STRENGTHENING YOUR PLANT’S ROOTS
R O O T S
“THERE IS A VAST INVISIBLE
WORLD LIVING IN AND AROUND
THE ROOT SYSTEM OF VIRTUALLY
EVERY PLANT ON THE PLANET.”
enhancement. The most commonly used beneficial
microorganisms supplemented by indoor
horticulturists are types of beneficial fungi and
beneficial bacteria.
Mycorrhizae (Fungi)
Mycorrhizae are naturally occurring fungi that form
symbiotic relationships with more than 90 per cent
of the world’s plant species. Mycorrhizae have even
become a common additive in gardening products
like prepackaged potting soils. Mycorrhizae fungi
become an extension of the root system that can
stretch far into the depths of the soil. This immediately
broadens the plant’s access to vital nutrients and,
therefore, increases growth. Mycorrhizae have
synergistic relationships with the plant’s roots. The
extending web of mycorrhizal fungi assimilates
nutrients for the plant and, in return, the plant’s roots
secrete sugars or carbon on which the fungi feed.
Since the relationship between mycorrhizae and the
plant’s roots is synergistic, it is safe to say that if a
gardener has a healthy population of mycorrhizae
in the soil or medium, he or she will usually have a
healthy root system as well.
TRICHODERMA (FUNGI)
Trichoderma are a group of fungi that are usually
used by horticulturists as a natural defense against
root damaging pathogenic fungi. Trichoderma can
work wonders against pathogenic fungi that could
otherwise destroy a healthy root system. In fact, some
of the most powerful root rot treatments available are
formulas rich in trichoderma. Trichoderma can help
maintain a healthy, vibrant root system by fending
off potential threats. In most cases, trichoderma can
be added to a feeding regiment to maintain a healthy
trichoderma population. After all, if there aren’t
enough pathogens for the trichoderma to feed on, their
population will diminish (not a bad thing). However,
by maintaining a healthy population of trichoderma,
a horticulturist can nip pathogenic fungi in the bud
before they can negatively affect a plant’s root system.
BENEFICIAL BACTERIA
As with beneficial fungi, bacteria can be added to
the soil or medium to break down organic matter,
facilitate nutrient uptake, and add protection against
pathogens. One huge advantage of using beneficial
bacteria in indoor horticulture is that bacteria can
quickly colonize and explode in population. The
larger the population of beneficial bacteria, the
quicker they can destroy pathogenic microorganisms
and/or break down organic matter. As with
mycorrhizae, it is safe to say that if the soil has a
bountiful population of beneficial bacteria, it is more
likely to have a healthy root system.
Providing plants with the right nutrients, hormones,
and beneficial microorganisms are ways an indoor
gardener can maximize the strength of a plant’s
roots. Although mostly unseen, the root system of
a plant is a huge factor in determining the overall
success or failure of an indoor garden. At the end
of the day, growers who spend the extra time on
developing a strong, healthy root structure are more
likely to achieve prolific yields and are less likely to
encounter potentially devastating problems.
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Maximum Yield USA | December 2016