A healthy, thriving houseplant requires more than just water and sunlight; it also needs nutrient-rich soil to grow. One way to improve the quality of your indoor plant’s soil is by making your own compost. Making compost not only benefits the environment by reducing waste, but it also provides your houseplants with essential nutrients. In this article, we’ll discuss three methods of making compost for houseplants.

1. Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting involves using worms, usually red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), to break down organic waste into nutrient-rich castings. To start vermicomposting, you’ll need a worm bin, bedding material (such as shredded newspaper or cardboard), and red wiggler worms.

To make compost using vermicomposting:

Add the bedding material to the worm bin and dampen it with water.

Introduce the red wigglers to their new home.

Start adding small amounts of food scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds or eggshells.

The worms will process these materials into nutrient-rich worm castings.

After a few months, you can collect the worm castings and mix them into your houseplant’s soil.

2. Bokashi Composting

Bokashi is a fermentation-based composting method that uses microorganisms (lactobacillus) to break down organic materials anaerobically (without oxygen). This technique is perfect for small spaces like apartments.

To start bokashi composting:

Purchase or make a bokashi container that has an air-tight lid and spigot at the bottom.

Mix your food scraps with bokashi bran (containing beneficial microorganisms) in the container.

Once full, seal the container and let it sit for 2-4 weeks, occasionally draining off any excess liquid – referred to as “bokashi tea” – to avoid molding.

After the fermentation process is completed, mix the bokashi compost with potting soil in a 1:1 ratio and use it for your houseplants.

3. Indoor Composting

Indoor composting uses a closed container to create a small-scale decomposition environment for organic waste.

To start indoor composting:

Purchase or create a compost bin with ventilation holes and a lid.

Start by adding a layer of carbon-based materials (e.g., shredded newspaper or dried leaves) followed by food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, or eggshells.

Alternate between layers of carbon and nitrogen-rich materials (food scraps), maintaining a balance between the two.

Turn the compost every couple of weeks to aerate it, making sure that it remains damp but not soggy.

In about three months, your indoor compost should be ready to use as a natural fertilizer for your houseplants.

By implementing one of these three composting methods, you’ll provide your houseplants with vital nutrients while also doing your part in creating a sustainable environment. Happy composting!