How to Properly Leech a Plant

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Image result for leaching plants demonstrated

Back in the olden days, when people were sick with a blood disease, blood was sucked out by leaches. With the advancement of medical science, that is no longer needed. Plants are similar to humans where sometimes they need to be leeched once in a while to clean the soil. There is a proper way to do this to help the plant grow healthy.

Why should I do it?
The reason why plants have to be leached is because salts (minerals) in the water build up on the surface of the soil and make it difficult for plants to uptake the water. The salts fill in the little gaps between the particles of soils. It is like when you have a milkshake with cookie pieces. As you suck, the pieces slowly gather around the base of the straw, making it difficult for the milkshake to move through the straw.

Image result for watering a plant

How do I recognize that my plant needs to be leeched?
The plant will start to wither and show signs of not getting enough water (limp leaves). On the surface of the soil, there will be a white residue and it will be crunchy. To remove this white residue, just scrape off the top 1/4-3/4" of soil and replace with new, fresh soil.

Image result for how to leach a house plant

How frequent should I do it?
This should be done no less than once a year depending on if you have hard or soft water. I would suggest to do it more like twice a year
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Image result for how to leach a house plant

How do I do it?
It is really easy. The best suggestion is to take your potted plant to a tub or a large sink (a place for the water to drain). Pour water into the pot and let it drain out. At first, it will come out very dark. Repeat until the water starts to lighten. This will flush out the salts that have been building up.

Here are some links to websites and videos

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/leaching-indoor-plants.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FGXrkkcKHk

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