The small round green balls in plant soil are fertilizer.
The small, round, green balls commonly found mixed into plant soil are fertilizer. According to reference information, "It's just fertilizer to feed the plant." These are typically slow-release fertilizer pellets, sometimes called prills, designed to gradually release nutrients into the soil over time, providing a steady source of plant food for the plant's growth.
Why Fertilizer Pellets are Used
Adding fertilizer prills to potting soil is a common practice among nurseries and soil manufacturers. This ensures that the plant receives essential nutrients right from the start and continues to be fed for a certain period, reducing the need for immediate feeding by the plant owner. The green color often helps distinguish them from other components in the soil mix.
Handling Fertilizer Prills
When you encounter these green balls, especially during activities like transplanting, you might wonder what to do with them. Based on the reference, "You may leave them in the soil while transplanting, if there is still some plant food inside the fertilizer prills."
Here are a few practical points:
- Leaving them: It's generally fine to leave the pellets in the soil when moving a plant to a new pot. They will continue to break down and feed the plant.
- Checking for remaining food: You can inspect or gently break open a pellet. If it appears largely intact and still contains a grainy or crystalline substance inside, it likely still holds nutrients. If it's just an empty shell, most of the food has probably been released.
- Supplementing: While the prills provide nutrients, you may still need to start a regular feeding schedule with liquid or other types of fertilizer once the slow-release period of the prills is over, or if your plant shows signs of needing more food.
Essentially, these green balls are a beneficial addition to the soil, providing vital nutrients to help your plant thrive.
