MODULE 5.

PREPARING SOIL MEDIA AND FERTILIZING OF SOME

SELECTED ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

INTRODUCTION
Ornamentals and landscape plants require wide range of cultural requirements and
management practices. Most of them are being grown in a greenhouse, planted in pots for
outdoor and indoor conditions and some are raised in large quantity in an open area.
Soil is one of the most important factor in the production of agricultural crops. It is
the universal medium for germinating seeds and growing seedlings. It supplies the
nutrient requirements for all growing plants. For gardeners, nursery workers and
ornamental hobbyist, soil structure is very important especially when grown in
containers.
The module contains topic on the Preparation of Soil Media/ Mixes and Fertilizer
Needs of some selected Ornamental Plants.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After finishing this module, you are expected to prepare a good soil media and
apply the needed fertilizer requirement of selected ornamentals and landscape plants.
Specifically, you should be able to:
1. Collect soil amendments and prepare a good soil media/ mixes
2. Apply the needed fertilizer requirements of Ornamental plants.

TOPIC 1. PREPARATION OF SOIL MEDIA/ MIXES

Soil media – is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials with proper proportion or
ratios. It is prepared with a certain degree of proportions.
Characteristics of an Ideal Soil Media
1. It should be well-drained but moisture retentive
2. It must have adequate aeration
3. It should be capable of retaining nutrients
4. It should be free from soil-borne diseases.
Recommended Mixture for Container Growing
1. Heavy soils, such as clay loams or clay
1 part soil, 2 parts perlite or sand, 2 parts peat moss or composted shredded bark
2. Medium soils – such as silt loams
1 part soil, 1 part perlite or sand, 1 part peat moss or composted shredded bark
3. Light soils
1 part soil, 1 part peat moss or 1 part composted shredded bark

Recommended Organic Ornamentals (Good Sources of Organic Matter)

1. Compost – is an organic material consisting of very fine, thoroughly rotted manure,
plant parts and other organic matters. It has high moisture holding capacity.
2. Animal Manures – any vegetarian animal waste such as carabao manure, cow, pig,
sheep, chicken, which is aged and dry.
3. Peat moss – a partially decomposed vegetation that has been preserved underwater. It
has a very high water holding capacity.
4. Sphagnum moss – dehydrated remains of acid bog plants used in shredded form. It is
usually used in marcotting roses and other small-stemmed
ornamental because of its light in weight and has an excellent
moisture/ water holding capacity and relatively sterile.
5. Leaf Mold – rotted remains of leaves or rice straw.
6. Sawdust, shredded bark or wood shaving - usually bark of pine and oak trees
broken into small pieces.
7. Vermicast –
8. Cocopeat/Coirdust – the fibrous material that constitutes the thick mesocarp (middle
layer) of the coconut fruit (Cocos nucifera)
Inorganic Materials
1. Sand – consist of a very small rock particles, 0.05 to 2.00 mm. diameter formed as a
result of weathering of various rocks.
2. Perlite – a gray-white silicacous material of volcanic origin mined from lava flows. It
is usually used to improve aeration of the soil media.
3. Vermiculite – a product produce from industrial and horticultural purposes. It is a very
light, expanded material with a neutral pH (neither acidic nor alkaline) in
which when heated, the moisture in the mineral becomes steam and
causes it to expand. It has a very high water holding capacity.
4. Pumice – is mostly silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide with small amount of iron,
calcium, magnesium, sodium with the oxide form. It increases aeration and
drainage in a rooting mix and can be used alone or mixed with peat moss.

Advantages of Using Soilless Media

1. The mix is uniform; it does not vary in fertility, acidity (pH) or texture
2. The mixes are sterile (containing no disease organisms, insects or weed seeds)
3. Soil mixes are lighter in weight and thus, easier to handle or ship
4. Good moisture retention and drainage.

Disadvantages
1. Since they are lightweight, containers kept outdoors may be blown over.
2. Since the mineral content in most mixes is low, minor plant food elements necessary to
plant life maybe missing (example: iron, sulphur, manganese, zinc and calcium)

Soil Media Requirement for Selected Ornamental Plants

Gumamela – this plant requires highly porous soil with good drainage system. Sandy
soil with a mixture of organic manure and compost is recommended. Avoid
planting in heavy soil with poor drainage because Hibiscus cannot stand
logging.
Poinsettia – soil media should be porous and well-drained for maximum root
development. An equal ratio of loam soil, sand and perlite and peat moss is
recommended.
Anthurium – medium must be high in organic matter, and has high water holding
capacity with good drainage. Local growers usually used coconut husk, wood
 chips, wood shavings, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, coffee parchment, rice
hull, coconut coir dust or combination of any of these soilless medium. (T. J.
Rimando)
Heliconia - grows best in humus rich and well-drained soil. Although they are quite
adaptable in any media, they will not survive near beach areas if they are not
protected from salt sprays.
Roses – a deep well-drained soil with high organic matter content and slightly acidic pH
5.5-6.5 is desirable. For plants grown in containers, a mixture of manure, soil and
sand with a ratio of 1:1:1 may be used.
Gerbera (Daisy) – a well-drained, slightly acidic pH (pH 6) media is best for Gerbera.
Sandy soil in the field is suitable.
Sampaguita – Jasmines grow in any good soil but they perform in well-drained rich
loam soil or dry sandy loam with irrigation facilities
Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) – grows best in humus-rich and well-drained, but slightly
acidic soil.
Calla lily – responds well in moist soils provided they have adequate drainage. Sandy
loam soils are preferred which makes the lifting of tubers is easier.
Gladiolus – a well-drained soil with a pH of 7.0 to 7.5 with ample supply of organic
matter is suitable for this bulb crop.

Germination Media for Bedding Plants

A good media should be well-drained and moisture retentive. Media should
consist of cocopeat (coconut coir dust) and sand, 3:1 or sandy loam; cocopeat and sand,
1:1:1 ratio. The pH should be adjusted to 5.5 to 6.0. A good germination medium should
be light (bulk density of about 26 kg. per 0.028 cubic meter when wet)
TOPIC 2. FERTILIZER NEEDS OF SOME SELECTED ORNAMENTAL
PLANTS

INTRODUCTION
Ornamental plants are usually grown in containers or directly in an open area with
a soil media or soilless mixes or combination of two. In most cases, plant food must be
readily available to the plant. Fertilizer must be added as the plant requires food elements
which is usually applied in the soil or in water soluble form for their growth and
development.
There are seventeen (17) elements required for the nutrition of plants which are
classified into:
1. Macroelements - these are elements required by the plant in large amounts. (N,
P, K, Mg, Ca, S, C, H, O)
2. Microelements or trace elements – these are elements needed in relatively
small amounts or quantities (Cl, Cu, Mn, Zn, Mo, B, Fe, Si)

Ornamental Plants with their Recommended Fertilizer Material/s

Anthurium – 1 tsp. ammonium sulphate, 2tsp. solophos, 1 tsp. muriate of potash/ plant
per month is best for flowering of Anthurium (Study Conducted at UPLB –T. J.
Rimando) To get the best blooms, use a fertilizer that has a higher phosphorous number
(the middle number) (www.gardeningKnowhow.com)
Note : Too much fertilizer can harm the plant
Heliconia – 1 tsp. complete fertilizer dissolved in one gallon of water may be used as
foliar fertilizer ranging from once a month.
Roses – side dressing of 1 tsp. of NPK 14-14-14 or 12-12-12 per pot for containerized
culture with the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil condition.
Sampaguita – responds well to nitrogen fertilization Kumar and Gill (1983) found that
two year old plants spaced at 4x4 ft. applied with 30 g. N per plant gave
the highest flower yield. In India, the recommended fertilizer rates are 50
g. N, 200 g. P205 and 150 g. K2O per plant per year if farmyard manure has
not been applied. If manures was applied at the rate of 10 kg./plt per year,
the N maybe reduced to 5 g. and the P205 to 100 g. (T. J. Rimando)
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) – a complete fertilizer high in phosphorous should be
applied in the bed every four months e.g., 10-30-10. During the
flowering season, monthly application of fertilizer is required.
Amaryllis and Hippeastrum – field grown plants are fertilized every three months while
container grown plants are fed every month. The last fertilization should
be done by the time the plants have finished blooming.
Calla lily – Callas require lots of phosphorous for better flower production. Too much
nitrogen favor too much foliage production and increase susceptibility to rot
diseases. Complete fertilizer 10-15-10 about 400-500 kg./ha. may be
incorporated into the soil before planting.
Gladiolus – a well-drained soil with a pH of 7.0 to 7.5 with ample supply of organic
matter (at least 4.5%) is suitable for gladiolus. The Nitrogen requirement of
rapidly growing plants is comparatively higher as compared to the
requirement after flowering.
Gladiolus grown in sandy soils should be provided with about 90 to 135 kg. N/ha.,
90 kg. to 180 kg. P205 and 110 K20. The fertilizer mixture may be applied at four stages of
development.
a. pre-plant incorporation
b. side-dressing during the 2nd to 3rd leaf stage
c. side-dressing at the time of flower emergence from the foliage leaves; and
d. side-dressing about two weeks after flowering to help develop the new corn and
cormels
Lilium- lilies are intolerant to excessive fertilizers and high soluble salt levels, so
fertilization should be kept in moderation. High fertilizer or salt levels injure the
plant’s roots inhibit subsequent growth and reduce the flower bud count. Since
they are heavy feeders, adequate fertilization in the early stages of growth is
essential and fertilization should commence with a side-dressing of complete
fertilizer when the stem is 2-3 cm. high.
Ornamental Banana – the recommended fertilizer for ornamental banana is 10-30-10
applied to planting bed at three month-interval.
Orchids – the amount and kind of fertilizer required by orchid plants depend on growing
conditions, potting media, the species and stage of development.
Young seedling are usually given dilute solutions of nitrogenous fertilizers or with
complete fertilizers with higher nitrogen content relative to phosphorus and potassium
(ex. 4:1:1 or 2:1:1). Liquineur (liquid manure) may also be used such as swine and
chicken manure or fish emulsion and applied once a week or once a month. As the plants
get older, the level of phosphorus and potassium is correspondingly increased (T. J.
Rimando)
For seedling, apply a dilute solution of 30-10-10 once a week at a proportion of 1
level teaspoon to a gallon of water. You can also add rooting hormone to this solution at a
rate of 5-10 drops to a gallon of water. Apply once a month. You can also apply complete
fertilizer alternately to maintain balance of leaf and root growth (P. S. Nitural – CLSU)
For growing orchid plants, apply 10 g. N 30 g. P 20 g. K at a strength of 1 level
teaspoon to a gallon of water.
For blooming stage, give 18-18-18 once a week in a proportion of 1 tsp. for every
1.5 gal. of water.
Gumamela/ Hibiscus (Hybrid) – if Hibiscus is grown in containers like pots, fertilize
plants regularly with complete fertilizer such as 14-14-14 (granules or foliar). Apply one
tsp. of fertilizer dissolved in 1 gallon of water every two weeks. If Hibiscus is planted
directly in the ground, apply the following amount of fertilizers around the base of the
plants every month.
- 5 to 10 grams for small plants
- 20 to 25 grams for medium plants
- 30 to 40 grams for large plants
Water the plants to dissolve the applied fertilizer. To improve the quality of the
blooms, apply complete fertilizer with high level of potassium once a month. (Ref..
UPLB’s leaflet on Hibiscus Hybrids, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture,
UPLB, College, Laguna)

Beeding Plants (Plants consist of fast-growing and are generally propagated from seeds
and produced in larger quantities by local procedures are Begonia (Begonia x
semperflorens-cultorum), Celosia (Celosia cristata, C. plumose), Coleus (Coleus x
hybrida), Cosmos (Cosmos sulphurous), Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana), Marigold
(Tegetes erecta, T. patula), Vinca/ Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), Petunia (Petunia x
hybrida), Salvia (Salvia splenders), and Zinia (Zinnia elegans).
The rates and frequency of fertilization depends on such factors as type of medium,
frequency of watering, solubility of fertilizers and nutrient requirements of plants.
Hybrid Vinca – for seedling fertilizer. Dissolve the following components in 200 liters
of water.
Calcium nitrate 65 grams; Mono potassium nitrate 10 grams; Potassium sulphate 17
grams; Potassium nitrate 20 grams; Magnesium nitrate 24 grams; Trace elements (solute)
3 grams. After transplanting, dissolve 150 grams of 15-36-19 foliar fertilizer in 200 liters
of water and apply once a week. Apply seedling fertilizer solution twice a week in
alternation.
(East – West seed company Inc.)
Soil pH Preference of Some Flowering and Non-Flowering Plants
Ornamental Plants Soil pH Ornamental Plants Soil pH
Anthurium 5.0-6.0 Gladiolus 6.0-7.0
Aster 6.5-7.0 Hibiscus 6.0-8.0
Baby’s breath 6.0-7.5 Hoya 5.0-6.5
Begonia 5.5-7.0 Impatiens 5.5-7.5
Bird of Paradise 6.0-6.5 Calla Lily 6.0-7.0
Carnation 6.0-7.5 Marigold 5.5-7.0
Chrysanthemum 6.0-7.5 Petunia 6.0-7.5
Coleus 6.0-7.0 Philodendron 5.0-6.0
Cosmos 5.0-8.0 Poinsettia 6.0-7.5
Coxcomb 6.0-7.5 Portulaca 5.5-7.5
Dahlia 6.0-7.5 Rose 6.0-7.0
Shasta Daisy 5.0-6.0 Rubber Plant 5.0-6.0
Dieffenbachia 5.0-6.0 Yucca 6.0-8.0
Fern, Asparagus 6.0-8.0 Zinnia 5.5-7.5
Bird’s Nest 5.0-5.5 Boston Fern 5.5-6.5
Gardenia 5.0-6.0

Lime (CaCO3) lime acts as plant food and as material that affects soil acidity. Soil
acidity in turn affects the availability of other plant food elements.
Lime furnishes calcium, one of the most important of the minor food elements.
Calcium is important in the function of plant cell walls among other functions.
Soil Acidity (pH) – Most plants grow best in soil with pH of from 5.6 to 7.0. A pH of
7.0 is neutral; that is soil at pH 7 is neither acidic or alkaline (basic). Alkaline soil is the
opposite of acid soil in pH rating. Hence on a scale of 1 to 11, values lower than 7.0
indicate acidic soils and values higher than 7.0 indicate alkaline soils.
TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Collect/ gather available organic and inorganic soil amendments and prepare
soil media/ mixes in proper proportion or ratio.
2. Conduct experiment on the different soil amendments combination on the
growth of flowering and foliage plants.
3. Take a soil sample and determine the type and amount of fertilizers to be
applied using a soil testing kit.

Recommended Learning Materials and Resources for Supplementary Reading

Internet (Google/ Wikipedia)
Modules
Handouts
Videos
Flexible Teaching learning Modality (FTLM) Adopted
Online (SEDI)
Modules
Lab Exercises/ Experiments
ASSESSMENT TASK:
SELF-EVALUATION
I. Multiple Choice: Read each statement carefully and encircle your best answer.
1. The moisture-holding capacity of the soil is sometimes improved by:
a. adding organic matter c. adding inorganic fertilizer
b. Mulching d. Watering
2. Which of the following is usually called the heavy soils?
a. Silt loam c. sandy loam
b. clay loam d. all of these
3. It is a partially decomposed vegetation that has been preserved underwater.
a. Sphagnum moss c. perlite
b. peat moss d. vermiculite
4. The four things that plants receive from the soil are:
a. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, potassium and minor elements
b. Anchorage of roots, air, moisture and food
c. Anchorage of roots, air, food storage and moisture
d. all of the above
5. Solophos or Superphosphate fertilizer contains % phosphorus
a. 60% c. 45%
b. 20% d. 30%
6. Nitrogen causes plants to:
a. grow rapidly and develop a dark green color
b. resist plant diseases
c. produce more flowers and seeds
d. develop strong roots
7. Potassium is usually applied to plants for:
a. better growth of the roots
b. production of more flowers and seeds
c. resist plant diseases
d. all of the above
8. Soilless media has the following advantages, except
a. good moisture retention and drainage
b. light in weight
c. source of macroelements
d. sterile
9. The following elements are considered macroelements, except
a. CHO c. Mg, Ca, S
b. MPK d. Mn, Zn, Mo
10. An inorganic amendment which is composed of a gray-white silicaceous material of
volcanic origin mined from lava flows.
a. Vermiculite c. Pumice
b. Perlite d. sand

II. Discuss briefly the following:

1. Why is it important that there should be a balanced nutrients for ornamental plants to
be grown?
2. Organic fertilizer are beneficial for ornamental plants in containers/ pots.
3. Your findings in the experiment conducted regarding the use of different soil
amendments.

References:
Internet (google – gardenhelpful.com>best soil www.gardeningknowhow.com)
Rimando, T. J. 2003. Ornamental Horticulture (A Little Giant in the Tropics. SEAMED
Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) UPLB