Aerate house plant soil: perlite, bark and coir mixes

Roots breathe. Packed, wet soil has no air, and the roots rot. Coarse and fibrous parts in the mix make air spaces and let water drain.

This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.

What you need

Choose the mix for your plant type. Tropical foliage plants such as aroids (monstera, philodendron, pothos): a chunky mix. Succulents and cacti: a gritty mix. Ferns: a moist mix.
For a chunky aroid mix, mix 2 parts potting mix, 1 part perlite and 1 part orchid bark. Add a handful of charcoal if you like. It is optional.
For a gritty succulent mix, mix 1 part potting mix with 1 to 2 parts perlite or pumice. Add a little coarse sand or fine bark if you like.
For a moist fern mix, mix 2 parts potting mix, 1 part coco coir and 1 part perlite. This mix holds water but still has air.
Wet the coir and bark a little before you mix. Dry bark and coir can repel water.
Mix the parts in a bucket. Do not press them down. The mix should feel light and loose.
To fix packed soil in a pot, poke 5 to 8 holes in the soil with a chopstick. Push it in gently. Stay away from the main roots.
Do not put a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot. It does not improve drainage. It can lift the wet zone nearer to the roots.

Answer the questions. The guide shows what to do.

Does water stay on top of the soil for more than a minute?

Perlite, pumice, orchid bark, coco chips and horticultural charcoal all make air spaces. Mix them with potting soil.

No. Extension sources advise against it. Water does not drain better, and the wet zone moves up. Use pot holes and an airy mix.

Push a chopstick gently into the soil in several places. Do not tear the roots.