Greetings;


What do you put on top of the soil for the bonsais and Desert Roses.?
With the plants inside due to the temps outside I am thinking of keeping any bugs away from the soil. Kentucky seems to have their lots of bugs right now. winter time is better as it is too cold. But they like to get into the plant soil. So, what would be the best topping for the soil?

Carol

What bugs are you worried about?

We get those little gnat thing that sneak in the door when you go in and out. It will be better next month when it is too overly cold for them to exist. But, for now I am having to use Neem spray.

I just saw where someone. uses river sand sometimes and other times small rocks. Says it keeps any fungus gnats and others from finding a home on indoor and outdoor plants.

They are harmless, a sign if poor soil conditions possibly too wet. Correct that and they will disappear.

They multiply in the soil.

I don't really see how river sand or small Stones could prevent the gnats reaching the soil. If the environment is good for fungal gnats, there will be fungal gnats.

I dont use any toppings, you have less control over the moisture of the soil,...small rocks can be simply removed, but sand !?
I know the problem with the fungus gnats only,.. if you keep an organic soil too moist .... but other Country = other bugs, gnats and problems ?!

When I pass on trees to beginners, I tend to put a layer of moler clay on the top. That is a very good help for identifying watering needs. Light red means that watering is needed and dark red means no need.

I would not think the moler clay can prevent any bugs in the soil or on the trees.