Themes: root bound plants, bottom watering, complete submersion, satisfying bubbles exiting your plant’s soil I’m almost embarrassed to share this, but it is an “Oh duh!” to an issue I’ve experienced since Mammillaria patient 0. My drought-like approach works really well with Lithops and other specialized weirdos, but I’m always flustered with basic plants (I.e. Parodia leninghausii). I’m not the only one, as opinions on the subject are varied, and the question seems cyclical. I started with a question a few months ago: Why is my Ferocactus glaucescens shrinking? Possible answer: Could be water, fertilizer, too much afternoon sun, bugs, or something with the roots. I assumed bugs because I have had Scale. Or maybe I shocked the plant when I watered it too soon after re-homing. I have two of this species, and they both look like someone deflated them. I would water and see no improvement, so I moved them around into different lighting situations all Summer. So. I understood “root bound” as plants whose knotted root ball keeps them from growing. Right? I’m watering these fools per the schedule etc. But I finally took notice of the word “hydrophobic” and watched some videos of bottom-watering, which I rarely do. They aren’t getting any water! I filled up a couple buckets of distilled water and completely submerged a few newer plants with the shrinkage concerns. The soil bubbled and burped up cloudy water for ten minutes. That felt correct, so I grabbed a few more plants that also have this issue. And then about 30 more. (I posted videos of all the bubbling plants on Instagram. So satisfying, and very much ASMR.) Here is the epiphany: Some of the plants had such compacted dirt clods attached that they floated out of the pots. One took ten minutes of soaking before the clod held any water 💧 and eroded. Basically, due to the bound roots, a bunch of my plants didn’t get much water this Summer. However, every one that I treated with the soak looks plump in a good way. The soil is broken up now, as well. Pictured are a few who were impacted. I have zero concerns that I’m overwatering right now lol.
