Compost makes Kalanchoë more resilient against diseases and pests

Added on 08 January 2025

Tags

Compost makes Kalanchoë more resilient against diseases and pests

Photo: WUR

The pot plant Kalanchoë seems to suffer less from aphids and Phytophthora when grown in a mix containing compost. This is evident from research by Wageningen University & Research BU Greenhouse Horticulture. The substrate on which the Kalanchoë grew contained 10% spent mushroom substrate or 15% compost, reducing the need for peat. Researcher Esmée de Graaf: “The plants became more resilient against both above-ground pest and belowground disease with the addition of compost.”

Kalanchoës are small, colorful potted plants that typically grow in a potting mix partially composed of peat. The horticulture sector has committed to increase the use of sustainable components in potting soil mixtures, necessitating the search for alternatives to for example peat. Current potting soil mixtures contain peat. Composted plant material is one of the options to increase part of the potting soil mixtures. Spent mushroom substrate is a waste product from mushroom cultivation. The quality of compost must be sufficient to support healthy plant growth, and ideally, it should even improve cultivation outcomes.