Each granule of Seramis has an incredibly large number of tiny, microscopic pores, capable of absorbing an incredible amount of water (just like a sponge) acting as a reservoir for the plant’s roots to access when it needs it. The gaps between the granules also provide the vital oxygen supply that the roots also need – as plants that only sit in water will suffocate through lack of oxygen. both of these benefits and the fact that Seramis is pH neutral, mean that it can be mixed with other soils and potting mixing to improve the water-holding capacity and improve the aeration in virtually any situations. Here's some ideas.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are very much a water loving and a hungry feeding plant. We have carried out many successful trials growing them in Seramis and Seramis blends. The ability of Seramis to hold water without water-logging and to help hold the soil structure without compacting, is great for hydrangeas.
A suggested mix for all hydrangea types would use three parts of a good peat based or loam based compost with one part of Seramis. Make sure that you feed the plants in your mix regularly with Seramis plant food – hydrangeas are very hungry plants. Take care too because peat composts can sometimes be quite acidic (low pH) so do be sure that your compost that you mix with Seramis is not too acid.
Cacti and Succulents
There are as many soil formulations for growing cacti and succulents as there are cacti enthusiasts! The vast majority of cacti plant lovers would agree that the soil should be open and free-draining. At a detailed level, some enthusiasts love mineral based soils with no organic matter, others swear that some organic matter is essential; …..everyone plant lover will have an opinion.
The Seramis experience is that you can grow many varieties of cacti and succulents very successfully simply using 100% Seramis, where its ability to hold moisture without becoming saturated and its long-term, non-compacting, stable structure work incredibly well to maintain the open and draining structure that these plants love. Nevertheless, if you have a favourite formulation, simply adding some Seramis® will provide some of the benefits we associate with a 100% Seramis formulation.
A formulation with at least one part Seramis to every four parts of your own formulation will not only offer the benefits of Seramis but you will begin to see the natural, rich terracotta colour showing through in the formulations.
Home grown vegetables like tomatoes, zuccini, peppers
A suggested mix for fruiting plants could use two to four parts of a good peat based or loam based compost with one part of Seramis. Make sure that you feed the plants in your mix regularly with Seramis plant food – these fast growing, fruiting plants can be are very hungry. Seramis itself is neutral but do take care that the compost you use is also neutral – particularly peat-based soils that can be quite acidic (low pH).
This group of plants are grown to give lots of delicious fruit on fast growing, healthy stock. They need lots of food, water and light to ensure they have strong roots and grow healthy, providing lots of flowers and fruit.
The water holding capability of Seramis, it’s neutral pH, and it’s aeration (due in part to its resistance to compaction) all contribute to good strong and healthy growth. Fruits that are starved and then flooded with water can have hard skins, crack and distort, and (if extreme) even drop of the plants prematurely. The water retention ability of Seramis helps reduce the water shock.
Whether grown in pots or simply planted outdoors in the garden, trials of tomato plants using Seramis on its own or as a blend with soil have been successful.