22 Decorative Extras That Can Harm Container Plants in the Long Run

Container gardening is a fun , creative way to impart verdure and personality to your space . But not all decorative extra are helpful — some can on the QT harm your plant over clock time .

Cute… Until Your Plants Start Suffering

From wizardly but dangerous accouterment to trendy fabric that mess up with wet and filth health , here ’s what to look out out for if you desire a thriving container garden .

1. Painted Rocks

Painted rocks might add semblance and character reference , but they often curb chemicals that can leach into the soil . These chemicals may interfere with water soaking up or introduce toxins to the works ’s roots . Over time , this can strain the flora and cause ontogeny problems . The paint may also peel , leaving rubble that clog up the ground airfoil . If you love the look , opt for untreated natural Stone instead .

2. Sphagnum Moss Overload

While a little moss help keep wet , too much can suffocate the soil . This blocks atmosphere flow and do soggy conditions that lead to root rot . It also encourage mold growth and fungus gnats , especially in humid climates . A thick moss bed can also trick you into recollect the soil is damp when it ’s actually dry underneath . Use sparingly and with good drainage .

3. Artificial Flowers

Fake flower in a kitty may look precious , but if obtusely arrange , they can determine airflow and make damp stipulation that invite pests or mould . Their position can also block sunlight from reaching the plant life ’s base , which is essential for growth . Over time , dust and moisture build up on artificial flower petal , leading to poor hygiene and fungal problems . While a few well - placed artificial flowers may be harmless , crowding them can produce an unhealthy environment .

4. Seashells

Though they add coastal charm , seashells can spay the territory ’s pH over metre . Most container plant favour a achromatic or slightly acidic pH , and crushed shell add unwanted alkalinity . plate can also immobilise even water and reduce moisture flow into the grease . Their acuate edges might harm delicate roots when mixed into the potting premix . Use with caution or opt decorative alternatives .

5. Decorative Mulch (Dyed Wood Chips)

Dyed mulch search clean but can contain harmful dye and chemical substance . These additives may move soil character and ascendent health in small throne . Colored mulch can also fade in sunlight , allow for behind a patchy , affected aspect . Some character are made from recycled woodwind instrument care for with unnamed substances . Stick to natural , untreated Grant Wood mulch if you require a clean , safer alternative .

6. Fairy Garden Figurines

Tiny gnomes and poof are adorable , but if they ’re too heavy or cover too much surface field , they can compact the soil or reduce necessary lighter and airflow . This can lead to suffocated roots and moldy patch on the soil . Moisture may get ensnare underneath these figures , creating a hidden home for pest . Choose lightweight , well - ventilated decoration placed carefully .

7. Mirror Shards

Broken mirror bits reflect brightness level in artistic ways but can intensify sun and singe flora leaves . They ’re also bad for kids and darling due to acute edges . Shards may reflect heat into the soil , causing base zone temperatures to transfix . Over clock time , they may tarnish or break down , litter the soil with debris . practice mirror art away from living plants .

8. Beads or Marbles

Colorful fillers like marble or bead are dense and block water from gazump through to the ascendent . Over fourth dimension , this get shallow radical systems or ironical soil underneath . They may also compact the surface , preventing evaporation and encouraging fungal emergence . Plastic bead can put down in sun , releasing microplastics . If you care the flavour , rate them in a decorative bowl nearby instead .

9. Sand Layers

A top layer of sand might take care sleek , but it crust over when dry , preventing weewee from reaching lower soil layers efficaciously . It can also indurate and form a barrier that blocks airflow . Some grit have Strategic Arms Limitation Talks or lime , which can harm works roots . plastered gumption can draw gnats and haven mold . Try fine crushed rock or bark for a breathable top bed alternatively .

10. Clay Pebbles Without Drainage

Lucius Clay balls are great in hydroponics , but in traditional container without proper drain , they hold too much moisture . This can do roots to rot and result to fungous problems . Without a bottom outlet for water , the moisture just sit , produce soggy conditions . These pebbles are best used in ego - watering apparatus or as a humble top layer , not as a full base .

11. Ceramic Figurines

Heavy and non - porous , ceramic decor can librate down soil and produce dark , damp zone that fungus gnats know . Their weight can pack together the potting mix , reducing air pockets roots need . glaze ceramic may moderate lead or other chemicals that leach into moist grease . Choose light , plant - safe fabric if you want to include ornamental public figure .

12. Candle Holders

Repurposed candle holders may seem like a fresh upcycle , but melted wax remnants or metal residues can be toxic to plant life . Soot or remnant scents may also affect stain bacterium and tooth root health . If weewee syndicate inside the bearer , it produce a breeding earth for mosquito or algae . It ’s better to utilise sporty , non - toxic container made specifically for plant .

13. Plastic Gems

These synthetic stones do n’t break down and can step in with territory drainage . Over time , they may leach microplastics into the pot . Their glossy control surface can reflect too much sun and make hot spots . Plastic gems also choke up flow of air and reduce water penetration . Avoid them in plant pots and opt for organic , breathable mulch or else .

14. Gravel Layers Without a Barrier

get at the bottom of a commode may seem helpful , but without a mesh or barrier , it cause piss to pool above the gravel — run to soggy roots . This standing water creates double-dyed condition for root rot . The crushed rock can also compact over metre , reducing drainage . Always use a breathable barrier like landscape painting textile if adding crushed rock .

15. Fabric Wraps or Liners

Wrapping pots in ornamental fabric can entrap moisture and shorten airflow to the can ’s exterior . This promotes mold on the container and surrounding arena . framework can also become discolored and start to smell if it stays moist . Insects may hide between the fabric and the crapper . If swathe , ensure the material is breathable and keep dry .

16. Thick Coir Mats

Coconut fiber mats look earthy , but when layer thick , they prevent proper watering and slow soil dry — bad news for sensitive roots . Water may pool on top or run off without soaking in . Over time , they compress and occlude airflow . utilize thinner coir layer or mix with grime for well balance . Avoid placing a thick mat over the entire airfoil .

17. Pinecones

Used for rustic charm , pinecone can bring out pests or fungous spores . They also freeze even tearing if piled on top . As they relegate down , they may attract ants or beetle . Some pinecones have natural rosin that impress land chemistry . It ’s dependable to employ pinecone in out-of-door beds or as seasonal interior decoration away from living plants .

18. Overly Packed Pebble Top Layers

A packed pebble surface may take care refined but hinder water incursion and vaporization , inviting mold and base problems . This can lead to shallow rootage and short oxygen flow . It also ensnare heating system in raging weather condition , stressing roots . pebble can migrate into the land over time , reducing air pocket . Use small gap between pebble to allow better water rate of flow .

19. Metal Ornaments

Uncoated alloy ornament may develop rust over prison term . While rust fungus ( iron oxide ) is generally not harmful to plant and can even provide trace sum of iron , excessive rusting in very acidic grease could potentially affect plant wellness . To keep any issues , deliberate using rust fungus - resistant materials or placing a barrier between metal ornaments and the soil .

20. Mosaic Tiles

Beautiful but potentially hazardous , mosaic tiles trap passion and ponder harsh light . They ’re better on walls than in pot . These tiles are often heavy , pressing down on grease and preventing evaporation . mismatched edges can nick and harm roots or people . If used at all , keep them on the out pot rim for decoration , not over the dirt .

21. Wooden Accents (Untreated)

Untreated wood can rot , draw in insects , or leach tannin into the dirt , affect the pH and water Libra over time . It may also crack or buckle with reduplicate lacrimation . Bugs like termites or mallet may nest in soft , damp Natalie Wood . If tot wooden interior decoration , check that it ’s sealed with plant - good finish .

22. Rope or Twine Decorations

instinctive - attend forget me drug enfold around containers may keep on dampness , do bunkum or mould around the pot ’s base . Over time , the Mexican valium can fray and exit mussy strands . Wet rope is a seaport for dirt ball and mold . If using twine for hang pots , check regularly for signs of clothing or water damage . Choose synthetic , rot - resistant version when needed .

Choose Decor That Lets Your Plants Breathe and Thrive

Whendecorating container , think prospicient - full term . Your flora need light , water , and breeze to flourish — so skip the heavy , chemical - laden , or airflow - blocking extras . A light touching function a long room toward good for you , happy container plants ! Stick to lifelike , breathable material that support rather than stress your green friends .