a couple plants and not my favorites 😊

[@mr_b2986]

I'm so glad you caught the rot when you did 🙏 Your M.Deliciosa Aurea is so beautiful as are all your plants. So well cared for ❤️ Love your videos and your sharing in this space. Thank you

[@leavesbylucky]

I really appreciate how honest you are about the products you use! I hope your Monstera feels better soon!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much!!

[@Xtremeraverbaby87]

That must have hurt seeing so many roots coming off 😢 I'm sure she will bounce back with better soil

[@plantsbymelissa]

right 😫 it was so sad! It should hopefully make a good comeback 🥹

[@daisywrabbit]

I don’t trust any premade soil mixes. I’m so excited because I just got a huge order of soil amendments from Home Depot: coarse perlite, orchid bark, charcoal, lava rock, and pumice. Best of luck with your new soil mix, Melissa! ✨💚🪴💚✨

[@plantsbymelissa]

That sounds amazing and absolutely perfect! Thank you! 🥰

[@scottfletcher1956]

Especially at the price point sol sells at, I feel it better be amazing. In my own experience with sol I also was a bit disappointed. I ordered some amendments and imho what came was just to expensive. As with so much these days influencers are def driving certain trends and brands. I really appreciate the honest assessment.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yeah the constant pressure of people promoting stuff is overwhelming. I decline pretty much everything that comes my way because I just don’t want to promote it. I’m happy to try new things and if I ever try something else in the future it will be on a few plants and not the rest. The soil is very expensive 🙏🏼

[@alicelarez4311]

I used a 😅whole big box planting my plants ,now I get to repot.Thank you.and good luck on saving your baby.

[@ambercarrillo2786]

I lobe watching your videos. You are very honest with what works and what doesnt. I love that you tell the truth. ❤

[@danicyrus6464]

You should totally re name to "SOL mix disaster" put them on blast girl! Let the people know ! I appreciate you ❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

🥹 thank you 🙏🏼

[@valerief3]

I appreciate you Melissa and all you do for the plant community. Thank you for sharing your experience. Haters gonna hate.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I appreciate that 🥹🙏

[@Eliseadriennee]

Everytime I watch your videos I could totally see us being good friends in real life 😂 Me watching your videos looking at all my plants and sipping my coffee haha! Keep on the good videos :)

[@solairas]

I’m glad I found this video before I ordered a bag. I’m just tired of making my own mix though. So many bags. 😭

[@brooklin_bernek]

Sadly I bought this soil - and IMMEDIATELY noticed fungus gnats so disgustingly overflowing in the soil ONLY with sol- not to mention those small pieces settle and it’s gross at the bottom - I use clear pots and I can SEe How bad it settled and is gross!! I realized this within 15 days and I was so upset because this mix is expensive! But I appreciate you telling us because at first I thought i was crazy and it was me and was kind of annoyed no one that promoted this soil said anything. Thank you for learning with us and saying something:) I beennnn got rid of this mix lol

[@livingthedream923]

I really appreciate your honest opinion of the soil. I won’t be buying any now. I hope your plants recover.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@julieoyundo]

Oh no your poor aurea. Im glad you caught it early. I had really bad luck with Sol soils houseplant mix. I bought a whole box of it. I had the same experience. I rotted my pothos plants. 😥😥😥 I like the idea of soil less. So I bought a bunch of amendments and I'm just mixing it up myself. We'll see how it goes. I think ik what I did to contribute to the disaster.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Definitely stays too wet! Sorry about your pothos plant 🥲 I think mixing up your own is best that way you can control what’s in it 🥰

[@pattituringan6745]

Thanks for sharing, especially since so many on IG are promoting this soil.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I’m trying to save the plants from rotting 🥹 I definitely don’t think many know you should wait two weeks to water it 😒

[@bigtomatoplantslover6205]

Wow beautiful Plants ^^ Like 527 My friend, thank you for good sharing

[@katiewilliams9273]

OMG I can remember all the plants I repotted with that . Hopefully me being cheap and mixing it with other stuff will help

[@plantsbymelissa]

I hope so! 🥹🥹

[@Hannah-tz7gf]

I'm so sorry 😞 I can feel your heartbreak through this video. I hope she pulls through, Monsteras are pretty tough! I use Fox Farm Ocean Forest for my soil base as well. Thank you for your honesty. Great video! 💚🌿

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I learned a lot and won't ever try anything knew on my favorite plants again. She's doing okay still since filming! ☺️

[@CaliforniaGirl49]

Please make a video on different ways to clean plant leaves! Like to clean the dust off them, and to shine them in a healthy way

[@SunshineLeclair]

omgosh, thanks so much ... all the looking I did and I never seen this mentioned! I'm going to buy some bti right away ;) I'm looking forward to seeing the repotted monstera in a few weeks ;)

[@TayaMcGee]

Wow that plant is stunning!!! I’ve never tried Sol Soils but the way you tap your pot to make the soil go down will natural shift all the tiny/ small bits to the bottom and all the big/chunky bits to the top. I stopped tapping pots a while ago when I noticed how muddy my mix was in the bottom of the pot, now in between ever scoop I use a stake to push down and fill the wholes. It makes a huge difference. Good luck, hopefully she recovers ❤

[@sherryporsch9349]

In my experience when you water the smaller particles go the bottom anyway.

[@plantsbymelissa]

The smaller particles go to the bottom over time as you water I agree with the previous commenter. I tap my pots like this since I can remember and never had an issue before using this soil 😊

[@michelejoerres4165]

Oh boy, I literally just ordered a 2 quart bag of sol soils to repot my new thai constellation in when its ready!! So glad I found your video before I did the repot! Researching soils and this one looked so good and chunky! Hopefully I can return it to Amazon. Not going to take a chance! I so feel your pain watching this. 😢 Glad shes ok! Thanks again for posting! 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Ugh, it’s not good at all 😩 Aroids hate it and I definitely wouldn’t use it on your Thai. Appearance and advertising for this mix is deceiving. It stays too wet and deprives the roots of oxygen even in above optimal light and temps. Everything I had planted in it rotted after 6-8 months. I spoke with one of the owners and he unfollowed me and told customers I didn’t know how to water my plants. You’ll have a huge fungus gnat problem too with all the larvae that it has once you pot a plant in it and water it they’ll hatch out in droves 😩 just poor quality overall 👎🏼

[@michelejoerres4165]

Thanks, I plan on not even opening it and returning it via Amazon. So glad I ordered it that way since they have a great return policy I should be able to get my money back. How deceiving is that package...crazy! I'll keep making my mix like I have been with your recipe I keep hearing so much about non soil for monstera I thought this might be the way to go. Have you ever heard of or tried PafCal? Sounds interested, but expensive.

[@Allsmilesgirl277]

I really wanted to love that soil, too. I found myself adding in the soil from my home mix, which is so silly. I only had a small bag of the succulent and houseplant soil, and am not going to purchase again. I think it may work for some people, but I just don’t love it. I’m so glad you shared your experience with it, it’s the first I’ve seen!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

I agree I think for some they might love it and it definitely depends on if you’re a heavy waterer or not. A chunky mix is supposed to drain freely and not sit wet for 2 weeks.

[@jeannegrumbles7595]

I’m so sorry your having such a hard time with that mix, I use coarse orchid bark and lots of perlite and miracle grow potting mix and my plants are doing great especially now that it’s springtime. Love your videos.!!❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I’ll definitely make my own up from here on out 🙌🏼

[@simplydee4522]

@jeanegrumbles7595 Thank you for mentioning Miracle Grow because Lowe's and Home Depot are typically what's in stock locally. I add orchid bark and use the tropical potting soil when in stock. Happy planting🪴

[@dendee1148]

You did an amazing job fixing her up....I hope she recovers well...

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@RubyJeanGem]

Ugh... Sorry you're going through this! Don't blame yourself if people buy Sol Soil just not meant for everyone others love it and it's ok!

[@siamesecatslokiandluna]

I'm not going to lie, but I found the same issue with that soil. I loved it at first, but I found my plants were rotting in it. It definitely holds too much moisture. Not chunky enough.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I agree and so do many others! I think it wasn’t advertised as a mix that’s not supposed to be watered for 2 weeks at a time. A chunky mix allows water to drain straight through not be saturated for 2 weeks. Recipe for rot 100 perfect.

[@AprilStrace-dc2ks]

Thank you for sharing I always wanted to try sol soils but it’s pretty pricey so never took the plunge now I’m glad I didn’t!!

[@carolstuff]

Sorry that soil mix was bad, but glad you found out in spring so you can repot & give them all a good chance.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! Yes, I will have lots more repotting to add to my list lol but happy it's spring so they can recover more quickly

[@plantlifelex]

Aww I’m so sorry this happened! Hope your plants can recover❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@gingercaudill4513]

Ohhh girl!! So happy you were able to make changes before it was too late!! Good luck girl!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! 🥹

[@babs1076]

I tried a similar mix, with the cocoa husks called Noot. Really wanted to like it, but it did the same thing. The whole top of the soil was dry, but just a soggy mess at the bottom of the pot. It rotted several of my plants and was so expensive! I actually stay away from anything cocoa coir and like you, just stick to ocean forest with orchid bark and perlite.

[@plantsbymelissa]

aw I don't use that mix anymore. I completely changed it to soil free now. I do use some coco husk but it's not a lot.

[@davidreid8835]

I hope your Aurea recovers soon as I’m sure it will. Certainly it is in the hands of a skilled healer. My recovery from a torn knee tendon is going very well so let’s take that as a good omen for your Aurea. Good luck.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! Glad you're doing better and making a good recovery! 🥰

[@YoungSinatra25]

I'm not picky about soil but the one brand I gave up on was Black Gold. The potting mix compacts when watered and stays compacted after it drys. I normally recycle old soil but that stuff was unredeemable.

[@Mrsfroggy55]

Hi Melissa, I really enjoy your videos. They are very informative. I am sorry to hear about your negative experience with your Monstera Aurea. By being a good plant mommy, you were able to save her on time.🥰 After much searching, I have decided to use your soil recipe. It looks awesome! But I also added some coco husk chips to the Fox Farm potting soil for aeration (About 2 cups. I have been using this soil, too. I love it.😏) Is this okay or do I have to re-pot my plants?

[@lakishaharris4399]

I ordered the large box they carry with Sol Soils. I have noticed rot in some plants and now I need to double check others. I will say that the plants that I added extra pumice to, in an orchid pot , are doing fine. I’m sorry this happened to you and I have to see how to use the rest of this soil outdoors.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Sorry that happened to you 🥹 it definitely holds onto moisture for too long. I’m glad your other ones are doing okay 🙏🏼

[@ninasuculentasymas]

Hello Melissa from Puerto Rico!!! So sad you went through that experience. Glad you caught it. Monstera should perk up soon. 💚🐩🙋🏼‍♀️🪴

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! 🥹 Hoping the rest of the plants will be okay

[@r4tgl]

I haven't had an issue yet ,however I don't use it by itself, I mix the chunky pieces in my fox farms ocean forest

[@PrettyLeafy]

Oh my goodness! This is one of my most wanted plants. I'd be so so upset. I hope it makes a beautiful comeback! ☺️

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I’m sure it’ll bounce back here 🙏🏼

[@Jamcneil1988]

I felt your pain watching through this ma'am, great video btw!!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!!

[@prasantbisoi1781]

Thanks for sharing

[@Rawfootageplants]

Well, im glad I didn't buy the soil mix. I see jackalyn use it. But she honestly has beautiful plants. But she is an under waterer too. Hinestly, I'm just getting ur mix. And try it since you're so honest.

[@classychictipz]

How do you know that the roots have rotted? Some of those roots that fell off look "white" or not in bad condition. Is it a certain texture or coloring? Thanks for posting your videos! I've neglected my plants during Covid and post-Covid, because of a hectic work schedule. I've lost quite a few plants, but some are still doing well or surviving. You're plant room setup videos have helped a lot I have very low light townhome and how you utilize so many grow lights made me realize I definitely need more. Hopefully you're monstera thrives now! At least you caught it in time.

[@plantsbymelissa]

The root system was very unhealthy and the roots literally sloughed right off. A lot of it was dark and stringy. Some white roots may have come off too but it was mostly just falling off. It's doing well, just taking a bit to recover :)

[@javielvianzon4099]

Goodluck to your plants. wishing them not to rot and be healthy again. that poor Monstera sitting on wet muddy soil. hope it thrive soon

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! I definitely learned my lesson for sure!

[@javielvianzon4099]

@@plantsbymelissa you did a great job on repotting it on your trusty diy chunky soil.

[@melle671]

Omg, I'm glad you caught that early! I would be so pissed. At least you also had some roots to work with still. Is there a reason you don't direct those top aerial roots into the soil? I would think those extra roots would be helpful in the recovery of your beautiful plant. Also. Love your content.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I don’t like to add them back in because I may need to repot it sooner than I would want with more roots in there 😊

[@sylviagutierrez7676]

I think you got there just in time to save it!🙏 💚🌱☘️🌵💚

[@joannhutchings3693]

Sorry to hear about the aurea. You are great with your plants, I'm sure there will be a full recovery. I have a question, why aren't you using a moss pole for this plant ?

[@1WonD1]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I think it’s because monsteras actually don’t need to be on a moss pole in order to grow bigger! They just need the support and they’ll climb and mature on their own. I think this is with all of not most monsteras.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 I removed it when I repotted her last time. The aerials grow straight through it so it wasn’t necessary. A stake will provide enough support and great light will encourage fenestrations.

[@chrisgray4374]

I like 50% black gold and 50% peal light for my aroids! Also, use Miskito bits not dunks!

[@TeaTea.]

It just seems like making ur own soil mix works out so much better. I refuse to buy anything that's made for certain plants, it's always terrible and usually retains too much water

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yes never again 🫶🏻

[@amberloveschicago]

Thank you for the honest review. I was considering purchasing some soil from this company after seeing them around a bunch, but after seeing this will pass on them. I’m curious if others are experiencing same. Out of curiosity, what is your hydrogen peroxide mixture for treating the roots?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yes, many others! I have so many people that reached out to me on instagram after I shared. I cannot recommend it anymore, it rots everything. I usually eyeball it now but 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts water :)

[@sherryporsch9349]

So sorry this happened an hope your Aurea bounces back quickly. I had tried the soil but have thought about. It seems there’s no large bark or perlite in it. 💚💚💚💚

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I appreciate it ☺️

[@ashleythomas3329]

I'm currently in the process of rehabbing my prize monstera that I started from cuttings 2 years ago. I put calcined clay in my mix because the bag says moisture control, but it all ended up washing into the bottom of the pot and rotted it dead in about 2 weeks. Thankfully my partner got me grow shelves for an early christmas present, he is probably the only reason I have been able to propagate single nodes and the top cuttings I have. I'm never buying a Sol product again. Even if it's high quality materials, they aren't very clear on best uses for their amendments ETA: I just looked at the pile of rot on a 4k screen, and it looks exactly like mine did. I'm pretty sure its the calcined clay that is doing it.

[@sophiemichalski]

Oh no I just bought an entire box of this soil… any suggestions on what I could add to the soil to prevent rot so this isn’t a complete waste of money?!

[@plantsbymelissa]

I tried to mix it with some of my own mix but I still didn’t like it. I would be cautious on watering with it 🥲 they said 10-14 days

[@saanacarita]

Interesting to hear that you use your chunky mix also for marantas and calatheas! How often do you have to water those types of plants? I know it depends on a pot size and other environmental conditions, but I was just wondering since I feel like my calatheas dry out sooo quickly. I use the same ingredients as you in your mix, but a lot more soil (and less perlite) and I feel like they still dry out super fast. I've recently repotted them to bigger pots and they all are very happy and growing fast, but the quick drying pace gives me a headache sometimes 😆

[@plantsbymelissa]

😂 I can understand that! I water plants in my plant room sometimes twice a week over summer so it gets to be a lot some days. I usually water them once a week but some maybe a little over that ☺️

[@WeKiLlCaTs97]

Watering twice a week?!?! Noooooo gurlie this is a you problem

[@brooklin_bernek]

@@WeKiLlCaTs97 for calathea ? Did you or read the question the person asked ? Here we go with the bullying because she shared what SHE EXPERIENCED.

[@marieb3630]

I’ve started using mosquito bits in my mixes. Any mix, unless it’s been treated can carry them.

[@finnster6582]

Have you tried DeLaTanks? Curious what you think of that soil?

[@plantsbymelissa]

I haven't tried it. I think I'll just stick to what I know works for me. I might be open to trying something else in the future but I won't try it on my favorites 🥹

[@paigesofmakeup8573]

I think the only pre-made soil mix I would use would be De La Tanks. Thank you for your honesty.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Of course 🙏🏼

[@josiemojica3674]

Glad you caught in time, she’s so pretty. Do you see any benefit in keeping the two original leaves?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I think it’s mostly sentimental to me and I don’t want to chop them off 🥹

[@sweetievicdee876]

OMG 😱 I hope she recovers 🙏🏽🌸🤞🏽

[@page9996]

Oh no, I see everyone all over insta using that soil 😳

[@plantsbymelissa]

It's highly promoted yes and everyone makes it sound like it's a great chunky mix even I did. Everyone that promotes it has a commission code too 😉 I'm just finding it's not as chunky as I thought it was initially and definitely not for me and I want to make sure everyone is aware that you could be rotting your plants 🥲

[@MyLocsMyPlants]

😢oh no smh happy you caught it in time 💚 also your brows look great btw 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much ☺️ I use a brow pencil to fill them in more but brows are my favorite part of doing my makeup!

[@BPlantyPNW]

This just happened to me, with a HUGE Philo cream splash i have. I was nearly crying. I has to end up chopping most of it to save it

[@plantsbymelissa]

I'm so sorry 🥲

[@missjennystar213]

Hope your monstera makes a speedy recovery! Its so beautiful! I have a question...what do you recommend to pot an anthurium crystallinum?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I use my own mix I make up but will add a lot more chunkier pieces to it. Anthuriums like a really free draining mix.

[@missjennystar213]

@@plantsbymelissa Great! Thank you!

[@katiewilliams9273]

I put my ppp in it and could not figure out why it was staying wet for so long until it was to late. That's just one of many I'm sure it has rotted

[@plantsbymelissa]

I’m so so sorry to hear that 🥹

[@reneebarnes1611]

That plant is so beautiful ❤️!! What would you use to get rid of fungus gnats if they are in the soil? I have noticed it recently in some of my plants and I'm not sure what to do.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I use mosquito dunks. It contains BTI to kill the larvae and I use the yellow traps to catch any adults. You have to stay consistent with using it 😊

[@reneebarnes1611]

@@plantsbymelissa where would be the best place to find this product!?

[@jamiedelgado1484]

Oh no. That potting mix is so expensive. Over the last month I have moved most of my plants into it.

[@plantsbymelissa]

oh nooo 🥹 I spoke to them yesterday and they are recommending not to water for 10-14 days in between. Definitely not a chunky mix if it stays that moist.

[@brooklin_bernek]

What!! 14 days that’s so long esp in growing season - and why doesn’t it say that on the bag?! Any real chunky and aerated mix will dry within a week for sure

[@jennsprague6080]

Where did you get your repotting mat????

[@Zen.....]

I wonder why they added in calcined clay. Good luck with the rehab.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 I’m not sure but it definitely settles and seems to hold a lot of water.

[@theweirdplantguy4873]

That’s the culprit right there. Those particles make their way to the bottom and actually hold moisture in the soil~ sand will do the same. Perlite, Pumice, Bark, those are the amendments we should be using

[@karenamalfi8551]

I think your plant will be just fine. You caught the problem before it was too late.

[@plantsbymelissa]

🩷🩷🩷

[@dizzyk54]

😉😉Good info, Thanks, I tend to overwater 😉

[@plantsbymelissa]

Overwatering isn’t necessarily your fault though it’s the substrate 😁 free draining soil shouldn’t rot your plant roots

[@Vanessa199005]

Hi! I tried to find your repotting mat on your links but I couldn't find it. Do you mind telling me where it's from? Thank you

[@plantsbymelissa]

Mine is from www.theplantdrip.co It's really old so I'm not sure if it's still available or not. She sent it to me awhile ago from instagram! :)

[@Vanessa199005]

@plantsbymelissa aww thanks for your response. 😊

[@HeythereMya]

Hi Melissa! I’m sorry that happened. I was this close to buying a bag when you first started using it. Oh man, I’m sorry. What a bummer. I’m glad you caught it though. What is BTI? That you mentioned you use for your fungus gnats?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I won’t recommend it anymore but everyone can definitely form their own opinions about it. The BTI is basically a bacterium that will kill the gnat larvae in the soil. You soak it in your water and water all your plants with it.

[@carrot-th1lr]

Heyy, so I have been taking care of my house plants for I would say around 3 years and I am finally doing some research about things ike I havent had any trouble with plants previously but I started buying more plants that need the extra care like my alocasia polly and I have seen you and other people put their alocasias in leca or other plants in leca and I am wondering how do you transfer soil roots to leca because I have found that peoples plants have died because I assume they have not done the transition right or had o knowledge about it. Thanks!

[@plantsbymelissa]

I don’t use leca 🙏🏼

[@Serepin]

Hi Melissa! Sounds awful… I recently bought some carnivorous plants to deal with an outbreak of fungus gnats, which I’m sure came in the soil of a recently purchased new plant. I can definitely recommend Drosera capensis as a great companion plant to deal with gnats.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I've been wanting to get some carnivorous plants for a little while now.. I'll have to look that one up! Thank you 🥹

[@KendalNicholeMull-be2hz]

Oh my goodness I’m So upset I thought it was going to be awesome! I potted my Thai con into it about a week ago and it has given me a new leaf. Ahhh I’m scared now! I want to try mollys aroid mix soil what do you think about that brand 😭😭😭

[@brenfays3255]

molly's is awesome, fern and everything plants use it.

[@margieanne9328]

I hope all your plants will be ok.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@margieanne9328]

@@plantsbymelissa your welcome

[@leahwatkins9911]

Wat do you go by,, wen to water ur ficus..I jus got one and I'm sure it's easy to over water bc the roots are so fine..So any tips ?? Please.

[@plantsbymelissa]

For ficus plants I let them go mostly dry before watering again. I wouldn't repot anytime soon at all they're very finicky when it comes to repotting and messing with their roots.

[@margaretcalifano1617]

The SolSoil looks really chunky. Does it have some moisture retaining product in it, like some of the outdoor soils?

[@plantsbymelissa]

It’s advertised as a chunky mix but they have on their package it’s moisture retentive and they told me I shouldn’t water for 10-14 days. It has calcined clay, bark, coco husk and leca to name a few.

[@grow.prop.repeat]

When you wipe the leaves down with the mix- do you follow up with wipe down in water or is it ok to leave the water/soap mix?

[@plantsbymelissa]

I leave the soap on and let it dry down so it can work and kill any pests on the plant it’s diluted with the water so it’s perfectly fine. I wouldn’t use dawn dish soap that can burn the leaves. Castile soap is great!

[@noelle7714]

I hope she pulls thru she’s so pretty. 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I think she’ll be okay after some time here 🙏🏼

[@AnaC17]

Hi! How many times do you reuse each tea bag with the dunks? 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Just a couple times and that’s it. I want to make sure the BTI is effective

[@DrZombee999]

thank you for sharing

[@plantsbymelissa]

of course!

[@bvbandiss]

You should check out build a soil.

[@staciedebilio6660]

Sorry about the soil mix... Where did you get that potting mat?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! It’s from www.theplantdrip.co ☺️

[@laurenervin1404]

What the heck are all those tiny little pieces in there??! I've never seen a "chunky soil" that settles like that🧐 I'd definitely do ahead and get the plants you care most about OUT of that stuff! Sorry girl ❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

I believe it’s the calcined clay but yes, I’ll definitely be repotting everyone 🙏🏼

[@Dieppaloveplants]

Melissa for fungus gnat buy the organicbmi is the best of the best

[@plantsbymelissa]

thanks, I haven't heard of that brand! I'll have to look it up

[@ItsSueChen]

Oops I just bought it last week😰

[@plantsbymelissa]

🥲 you might like it it’s just not for me anymore. I would be careful with your watering frequency with it

[@TheFlamingTuba]

Sorry about your monstera. :( Btw Where is your potting mat from?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! It’s from www.theplantdrip.co

[@iddybiddyladybugleeza909]

Oh no!!! I hope not 😮

[@richardr5878]

What do you think the ingredient is that ruins the mix? Is something breaking down too fast or too much compost? Looking at the ingredients now, I thought calcined clay is interesting as it gets like cement on baseball fields when wet. That mixed with compost (most likely fungus gnat breeding ground) could turn it. Best wishes for recovery. I would nuke all that soil unfortunately. On the bright side, lots of repot with me content coming! 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yes I believe it’s the calcined clay 😬 I appreciate it! I’ll definitely be moving the ones in it out and lots of repotting 😂🙌🏼

[@brooklin_bernek]

You are so right that stuff is like cement 😢

[@roselynburciar7401]

So very sorry about your monstera, so heartbreaking 😢. Please keep us updated on the monstera. Hope all works out for you 🙏

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@valerywith_y]

I thought it was me overwatering 😥 I thought it was strange that I got root rot because I strictly only use terracotta

[@plantsbymelissa]

It's definitely not your fault at all, it stays way too wet for plants 🥹

[@carolgraham7691]

How much percentage of hydrogen peroxide to water do you use for rotting roots? So sorry for your difficulties ..

[@plantsbymelissa]

I usually just eyeball it 😂 but 3 parts water to one part hydrogen peroxide will be good!

[@feliciahiggs-clemes6425]

What does it mean for the plant when roit?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Rot sets in when the soil is too dense and wet for an extended period of time. There's little to no airflow so they suffocate basically. It will kill your plant eventually and it can be hard to treat sometimes. It's why having a chunky mix is so important for root health so oxygen can get through.

[@andyandbee]

Oh no!!! I hope all goes well soon, girl! 💚🪴🌱 Love your videos and thanks so much for the heads-up or else I would've bought that soil !!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! Yes, don't buy it unless you really underwater your plants because it stays too moist!

[@paulineplunket121]

What I'd the name of the bad soil that caused this.

[@jinxu00769]

Girl!!! I wish wish WISH that you would try using only LECA. I know! I know! I use to be like "YUCK! LECA IS FOR QUITTERS!" I made my own chunky mix using the same ingredients you use and it seemed like I was either battling FUNGUS GNATS or ROOT ROT CONSTANTLY! I got discouraged bc I was buying top notch ingredients for my soil and between those and all the other ingredients to fight off friggin gnats from yellow sticky traps, mosquito bits, and the other necessities....I was investing more time and money into plants that WOULD NOT EVEN GROW! LECA is reusable and I only have to buy nutrients for the water....I LOVE LECA AND MY PLANTS ARE GROWING LIKE CRAZY! I swear....I think your mind would be blown. Just saying! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@plantsbymelissa]

I’m a big soil fan and maybe one day I’ll try it out on some plants that aren’t my favorite but I’ll definitely be more mindful of any new soils I try in the future 🙏🏼

[@bunnyyy___]

It looked like there was quite a lot of osmocote in that previous pot which could have been a big contributor towards the rot. Too much slow release , specifically osmocote (which is released by temperature, the warmer it is, the quicker its released) has been known to burn roots. A lot of growers in Florida switched to nutricote because of this. I grow indoors in Chicago and still experienced rot with osmocote a few years ago, so not only heat but possibly too much could burn the roots. I’m not familiar with the other slow release brand that you used when repotting but i would just be a little more cautious if using osmocote moving forward 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

That’s your opinion but I disagree it was definitely from soggy soil 😅

[@brooklin_bernek]

Did she not see the gross soggy cemented soil lmao