Heard of the rusty nail trick that supposedly does wonders for your snake plant? Does it actually help, or is it a myth? Read on and find out!
Creative minds find solutions to problems in the most unorthodox ways, one of which is said to be burying rusty nails in snake plant pots. Why do people do this? Is it effective? Let’s answer these questions about the absurd practice and more in this article!
Why Do People Bury Rusty Nails in Snake Plant Pots?
The answer lies in the soil! Rusty nails release iron oxide into the soil as they corrode; hence, according to many, they are a viable fix to substrates that lack the mineral.
Gardeners consider it a cheap alternative to slow-release fertilizers, almost like a home remedy for botanical friends!
Does it work? We’ll answer that later in the article, but first, let’s learn why iron is necessary for snake plants!
Why is Iron Necessary for Your Snake Plant?
Despite its requirement being quite minimal, it goes a long way in ensuring your succulent’s well-being! Snake plants, just like most other plants, require nutrients to thrive. Along with the major components such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, trace amounts of micronutrients are needed. One such element is iron!
- Iron is a key component to facilitate the process of photosynthesis as it helps in the production of chlorophyll.
- Along with that, it plays a key role in various metabolic activities and the transportation of minerals within the plant.
- A lack of iron in the substrate leads to iron chlorosis, which can be spotted by yellowing of leaves, weak plant form, and reduced disease resistance.
Does it Actually Work?
The rusty nail trick is a mix of fact and myth. Rust does release small amounts of iron into the soil, but most of it is insoluble, making it hard for your snake plant to absorb. The amount is so little that it hardly makes a difference, and too much rust can even upset the soil’s pH or stress the roots.
If you’re curious to try, use just one or two small nails at the edge of the pot so they break down slowly without harming the plant. Still, reliable options like iron chelates, micronutrient fertilizers, or organic boosters will give far better results.
Why Did this Technique Begin?
1. Need and Lack of Information
“Necessity is the mother of all inventions!” It is said that people began using this hack because, in ancient times, the knowledge and availability of alternative methods were minimal. They did not know what chemicals or organic products could fix the problem of the lack of iron in a more efficient manner.
2. Cheap and Easy Fix
Using rusty nails is an inexpensive method. Nails tend to rust over time, and instead of throwing them away, tossing them into your snake plant pot could be beneficial, even in extremely low quantities. Most people would choose to use this hack instead of spending on fertilizers.
3. Traditional Angle
In certain cultures, it was a tradition to bury nails or other strong items into the soil as a symbol to bring strength and resistance to the yield. People considered these items as protectors of the plant, believing they would bring it good health.
Alternatives for the Rusty Nail Trick
While the trick sounds cool, it has more downsides than upsides—slow release, low absorption, and even the risk of cuts while gardening. Luckily, better options exist:
- Iron Chelates – Stable, water-soluble, and quickly absorbed. These are reliable and available at any garden store.
- Micronutrient Fertilizers – Most modern fertilizers already contain iron along with essential macronutrients. They’re efficient and easy.
- Organic Boosters – Compost, eggshells, or seaweed extract improve overall nutrition while making iron more available—no rusty hazards included.
All in all, the rusty nail trick in the snake plant pot works, but it is not the best way to go. The cons outweigh the pros, so gardeners should apply it carefully. Keeping that in mind, it’s a cool experiment that ties science with tradition.
Let us know in the comment section what other quirky tricks or hacks you have heard about and are curious to learn!
