Plants in Different Soils
The plant in potting soil v.s red clay
Purpose/Question of experiment
I wanted to learn if store bought potting soil was truly better then red clay for growing bromeliads. I choose bromeliads because of their fascinating color. The soil being used in my project is red clay from my backyard and Farfard Complete potting mix.
Research
I got my research from About.com Home House Plants. I learned from my research that Bromeliads can tolerate temperatures of about 55 F and 80 F. Typically, the plant would thrive in luminous, sunny windowsills but not direct sunlight. For the best results, one should utilize a window facing the east, west, or south. If in fact, a bromeliad's leaves turn yellow, that means it is taking in too much light. On the other hand, leaves that are dark or extended could be taking in too little light. In regards to water, bromeliads can withstand long periods of dry spells. Coincidentally, pineapples are in the bromeliad family.
Hypothesis
If I put one bromeliad in red clay soil from my backyard and another in Farfard Complete Potting mix: My hypothesis is that the plant in the Farfard Complete Potting mix will live longer. This being that the plant in potting mix is rich in nutrients enabling it to thrive.
Experiment
After purchasing two similar plants from a nearby nursery, I immediately came home and dug up red clay soil from my backyard. I transported one of the bromeliads into a new pot with red clay soil. I kept the Farfard Complete Potting mix. with the plant surrounded by red clay soil. The man at the nursery stated that if I did not retain the soil, that the plant would immediately start to die. The other plant was kept in the same soil it came with from the nursery. Both plants were kept on a bakers rack in my kitchen about 5 feet from a window. Initially from the time of purchase February 14 to February 28,2014, I watered both plants twice with about 1 cup of water each.
Analysis
Date: 3/4/14 Time: 7:05 am
Visually describe red clay plant (A)
Tall, Colorful,Welting,
Visually describe potting soil mix. plant (B)
Small,Colorful,Healthy
Watered (A): Yes, 1/2 cup Watered (B): No, 0 cups
Height (A): 14 inches Height (B): 13 inches
Temperature (A): 68 F - 73 F Temperature (B): 68 F - 73 F
Cloudy Day
Date;3/18/14 Time: 8:09 pm
Visually describe red clay plant (A)
Welting,Colorful,Damp
Visually describe potting soil mix. plant (B)
Growing,Healthy,Damp
Watered (A): Yes, 1/2 cup Watered (B): Yes, 1/2 cup
Height (A): 14 inches Height (B): 13 inches
Temperature (A): 72 F Temperature (B): 72 F
Cloudy Day
Conclusion
My hypothesis was correct. Plant (A) containing red clay has already begun to welt. However plant (B) is still healthy and thriving.