Why Your Houseplants Need Soil Aeration to Really Thrive, According to a Horticulturalist

Houseplants are a great addition to any room, but even the lowest-maintenance ones still require proper care. Along with watering and sunlight needs, aerating the soil is an essential component for supporting houseplants' overall health and growth.

When you aerate houseplants, you help them absorb the oxygen, water, and nutrients they need to thrive. Many common houseplants originate from a tropical environment, where they benefit from naturally loose soil and regular rainfall. To better understand why soil aeration is important for houseplants, we spoke with Linda Langelo, a horticultural specialist at Colorado State University and lead instructor for the Native Plant Master Program.

Why Houseplant Soil Needs to Be Aerated

For houseplants to thrive, they need oxygen. Aerating the soil in houseplants allows more oxygen to reach the roots, supporting aerobic respiration—the process by which plants break down food to produce energy, says Langelo. If the soil isn't aerated enough, the plant's growth can slow down due to low oxygen, water, and nutrient absorption.

Using the right soil helps maintain proper aeration. Different soils vary in the amount of space between their particles. "Sand has the largest spaces and clay the least space. Using the proper soil for houseplants is important for healthy root growth, nutrients, water, and overall, to keep the plant healthy," says Langelo.

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Signs Your Soil Needs Aerating

When your houseplant needs aeration, it will show signs in a couple of ways. "Some signs are that the plant starts wilting, and leaves yellowing or browning," says Langelo.

Poor soil drainage is another indicator. If water pools or sits on the surface, it means the soil isn't draining properly. Well-aerated soil allows excess water to drain, preventing root damage. Without proper drainage, the roots can begin to rot. Too much water in the soil causes an anaerobic condition—meaning a lack of oxygen—which harms the plant.

How to Aerate Houseplants

Aerating houseplants is a lot simpler than you might think. Use a thin tool, such as a popsicle stick, fork, or chopstick, and gently insert it into the soil. Wiggle it slightly to loosen the topsoil and create air pockets. After aerating, water the plant thoroughly at the base. "If you need to improve the soil aeration for your houseplant, you can add perlite, vermiculite, sand, or sphagnum moss," says Langelo.