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The Compo Sana citrus plant soil is a ready-to-use special soil, which is also provided with an organic-mineral start fertilizer for 12 weeks. The nutrients come from green waste compost and mineral NPK and trace element fertilizers. Also are Quartz sand(€ 14.90 at Amazon *) and clay granules that contain these Citrus earth make it particularly loose and permeable to water. The main component of the substrate, however, is raised bog peat, which is the only negative point. In their reviews, Amazon customers are extremely satisfied with the product, only the occurrence of sciarid gnats is occasionally criticized. Their eggs and larvae are found in many substrates, which is why potting soil should be heat-sterilized before use.

On the other hand, the Mediterranean plant soil from Florissa Naturally comes from completely without peat, which is made from pure is composed of natural ingredients and is therefore in accordance with Regulation EG834 / 2007 for the ecological Agriculture is suitable. The main components used here are sustainable raw materials such as wood and coconut fibers, while quartz sand, pumice and broken expanded clay ensure the loose texture. The pre-fertilization nourishes your citrus plants for the first four to six weeks, whereby the nutrients come from high-quality bark humus and bentonite - a naturally occurring mineral. Most Amazon customers are very satisfied with this product, especially since this citrus earth neither molds nor appears to contain any animals.

Unfortunately, this special soil for citrus and Mediterranean plants from Floragard is not peat-free either, but at least it is peat-reduced. Another main component is humus soil, which, together with the added NPK fertilizer, provides an approx. four to six weeks of starting fertilization. The contained clay granulate improves the ventilation and the water flow of the substrate, so that the citrus earth is not compacted and the roots always receive sufficient air and moisture - without "getting your feet wet" receive. An extra plus point of this product is the added iron fertilizer, which should make the leaves turn a nice, strong green.

Purchase criteria

Quantity / packaging

Citrus earth is available in different packages. Usually it is a question of smaller quantities between ten and 25 liters, but larger bags with 40 or even 50 liters content are also available. Which package size you choose depends on the size of your citrus tree and the number of plants to be supplied with it. A small lemon tree works well with a 10 liter sack, for larger or even several specimens you will of course need more substrate. Calculate a requirement of ten to 20 liters per plant pot.

Peat content

For some years now, raised bog peat has fallen into disrepute as a common component of potting soil, but many manufacturers still like to use it. For ecological reasons, however, you should use peat-free or at least peat-reduced products, especially since peat is usually not an ideal substrate for citrus plants. Here the material is only added to lower the pH value to the desired slightly acidic environment, which can be achieved just as well with bark humus or green compost.

ingredients

So make sure that the citrus soil you want contains bark humus and / or compost (if possible, green compost or leaf compost). Other important components are quartz sand and clay granules, both of which are approx. They should make up 20 percent of the total weight and should ensure the loose texture of the substrate. Citrus plants tend to prefer dry soil, which is why avoiding waterlogging must be given high priority. Carbonate of lime is also an important component that plants need for healthy growth.

Pre-fertilization

A pre-fertilized plant substrate has the advantage that after repotting you will not need it for a few weeks or months fertilize and the plants have all the important nutrients available for rooting and growing. After this time has elapsed, of course, you have to fertilize regularly. Make sure that the fertilization consists of organic and mineral components as far as possible: The mineral (e.g. B. NPK fertilizers or naturally occurring minerals) Ingredients are immediately available to plants, the organic (e.g. B. humus, Compost) only gradually.

PH value

Lemons not only taste sour, they also need a slightly acidic pH value - just like most plants, by the way. A pH value between 5.5 and 6.0, which most citrus earths meet, is therefore ideal. A very large range between 5.5 and 6.5 is often printed on the packaging, which is related to the strong The variability of the value can be explained: After all, the pH value changes simply through maintenance measures such as about pouring.

price

The prices for citrus earth are very different and, depending on the manufacturer, range between just under eight euros for ten liters and just under twelve euros for 40 liters of substrate - that makes a difference of 0.78 euros for the more expensive and 0.3 euros for the cheaper ones Sorts. However, the price should not be decisive for the purchase decision, but the composition of the substrate. In this case, “expensive” does not mean “good” and vice versa.

frequently asked Questions

Is citrus soil suitable for all citrus plants?

Citrus earth is not only suitable for the more commonly cultivated lemons, oranges or mandarins, but also for more unusual types such as Kumquat, Lime, grapefruit or those sometimes kept as a houseplant Kaffir lime. Even if you yourself from the seeds (e.g. B. If you want to grow your own citrus trees, you can use the special substrate.

Which other plants can you put in citrus soil?

Because of your loose and rather dry texture Citrus soil is also well suited for many Mediterranean plants that have similar needs to citrus plants (which originally come from Southeast Asia). You can therefore also use the special substrate for oleanders, Olive tree, Lavender and even use for palm trees. The popular Ficus benjamini (weeping fig) also thrives in this potting soil.

How often should you repot citrus plants?

Broadly speaking, citrus plants should be grown about every two to three years be repotted. However, that cannot be said across the board, as the right time depends on various factors. In principle, fresh substrate - and possibly a larger planter - is always necessary when the soil is too wet (or even begins to moss) or if the plant roots are out of the pot grow out.

Why is peat so questionable?

peat is - how could it be otherwise - extracted from raised bogs that are irreparably damaged by the extraction - with drastic consequences not only for the rare animals and plants that live in the bog, but also for them Climate. As we know today, peatlands are valuable CO2 stores, which is why huge amounts of the climate-damaging gas are released when peat is extracted.

Can you mix lemon earth yourself?

You can use your lemon earth too mix yourself. For this you need mature garden compost and humus-rich garden soil (molehills that have been removed are very suitable for this), which each make up a third of the substrate. In addition, a sixth of quartz sand and broken expanded clay are used as drainage material.

equipment

Citrus fertilizer

Just as citrus plants make certain demands on their plant substrate, this also applies to the optimal fertilizer. For healthy growth, you should rely on an organic-mineral fertilizer that contains extra potassium and iron. Iron ensures a strong, green leaf color and prevents the leaves from turning yellow. Potassium strengthens the plants and makes them more resilient.