Why should we not remove weeds from potted plants?

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There are often some types of weeds in potted plants. Professional gardeners advise you not to pull them indiscriminately. What is the reason?

Many people who like to grow plants feel uncomfortable when they discover weeds growing in pots. They not only take away nutrients from plants but also take up the land area intended for plants to grow. However, good gardeners do not pull weeds indiscriminately in potted plants but will consider leaving them behind to take advantage of some benefits.

Why should we not weed indiscriminately in potted plants?

Why should we not weed indiscriminately in potted plants? Keeping grass in pots is an effective way to protect and improve soil quality. (Photo: Better Homes & Gardens)

In the past, gardeners always thought that weeds would compete with plants for nutrients, so they tried every way to destroy all the weeds. However, this concept is gradually changing when they realize that keeping them is an effective measure to protect trees and improve soil quality. That is why you should not weed indiscriminately in potted plants.

Having wildflowers in pots has the following benefits:

Measure nutrients and water in the pot

These weeds are both water meters and fertility meters. You can observe the dry and wet conditions of potting soil through the weeds and provide reference information for daily watering. Usually grass growing upright is a sign that there is no lack of water. If the grass is wilted, it means the potting soil is relatively dry.

The root system of weeds is generally relatively developed, which quickly reflects the fertility status of the soil, helping us determine the dryness, moisture and fertility of the soil in the pot.

In addition, grass helps regulate soil nutrients. When pruned or died naturally, grass returns nutrients to the soil. Grass roots and grass residues, when decomposing, will improve the amount of organic matter in the soil, making the soil richer in humus and more fertile.

Reflects the degree of root rot

In fact, weeds can also prevent root rot in ornamental plants. Bonsai root rot mainly occurs in summer climate conditions of high temperature and humidity, continuous clouds and rain, and alternating sunshine.

Grass roots help the soil become loose and aerated, bringing more O2 and CO2 into the deep soil, helping plant roots breathe and absorb nutrients more easily.

In addition, it also helps the soil retain moisture better, brings water and nutrients deeper, limits water evaporation in hot weather, and prevents root rot when there is too little or too much water. That is one of the reasons why you should not weed indiscriminately in potted plants.

Grass roots help the soil become loose and aerated, bringing more O2 and CO2 into the deep soil, helping plant roots breathe and absorb nutrients more easily. (Photo: The Spruce)

Improve soil quality

Keeping grass helps create a favorable environment for soil organisms to develop, improving soil quality will be more effective, protecting plants from fungal attacks.

Covering the ground helps limit the leaching of alkaline metals, contributing to stabilizing soil pH. Besides, some other types have the ability to repel nematodes, harmful insects or attract natural enemies.

Determine growing environmental conditions for plants 

Leaving a few weeds can help you grasp the ventilation, lighting, etc. conditions of the plant pot location, which is beneficial to improving the environment for plants.

Although it is a weed, it also has its own growth characteristics. If it gets worse, it means the environment in this location is not ideal enough. It’s best to change places with potted plants.

Above are the reasons why you should not weed indiscriminately in potted plants, but leave a few to take advantage of its benefits.