Why is there always a layer of foam at the bottom of flower pots bought from flower shops?

In the flowers we buy from flower shops, we often find a layer of foam padding at the bottom of the pot, and we don't know what it's for, but sometimes we always feel that having foam isn't very good. What is it for, and what does it do? Below I'll share with everyone what I heard from veteran gardening enthusiasts, and I hope it helps everyone.

Putting foam at the bottom of flower pots is something many flower sellers often do, and for flowers, putting foam at the bottom of the pot has both advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you look at it. Some people like to add foam when they grow plants too, while others think foam is bad for flowers.

The benefits of putting foam at the bottom of the pot

1. The benefits of putting foam at the bottom of flower pots are actually quite obvious. On one hand, if it's a relatively large plant, it's especially inconvenient and particularly heavy when moving it. If foam is placed at the bottom of the pot at this time, it will reduce the weight and make it easier to move.

2. Putting foam at the bottom of the pot increases the breathability of the potting soil. Break the foam into small pieces and scatter them at the bottom of the pot, or make holes in the foam. This will increase the breathability of the potting soil and prevent waterlogging from causing root rot in the flowers.

3. Foam at the bottom of the pot can also play a role in insulation. With foam placed at the bottom of the flower pot, if the ground temperature is relatively low, a layer of foam at the bottom can provide appropriate insulation.

The drawbacks of putting foam at the bottom of the pot

1. When putting foam at the bottom of flower pots, if too much foam is placed, it will reduce the soil in the pot, and foam itself cannot provide nutrients for the growth of the flowers. Therefore, it will cause the flowers to be unable to survive due to lack of nutrients. Many sellers put too much foam at the bottom of the pot to reduce costs, and this phenomenon is not good.

2. We know that foam is relatively soft. If foam is placed at the bottom of the pot for too long, the foam will be compressed quite flat, which will cause the foam to lose its breathability function and produce the opposite effect, affecting the growth of the flowers. If waterlogging is severe, it can also cause root rot in the flowers.