Before I introduce some of my favourite ingredients for making DIY potting mix, let’s break down what potting mix, or potting soil, actually is and how to best cater to each of your houseplants. Firstly, it may surprise you that potting soil doesn’t always necessarily contain soil, but instead, is a blend of all sorts of ingredients that help maximise plant health.
The most important thing to consider when making your own potting mix is ensuring that it’s tailored to meet the needs of each houseplant you’re growing. While different houseplants tend to have different needs and may sometimes prefer different mixes, there are still some factors to always keep in mind as they generally apply to all houseplants! These include growth, drainage, air and bacteria control. So, here are some potting mix ingredients that I love and recommend!
General Potting Soil – For Growth
For most of my houseplants, I generally fill up a third of my potting mix with Scotts Osmocote Premium Plus Superior Potting Mix. I’ve been using this brand for two months now and am yet to encounter any major problems! I’ve also noticed increased growth in both my Monstera deliciosa and Epipremnum aureum, which could be due to the controlled release fertiliser and growth stimulants contained in the Scotts mix!
Perlite – For Drainage
These white, lightweight particles, resemblant of balls of Styrofoam, are formed from overheated volcanic rock and water exposure. Being a rock, perlite improves drainage as it’s able to shed moisture and prevent excessive soil saturation. As succulents require less water, I fill up at least half of their potting mixes with perlite. The more perlite you add, the more your soil is going to drain water – so load up your succulents!
Orchid Bark – For Air
Like general wood chips, orchid bark lightens up potting mixes and allows air to move freely throughout. It's important to aerate your potting mix and loosen the soil so that the roots of your houseplants can obtain airflow and oxygen. I generally use orchid bark in a third of most of my potting mixes so that my plants are nice and light!
Horticultural Charcoal – For Bacterial Control
I tend to fill up around a quarter of my potting mixes with horticultural charcoal. Charcoal assists in absorbing excess water which consequently protects against bacteria, fungus and root rot.
Thank you for reading! I hope I’ve given you a bit more insight into potting mix ingredients. Hopefully you can incorporate these ingredients into your own mixes too!
For more soil tips, check out The Sill's advice here!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know here!
Love, Anna XX
All images were personally taken unless stated otherwise.
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