A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 soil/pot seperating?

While visiting a friend, I noticed the soil in a few of her potted plants seems to have "seperated" from the pot She told me that when she waters the water seems to flow straight through. I know that the soil will take the shape of the container it's in but this soil was like a container all its own, not touching the sides of the pot at all What causes that and should it be corrected? Does she need to repot? Can this condition stunt the plants growth?

This kinda stuff happens a lot with my plants that require lotsa water. What happens is that the soil has compacted. Imagaine a pile of rocks. When you shake the pile of rocks, it settles. Well that's what's happened with the soil. Its all settled, and stuff. Below the surface, the water is still being retained, so don't worry. What your friend can do is water the plant until water comes out the bottom. Then let it drain, until it stops. That should be enough for most plants.

It happens to my bird of paradice, mystery plant, and my rubber plant a lot, and they need to be kept moist. So i don't think its any real cause for alarm.