Have you ever watered a potted plant and watched the water bead up and run right off the surface, instead of soaking into the soil? If so, you’ve encountered hydrophobic soil—a common problem that makes watering ineffective and can leave your plants stressed and dehydrated.
How to Fix Dry, Water-Repellent Potting Soil Using Duration Soil Surfactant
Have you ever watered a potted plant and watched the water bead up and run right off the surface, instead of soaking into the soil? If so, you’ve encountered hydrophobic soil—a common problem that makes watering ineffective and can leave your plants stressed and dehydrated.
Luckily, there’s a simple, proven solution: soaking the pot in water mixed with Duration, a professional-grade soil surfactant. In this guide, you’ll learn why soil becomes hydrophobic, how Duration helps, and step-by-step instructions to bring dry soil back to life.
What Causes Hydrophobic Soil in Potted Plants?
Hydrophobic soil is soil that repels water instead of absorbing it. This usually happens when:
• The potting mix dries out too many times between waterings
• Organic matter, like peat moss, breaks down and becomes water-resistant
• Fertilizer salts build up in the soil over time
• The soil becomes compacted from repeated watering and root growth
As a result, water runs off or pools on the surface instead of penetrating into the root zone—where your plant needs it most.
Why Water Alone Doesn’t Fix It
If you’ve ever tried to water dry, compacted soil, you may have noticed the water just slides off the surface or drains straight down the sides of the pot. This means the roots are getting very little moisture—even when you water regularly.
That’s why Duration is such a game-changer. It helps water break through that surface tension and actually move into the soil.
How Duration Works
Duration is a professional-quality soil surfactant that improves how water interacts with soil. Instead of water pooling or running off, Duration helps it spread evenly and soak deeply into the soil.
Here’s what makes it so effective:
• Allows water to penetrate even the most dried-out potting soil
• Restores even moisture throughout the root zone
• Helps reduce runoff and wasted water
• Promotes better root health and overall plant vitality
Step-by-Step: How to Use Duration to Soak Potted Plants
Step 1: Mix Your Solution
- Use clean, room-temperature water
- Add 1 ounce of Duration per gallon of water
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the surfactant is well distributed
Step 2: Set Up a Tray or Bucket
- Choose a container large enough to hold the base of your potted plant
- You only need to submerge the root ball and soil, not the entire plant
Step 3: Submerge the Pot
- Gently lower the pot into the Duration solution until the water level reaches just below the rim of the pot
- Let it soak for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how dry the soil is
- You may see air bubbles rising—this is a good sign that water is entering dry pockets in the soil
Step 4: Remove and Let It Drain
- Lift the pot out and place it on a tray or saucer
- Let all excess solution drain from the pot
- Don’t water again until the top inch of soil feels dry
Step 5: Monitor and Repeat as Needed
- Repeat every 2–4 weeks depending on plant needs and environmental conditions
- For regular maintenance, Duration can also be added to your normal watering routine at lower rates
Tips to Keep Potting Soil Moist Longer
- Add mulch to the top of the soil to reduce evaporation
- Avoid letting pots dry out completely, especially in hot weather
- Use high-quality potting mixes with moisture-retaining ingredients
- Re-pot plants when needed to refresh the mix and reduce compaction
Why Gardeners and Pros Trust Duration
Duration is not just for potted plants—it’s trusted by turf managers, landscapers, greenhouse growers, and home gardeners around the world. Whether you’re caring for patio pots, indoor houseplants, or commercial containers, Duration helps you save time, water, and energy.