Diatomaceous Earth Plant Mats
For those of you that have seen, them, know of them, used them…I am looking for information in the diatomaceous earth plant mats/saucers. Do you know if they control bacteria or mold that could grow under the pot? #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #PropagationStation #PlantAccesories #GregGang
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@TheOddAsity
I have used the same material which is in a bath mat. It is a great substance for soaking up moisture (eg out of the shower/bath). You can see it wick the water away rapidly. Also used them as coasters under drink cups eg coffee coaster. But have never though about them for pot plants. It would stand to reason that if they wick the water away, prevents mould and fungus but have never tested a coaster under a pot plant. Good idea though...as I am pretty sure they keep such things at bay when used as a bath/shower mat. Thanks for sharing 👍
I have used the same material which is in a bath mat. It is a great substance for soaking up moisture (eg out of the shower/bath). You can see it wick the water away rapidly. Also used them as coasters under drink cups eg coffee coaster. But have never though about them for pot plants. It would stand to reason that if they wick the water away, prevents mould and fungus but have never tested a coaster under a pot plant. Good idea though...as I am pretty sure they keep such things at bay when used as a bath/shower mat. Thanks for sharing 👍
Interestingly, it is used in the body (eg in the stomach) and the article I read said the following:
it attracts, absorbs and traps bacteria with a positive charge, such as fungi, parasites and heavy metals. The good bacteria generally have a negative or neutral charge, so are left behind.
And here's something else:
Silicon is a major component of diatomaceous earth. It is the second most abundant element in soils. It's a common component of rocks, sands, and clays. It is also abundant in plants and plays a role in their growth and development. Due to its chemical makeup, diatomaceous earth is not degraded by microbes or by sunlight. Also, it does not emit vapors or dissolve well in water.
it attracts, absorbs and traps bacteria with a positive charge, such as fungi, parasites and heavy metals. The good bacteria generally have a negative or neutral charge, so are left behind.
And here's something else:
Silicon is a major component of diatomaceous earth. It is the second most abundant element in soils. It's a common component of rocks, sands, and clays. It is also abundant in plants and plays a role in their growth and development. Due to its chemical makeup, diatomaceous earth is not degraded by microbes or by sunlight. Also, it does not emit vapors or dissolve well in water.
@Seymour yes, I use it in the diet capacity. It helps with heavy metals and a lot of things. So I am a strong believer there. I have been seeing these diatomaceous earth plant mats and it’s was about $12-15 for ONE mat. So I found the coaster set and it was 20- 4” coasters for $23. So I wanted to know if it both absorbs moisture and anti microbial. I don’t want to use bleach every other day as the wood would crack open.
@TheOddAsityI never knew so thanks for bringing that use to my attention. I tried but couldn't find my coaster box but I am pretty sure it's the same material as the coasters and bath mat are the same. I think you've got nothing to lose and the coasters are much cheaper so even better 👍💧
@TheOddAsity
Maybe a small bath mat size might be better, if I understand the area correctly. It can then cover the desk and soak up any water? Just keep in mind it feel brittle so might cracked if dropped.
Eg something like this depending on the size you need but perhaps the price is NOT right so coaster works out better?
https://www.amazon.com/Shinpuru-Stone-Bath-Diatomaceous-Earth/dp/B0CHJ8WYV4/ref=mp_s_a_1_69?crid=1DC0GDS4JPLG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.thTrIwXbb0raXXiAtAcOpztVSeMHFHXUOeUt0ks4AVu5ZlnYW4R25k38WLzW7FSV13gEcoBigOV0Bx7qUtjafr4D8H0zRYoAiPyB9_swYtbTuXw5Ebgu-_HZ5USkLFMCLMblMVqGNl6GgKaZ3GSYWOBl3CS3MHm_gu8AuZ1jHo27XaqUMlfjJBPDB3v44npmhHsnW94UfeS48IV1vfAsTdBY_s71BAqyiGwd6ah2mo50FdhdbfP1mFNXwwLEf3guaCwDBTVOz2_IOUmy5526mNbW2pkesFckSiD9-oA0vFA.GtvJPZXa47DGfYwRe2tB-5WvX66GNENo3FRaAbXEPR4&dib_tag=se&keywords=diatomaceous+earth+small+bath+mat&qid=1710778383&refinements=p_36%3A1253523011%2Cp_72%3A1248915011&rnid=1248913011&s=home-garden&sprefix=diatomaceous+earth+small+bath+mat%2Caps%2C489&sr=1-69
Or kitchen mat
Quick Drying Stone Mat for Kitchen, 15.7x11.8 inch Water Absorbent Diatomite Mat Water Absorbing Stone Dish Mat Kitchen Heat Resistant Diatomaceous Earth Bath Mat for Kitchen Counter, Tea Table (Gray) https://a.co/d/5v1xLqA
Maybe a small bath mat size might be better, if I understand the area correctly. It can then cover the desk and soak up any water? Just keep in mind it feel brittle so might cracked if dropped.
Eg something like this depending on the size you need but perhaps the price is NOT right so coaster works out better?
https://www.amazon.com/Shinpuru-Stone-Bath-Diatomaceous-Earth/dp/B0CHJ8WYV4/ref=mp_s_a_1_69?crid=1DC0GDS4JPLG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.thTrIwXbb0raXXiAtAcOpztVSeMHFHXUOeUt0ks4AVu5ZlnYW4R25k38WLzW7FSV13gEcoBigOV0Bx7qUtjafr4D8H0zRYoAiPyB9_swYtbTuXw5Ebgu-_HZ5USkLFMCLMblMVqGNl6GgKaZ3GSYWOBl3CS3MHm_gu8AuZ1jHo27XaqUMlfjJBPDB3v44npmhHsnW94UfeS48IV1vfAsTdBY_s71BAqyiGwd6ah2mo50FdhdbfP1mFNXwwLEf3guaCwDBTVOz2_IOUmy5526mNbW2pkesFckSiD9-oA0vFA.GtvJPZXa47DGfYwRe2tB-5WvX66GNENo3FRaAbXEPR4&dib_tag=se&keywords=diatomaceous+earth+small+bath+mat&qid=1710778383&refinements=p_36%3A1253523011%2Cp_72%3A1248915011&rnid=1248913011&s=home-garden&sprefix=diatomaceous+earth+small+bath+mat%2Caps%2C489&sr=1-69
Or kitchen mat
Quick Drying Stone Mat for Kitchen, 15.7x11.8 inch Water Absorbent Diatomite Mat Water Absorbing Stone Dish Mat Kitchen Heat Resistant Diatomaceous Earth Bath Mat for Kitchen Counter, Tea Table (Gray) https://a.co/d/5v1xLqA
@AGsquirrel80 I have some in a powder that you can consume. I’m sure it’s with some form of bentonite clay etc. I was really sick a while ago and it helped me get back on my feet.
@Seymour I did end up ordering them and received them 2 days ago and they have worked FABULOUSLY. They absorb moisture so quickly. I even put one on an antique hutch to see if I can not worry about water rings there and it’s been great!
@Seymour I did end up ordering them and received them 2 days ago and they have worked FABULOUSLY. They absorb moisture so quickly. I even put one on an antique hutch to see if I can not worry about water rings there and it’s been great!
@TheOddAsity That's great, April. Can you add some photos as I am so interested to see how they look. As I said, I use them as coffee coasters but it never occurred to me to use them under pots until your post. And I never knew you could use them for health. So thanks so much for your posting.So pleased with the outcome 😀
@TheOddAsity I love watching how quickly the mat or coaster soaks up water and then it is as if it was never there! Dry as a bone!!!
@Seymour okay, so my one pot is a 7” pot so the bottom of the pot barely fits the coaster, but it fits!! It has done great. No new growth of mold. The other two are 4.25” pots, so they’re smaller. But I was starting to have the same issue. All these pots have soil with really good drainage as per the plants’ needs (Hoyas and a succulent). I also read diatomaceous earth controls fungus gnats. Who knew? 🤷🏼♀️ (ignore my overflowing compost bin by my sink 😂)
@TheOddAsity They are great, such a good idea. 👍 I didn't know about the fungus gnats and it can be a constant battle with them but now that you mention it, it makes sense. Diatomaceous earth is a really good product and I find it interesting how it is made in nature. So glad you shared the question as it has me expanding my ideas for its use. And great it all worked out so well for you 👏