How to Leach Your Potting Soil

The white granular substance you see on the top of the soil in your houseplant pots is a buildup of fertilizer salts. These salts can cause brown leaf tips, leaf drop, wilting and even the death of the plant if the salt builds up enough. If the salts have built up on your clay pot, its best to repot into a clean pot, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service. If not, a good leaching of your potting soil will perk up your plant. Leach your potting soil every six months.

Things You'll Need

• Knife or spoon
• Potting soil

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Scrape off the white powder on the top of the soil, using a knife or spoon.

   • 2

     Remove the top 1/2 inch of soil and dispose of it.

   • 3

     Take the pot off the saucer and place it under the faucet in the sink.

   • 4

     Turn the tap so that the temperature is tepid and the water runs slowly. Fill the pot to the rim and allow it to drain. Fill it again five or six more times, draining the water before each refill.

   • 5

     Add 1/2 an inch of fresh potting soil to the top of the existing soil. Replace the pot on the saucer and return it to its permanent location.