Wildvine Grow Pole Blend is here! This premium blend is the first of its kind and has been carefully crafted to help plants thrive when growing up substrate filled grow poles, such as our GrowTHICCLY, Plantthingy poles or similar.
It is a blend of high quality substrates, such as coarse grade perlite, New Zealand Tree Fern fibre, New Zealand fine grade Orchid bark and New Zealand Sphagnum moss fines.
Sphagnum moss and Fern fibre have fantastic moisture retaining abilities, which is important when growing plants up poles, as the aerial roots seek out moisture. They also have the added benefit of retaining vital nutrients when you fertilise.
I should probably mention that this also means less maintenance for you as well! Win win win!
Perlite and Orchid bark help create air pockets in the substrate, as your plants roots need oxygen to thrive. They also help keep the mix light and chunky, perfect for climbing aroids!
I have filled my fair share of grow poles over my 10+ years caring for plants, so I have a few handy tips to share with you!
- When filling your pole with substrate, it's best to hold the pole on a slight angle as you do this. Grid side facing up of course :) The substrate slides nicely down the solid back side of the pole as you fill.
- Fill your poles over/in a container (I use a plastic container that I store my mix in) this way it catches any fall out and minimises any spillage or waste.
- Having something to help pack the substrate into the pole also helps, I use a short bamboo rod for this and it works a treat!
- While you want small air pockets in a substrate, having large pockets in the mix isn't ideal, this is why packing it down as you go helps evenly spread the mix into the pole.
- When it comes time to water your plant, start from the top of the pole first and water down. Especially for the first time, this will wash away any loose mix and settle the mix even more in the pole.
- If you do happen to let your pole dry out completely, give it a good mist with water before watering, this will help the water absorb better into the pole again.
When it comes to fertilising & watering your plants always start at the pole and water down. This ensures the roots inside the pole also absorb water and nutrients, helping your plants THRIVE.
This mix isn't limited to a grow pole mix though, it also makes a fantastic potting substrate!
