Sour Plant Soil

Question

I purchased a bag of potting soil and purple velvet plant from Walmart. After transplanting it, a week later the soil is smelling sour. What has caused this and how can I fix it? My other plants that I transplanted at the same time are growing and do not smell sour. Please help.

Answer 1

This can sometimes happen to potting soil, especially if the soil has gotten wet inside the bag and left to sit. It basically starts to break down without air and rots. You can't really fix it. It will smell until it breaks down completely, which could be awhile. I would recommend that you repot with a new bag of soil and either compost this bag or return it to the store as defective.