soil care in Atrium

13 years ago

I would like some information as to soil care in a heated raised bed Atrium/greenhouse. I am a volunteer who is a Master Gardener.
This Atrium is used as a enclosed walkway used by senior citizens so I have to be cognizant of any materials used.
The beds are raised, about 3 feet tall, the front side made of concrete so there is the concern of lye that has leached into the soil.
The plants in there at present consist of a variety of tropical plants which include, palms, bananas, birds of paradise and split leaf philodendron amongst others.
I am wondering what kind of top dressing could be used, and if a dry palm fertilizer is better than a general liquid fertilizer.
I would love to take any educational courses that might be available.
The only articles that I can find on indoor tropicals are for houseplants that can be repotted. The plants in this Atrium are way too big to be moved.
Any information offered would be greatly appreciated.

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Comment (1)

oakhill (zone 9A, Calif.)
13 years ago
AnnieGee,
In regard to the possible effects of the concrete liners, they could perhaps raise the pH in the soil media, especially close to the liners. A simple soil pH test would determine that. The optimal pH for a soil media is about 6.5 and if you have mostly an organic media, the optimal pH is about 5.5.

Top dressing- after determining what the media pH actually is, then you can top dress the planting beds appropriately. If the pH is indeed too high, then peat moss will lower the pH. If the media pH is fine, then you can use most any top dressing- coir (coconut husk), compost, etc.

Fertilizer- The important aspect is the n-p-k content. It is not important what the label says, particularly. "Palm" fertilizer , with the same nutrient content, is almost the same as "Rose" fertilizer. Again, the important factor is what nutrients the plants/media need, and supplying that.
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