We often think of eggshells as something we need to get rid of.
But did you know that eggshells can actually be quite good for your indoor plants?
Eggshells are a natural source of calcium, and they can help to keep your indoor plants healthy and strong. Just crush up some eggshells and sprinkle them around the base of your potted plants. You can also add eggshells to your compost pile.
If you have a problem with slugs or snails, crushed eggshells can help to keep them away. Just sprinkle some around the perimeter of your garden. The sharp edges will deter the pests from entering.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether are eggshells good for houseplants. We’ll also give you some tips on how to use them.
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Are Eggshells Good For Houseplants?
When it comes to keeping your plants healthy, there are a number of things you can do to help them out, such as adding eggshells to the soil. Eggshells are a great way to lower the soil’s acidity, discourage Blossom-End Rot, control pests, and encourage root growth.
By understanding the benefits of using eggshells in your houseplants, you can help keep your plants healthy and looking their best.
Lower Soil Acidity.
One of the main benefits of using eggshells in houseplants is that they help to lower the soil’s acidity. If your soil is too acidic, it can be difficult for your plants to get the nutrients they need from the soil. Adding eggshells to the soil helps to neutralize the acidity and make it easier for your plants to absorb nutrients.
Discourage Blossom-End Rot.
Another benefit of using eggshells in houseplants is that they can help to discourage Blossom-End Rot. This is a condition that can occur when fruits or vegetables are over-exposed to moisture. The eggshells help to absorb excess moisture from the soil, which can help to prevent Blossom-End Rot from occurring.
Control Pests.
Eggshells can also be used to control pests in houseplants. Ants, for example, are known to be attracted to the sticky residue that is left on eggshells after they are boiled. By boiling the eggs and then crushing them into small pieces, you can create a natural pesticide that will help keep pests away from your plants.
Encourage Root Growth.
Finally, eggshells can also help to encourage root growth in houseplants. The calcium carbonate that is found in eggshells helps plants to produce stronger roots, which can help them grow and thrive.
By adding crushed eggshells to your plants’ soil, you can help them grow healthy and strong.
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What Plants Are Suitable For Eggshell Fertilizers?
There are many types of plants that can be used with eggshell fertilizers. Some of the most common include orchids, African violets, and tomato plants.
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana)
Kalanchoe is a succulent that is native to Madagascar. It is known for its ability to thrive in dry, arid conditions.
However, it is also tolerant of poor soil and can even thrive in nutrient-poor soils. This makes it an ideal plant for eggshell fertilizers. Eggshells can provide your Kalanchoe with the calcium it needs to grow strong and healthy.
Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Although they are often thought of as delicate flowers, orchids are actually quite tough plants that can grow in a wide range of conditions. One of the keys to their success is their ability to extract nutrients from the air, which allows them to thrive in nutrient-poor soils. This same quality also makes them well-suited for eggshell fertilizers.
The finely ground eggshells provide a slow release of nutrients that can help to support flower growth. As a result, using eggshells as a fertilizer can be an effective way to encourage healthy growth in these beautiful flowers.
Tomato Plants (Solanum Lycopersicum)
Solanum Lycopersicum is a popular choice for home gardens, and it can also be a good choice for those looking for a plant to use eggshells as fertilizer. These eggshell fertilizer plants are typically heavy feeders, so make sure to reapply the eggshells every few weeks during the growing season.
With a little care and attention, your indoor plants will thrive and produce an abundance of fresh tomatoes for you to enjoy all summer long.
African Violets (Streptocarpus)
African violets (Streptocarpus) are classic houseplants that are beloved for their pretty flowers and ease of care. These plants are also well-suited for use as eggshell fertilizers.
African violets can benefit from being fertilized with eggshells because the calcium helps to promote strong root growth and prevents blossom end rot. With a little care, African violets will thrive and produce an abundance of beautiful blooms.
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How Do You Prepare Eggshells For Plants?
Eggshells are a great fertilizer for your garden plants. Not only do they contain calcium and other nutrients that help plants grow, but they’re also a natural way to deter pests. Here are a few tips on how to prepare eggshells for your garden:
Clean And Dry The Eggshells
You can either use a dishwasher or oven to do this, or you can simply rinse them off and let them air dry.
Make Eggshell Tea For Fertilization
Eggshell tea is made by boiling eggshells in water for about 15 minutes. Let the tea cool before using it on your plants.
Grind Them Into A Fine Eggshell Powder
Grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder. This will make them easier to dissolve in water.
Using Eggshells To Start Seeds
Using eggshells to start seeds. Eggshells make great seed starters because they provide extra calcium and other nutrients that help seeds germinate. Simply poke a hole in the bottom of an eggshell, fill it with soil, and plant your seeds.
FAQs
Which House Plants Benefit From Eggshells?
House plants that benefit from eggshells added to the soil are those that like a high pH. This includes plants such as rhododendrons, gardenias, azaleas, and camellias. Eggshells are a great way to increase the pH of the soil and help these plants thrive.
Do Houseplants Like Egg Shells?
Some houseplants appreciate the addition of crushed eggshells to their soil. The sharp pieces help to deter slugs and snails from munching on your plants, and the calcium carbonate in the shells also helps to strengthen the plants’ cell walls. Just make sure they’re thoroughly dried first or they’ll rot and smell bad.
Do I Need To Boil Eggshells For Plants?
There is no need to boil eggshells for plants. Simply crush the shells and sprinkle them around the base of your plants.
Final Thoughts
Eggshells are a great way to give your plants the calcium they need and help keep pests away. You can either crush up the shells and sprinkle them around the base of your plant or make a tea with hot water and shells that you can then water your plants with.
You can recycle eggshells into a powerful plant food that will keep your houseplants healthy and thriving for a long period of time.
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