The use of dolomite lime soil amendments are recommended when growing houseplants.
There are many types of indoor plants grown in the home. Dolomite lime soil amendments--soil additives that aid in plant growth through the provision of nutrients and/or soil texture benefits--are commonly used in the soils of many houseplant varieties, according to Bodie V. Pennisi, floriculture specialist with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Lime is essential for healthy soil pH, which is the measure of soil acidity.
Soil pH
The pH index measures the chemical reaction level of soil. The pH index is measured 0 to 14: 0 is completely acidic, 14 is totally alkaline and 7 is neutral. Houseplants and vegetables typically prefer a slightly acidic--5.0 to 6.5--soil pH for healthy growth and production--the plant's ability to fruit and flower.
Lime and pH
Lime soil amendments--commonly dolomite lime soil additives--help to balance the pH of a soil, reports agent George Pinyuh and horticulturist E. Blair Adams with the Washington State University Cooperative Extension. The proper addition of lime amendments will provide soil with an adequate alkaline enhancer that promotes the slightly acidic soil many plants prefer. Soil with low lime levels is often too acidic for many plants.
The Importance of Liming Soil
Soil with the proper ratio of dolomite lime content will promote the correct soil lime content. Dry desert plants typically need more alkaline soil than common flowering houseplants. If houseplant soil is not limed, plants may not flower, may wilt or even die. Proper soil pH levels are attainable if adequate dolomite lime ratios are mixed within the soil.
Houseplant Variation and Lime Contents
Many plants prefer different soil lime content. Pennisi recommends 3/4 oz. dolomite lime in 1/2 bushel of flowering houseplant soil, 2 to 3 oz. for 1/2 bushel of foliage plant soil and 2 oz. for 1/2 bushel of bromeliad--South American foliage plant--soil. Pinyuh and Adams recommend 1 pint of dolomite used per bushel of soil mix when preparing a general potting mixture.
Too Much Lime is a Bad Thing
Adding too much dolomite lime to soil mixtures may lower alkalinity below safe levels and cause acidic soil. Acidic soil can harm plants and cause unwanted chemical build up in soil. Houseplant growers should research dolomite lime amendment levels before mixing soil for indoor use. Proper levels of other soil amendments such as organic matter, sand particles and nutrients are important for soil health as well.
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