Earthworms–What they leave behind is golden for your houseplants
Earthworm castings are the nutrient-rich waste products excreted by earthworms after they digest organic matter in the soil. These castings, also known as worm poop, are small, dark, crumbly pellets that are high in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals.
Earthworm castings offer a range of benefits for houseplants, making them an excellent natural soil amendment.
6 Benefits of Earthworm Castings for Houseplants
- Improved Soil Fertility: Earthworm castings are rich in essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals. These nutrients are available to houseplants in a slow-release form, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
- Enhanced Root Health: The beneficial microbes in worm castings promote healthy root development by breaking down organic material and making it more accessible to plants. This results in stronger, more resilient roots that can better absorb water and nutrients.
- Better Water Retention: Worm castings improve the soil structure, making it more porous while also helping the soil retain moisture. This is especially helpful for houseplants, as it helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly or becoming waterlogged.
- Balanced pH: The natural pH-buffering qualities of worm castings can help maintain a stable environment for houseplants. This is especially useful for plants sensitive to pH changes.
- Reduced Risk of Diseases: The microbes in worm castings can help suppress harmful pathogens and harmful fungi, reducing the risk of root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
- Slow-Release Fertilizer: Earthworm castings act as a slow-release fertilizer, meaning the nutrients are gradually available to plants over time. This reduces the risk of over-fertilizing and provides long-lasting benefits without the need for frequent fertilizing.
Which Houseplants Benefit from Earthworm Castings?
Almost all houseplants can benefit from earthworm castings, but they are especially helpful for the following types:
Foliage Plants
Plants like pothos, peace lilies, and snake plants benefit from the slow-release nutrients in worm castings, which help encourage healthy leaves and strong, green growth.
Flowering Plants
Plants like African violets, orchids, and geraniums can benefit from the phosphorus in earthworm castings, which promotes blooming and overall plant health.
Cacti and Succulents
Although these plants don’t require as much moisture, adding a small amount of worm castings can help improve soil structure and provide long-term nutrition. Just be cautious not to overuse them since succulents prefer drier conditions.
Herbs
Herbs like basil, mint, and thyme can benefit from the steady release of nutrients found in worm castings, which supports healthy foliage production.
Tropical Plants
Plants such as ferns, philodendrons, and palms thrive in rich, well-aerated soils, making them excellent candidates for receiving worm castings.
How to Use Earthworm Castings for Houseplants:
When repotting, mix worm castings into the new potting soil. A common recommendation is to use about 10-20% earthworm castings to the total soil volume.
You can also sprinkle a thin layer of worm castings on top of the soil and gently work them into the surface. This can help refresh the nutrients over time.
Mix worm castings with water to create a nutrient-rich "tea" and water your plants with it. This helps deliver nutrients directly to the roots.
Earthworm castings are a great addition to houseplant care, providing both immediate and long-term benefits. They help keep plants healthy, boost growth, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Just be sure to use them appropriately based on your plant's needs—more isn't always better, so a little goes a long way!
Wasson Garden Centers carry organic earthworm castings by the bag. You can also stop by our Wasson Soil Bar in each of our Muncie and Fishers Garden Center locations and purchase earthworm castings by the scoop!