Best potting mix for house plants: what to use and avoid
The mix in the pot is the home of the roots. It must hold some water and also let air in. Bagged potting mix does this. Garden soil does not.
This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.
What you need
- Bagged indoor potting mix
- Perlite, pumice or orchid bark (to add air)
- A bucket or bowl
Steps
- Buy a bag that says potting mix or potting soil for indoor plants. Most are soilless. They use peat moss, coco coir or bark.
- Check what the mix contains. An organic base (peat, coir or bark) holds water. Perlite or vermiculite adds air. Sand helps drainage in mixes for cacti.
- Squeeze a handful of dry mix. It should feel light and fluffy. A heavy, dense mix packs down in a pot.
- Add perlite or bark for plants that need dry roots. See the aeration guide for ratios.
- Wet the mix a little before you pot. Dry peat or coir repels water.
- Use fresh mix when you repot. Old mix packs down and loses air.
Check your plant
Answer the questions. The guide shows what to do.
Warnings
- Do not use garden soil in pots. It packs down, holds too much water and may bring weeds, insects and disease.
- Do not reuse soil from a plant that had pests or root rot.
- Mixes with moisture crystals can stay too wet for succulents.
Questions and answers
Can I use garden soil for house plants?
No. In a pot, garden soil packs down and holds too much water. Use bagged potting mix.
What is in a good potting mix?
An organic base such as peat, coir or bark, and perlite or vermiculite for air. Some mixes also have sand or a little fertilizer.
Do all plants need the same mix?
No. Succulents need a gritty mix. Aroids need a chunky mix. Ferns need a mix that stays moist.