16 Best Potting Mixes for Indoor Plants | Best Types of Potting Mixes for Houseplants
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Indoor plants mostly have their origin in tropical areas of the world where they are found growing in moist, slightly acidic to neutral, loose, rich, well-drained soils.
Therefore, for them to flourish, they require well-draining, moisture retaining potting mix. The best potting mixes for Indoor Plants should have a loose, crumbly texture to maximize aeration and drainage while holding adequate moisture.
Potting mixes that hold too much water are not good for these plants as they will cause root-rot and eventual death of the plant while giving mold a chance to grow.
Qualities of a good potting mix
A good quality potting mix that supports the optimal growth of Indoor Plants should support root growth, offer good drainage and aeration, provide adequate moisture and nutrients and be at the right PH for the plant.
Sturdy Support for root growth: A potting mix with a good structure is needed for the proper development of the roots and by extension growth of the plant. Various materials are used to provide a good soil structure and include Peat Moss, Coco Coir, Bark, Organic Soil among others.
Good drainage, aeration and moisture retention: Perlite, Pumice, Vermiculite and Horticultural Charcoal are some of the materials used for proper drainage and aeration, and to ensure that the potting mix holds enough moisture for the growth of the plant.
Adequate nutrients: Worm Castings, Compost, Fertilizers, Mycorrhiza, Plant foods among other components may be added to the potting mix to provide nutrients for the plant.
Correct PH level: To keep the PH of the potting mix at the right level for the plant, Calcitic and Dolomitic Limestone may be added to the mix.
Herebelow is our selection of 16 best potting mixes for Indoor Plants based on their ingredients, drainage, soil amendments and type of plant they are to be used for.
ALL PURPOSE POTTING MIXES
1. Harris All Purpose Premium Potting Soil Mix
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Harris All Purpose Premium Potting Soil Mix romotes root development and vigorous plant growth for indoors in container gardening, flower boxes, hanging baskets among others.
It provides essential nutrients to plants including iron, sulfur, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and promotes aeration of roots and fast drainage.
Sizes: 4 quarts | Contains: Coco Coir, Perlite, Pumice, Worm Castings
2. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
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Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix is blended for a wide variety of indoor plants including climbing, foliage, flowering, and tropical plants.
It feeds houseplants for up to 6 months and is designed to be less prone to fungus gnats as it contains no compost or bark which are prone to fungus gnats infestations.
Sizes: 6 quarts | Contains: Coco Coir, Perlite, Pumice, Worm Castings
3. Back to the Roots Organic Potting Mix
Photo: Amazon
Back to the Roots Organic Potting Mix is a peat-free potting mix packed with the nutrients needed for your indoor plants, flowers, succulents and vegetables to blossom.
This organic potting soil enhances the plant's and root's uptake of water and nutrients required for growth. It come with 100% satisfaction guarantee; if you have any problems, they will send you a new bag.
Sizes: 12 quarts | Contains: Coco Coir, Dolomitic Limestone, Mycorrhizae, Yucca Extract
AROIDS POTTING MIXES
Aroids potting mixes are designed for indoor plants which belong to the family, Araceae which include Monstera, Pothos, Peace Lily, Dumb Canes, Aglaonemas, Philodendrons among others.
4. Gardenera Aroid Potting Mix
Photo: Etsy
Gardenera Aroid Potting Mix is a perfect combination of quality ingredients which provide perfect airflow for roots. It is hand-packed and inspected for quality and correct consistency.
This aroid mix is crafted specifically to support the growth of Aroids. This high quality, chunky mix is perfect for Pothos and other aroids.
Sizes: 1 Quart, 2 Quarts, 3 Quarts, 4 Quarts, 5 Quarts, | Contains: Pine Orchid Bark, Perlite, Worm Castings, Horticultural Charcoal, Coco Coir
Orchid Bark helps create a coarse mix, allowing roots to move and grow and also helps prevent overwatering. Perlite improves aeration and drainage. Coco coir helps with water retention and also aeration. Horticultural charcoal helps drain excess water. Worm castings are a natural fertilizer that supports a healthy soil.
5. Molly's Aroid Mix
Photo: Etsy
Molly's Aroid Mix is a soil-free potting mix for Pothos and other tropical indoor plants that prefer a chunky, well-aerated and fast-draining mix that doesn't stay too wet after watering.
As a soil-free potting mix, Molly's Aroid Mix is a cleaner alternative to soil-based potting mixes, providing better airflow around root systems and draining quicker after each watering.
It includes beneficial fungi and bacteria that extend plant root systems, enhance nutrient provision, control disease-causing pathogens, and promote natural pest-defense systems.
6. Soil Sunrise Aroid Plant Potting Soil Mix
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Soil Sunrise Aroid Plant Potting Soil Mix is perfectly formulated for balanced drainage, moisture retention, essential nutrients and good aeration which prevents root-rot and encourages optimal growth for your Pothos and other aroids.
Sizes: 4 Quarts, 8 Quarts | Contains: Coconut coir, Pine Brk, Perlite, Worm Castings, Soil Sunrise Horticultural Charcoal
CACTUS & SUCCULENTS POTTING MIXES
Cactus and Succulent potting mixes drain quickly and hold little moisture making them perfect for plants that grow in dry conditions. Like in their native homes, cactus and succulents mixes contain sand or other coarse materials, have low fertility and are usually slightly alkaline.
7. rePotme Cactus and Succulent Premium Potting Soil Mix
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rePotme Cactus and Succulent Potting Soil Mix is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. The potting mix has excellent drainage which reduces the risk of root-rot problems, which is crucial for these plants.
This mix is pre-made and ready to use right out of the bag, saving time and simplifying the potting and or repotting process.
Sizes: 2 quarts | Contains: Small Monterey Pine Bark, Medium Pumice Rock, Small Red Lava Rock
The absence of peat is key to getting rid of fungus gnats as Fungus gnats are attracted to peat moss.
8. Gardenera Succulent & Cactus Premium Potting Mix
Photo: Etsy
Gardenera Succulent & Cactus Premium Potting Mix holds an adequate amount of moisture to meet the plant's needs, yet still allows the water to drain well. This helps prevent over-watering and root-rot.
Size: 1 Quart, 2 Quarts, 3 Quarts, 4 Quarts, 5 Quarts, | Contains: Sphagnum Peat Moss, Perlite, New Zealand Pine Bark
9. Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix
Photo: Etsy
Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix provides the best life for succulents and cacti; its perfect drainage allows for maximum plant health.
The mix is 100% organic and natural and is infused with TruBiotic technology to ensure drought tolerance, enhanced nutrient availability and increased plant performance.
Sizes: 4 Quarts, 6 Quarts, 8 Quarts, 12 Quarts, 16 Quarts | Contains: Bark, Perlite, Peat moss, Compost, TruBiotic® Microbes, Mycorrhizae
10. Espoma Organic Cactus & Succulent Potting Soil Mix
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Espoma Organic Cactus & Succulent Potting Soil Mix is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite which helps provide optimum aeration and drainage for your Succulent Plants.
It contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients and no synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
Size: 4 Quarts | Contains: Peat Moss, Aged Forest Products, Humus, Perlite, Lime, Yucca Extract
SPECIALTY POTTING MIXES
Speciality potting mixes are designed for specific plants which makes it easier to select the best potting mediums for the various indoor plants. There are potting mixes designed for Pothos, Monsteras, Peace Lily, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plants, African Violets among others.
11. Gardenera Pothos Potting Mix
Photo: Etsy
Gardenera Pothos Potting Mix with its extra perlite and low-salt coconut coir it promotes rapid root development while protecting the roots from root-rot by quickly draining away excess water.
Each bag has been sterilized to protect your plant from possible diseases and pests. The bag is also resealable making it easy to store with no loss of the soil quality.
Sizes: 1 Quart, 2 Quarts, 3 Quarts, 4 Quarts, 5 Quarts, | Contains: Canadian Peat Moss, Perlite, Worm Castings, Lime
Sizes: 5 Quarts, 8 Quarts | Contains: Orchiata Bark, Coco Coir, Coco Pith, Worm Castings, Horticultural Charcoal, Coarse Perlite, Calcitic and Dolomitic Limestone, Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss
12. Gardenera Monstera Potting Mix
Photo: Etsy
Gardenera Monstera Potting Mix is created to provide well-draining soil using organic aged bark, coco coir, and perlite to maintain an optimal balance of water and air for your monsteras.
It is specially formulated with nutrients including IBI-certified Biochar, which increases the retention of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential plant nutrients so your plant can grow bigger and stronger.
This soil mix provides the perfect balance of water retention and drainage so that you can take the guesswork out of watering your monstera.
Each bag has been sterilized to protect your plant from possible diseases and pests. The bag is also resealable making it easy to store with no loss of the soil quality.
Size: 3 Quarts | Contains: New Zealand bark, Peat moss, perlite, coco coir, biochar, worm castings
13. Organic Peace Lily Soil Mix
Photo: Amazon
Organic Peace Lily Soil Mix is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of Peace Lily, providing them with essential elements for healthy growth and vibrant foliage. It supports strong root development and encourages beautiful, long-lasting blooms.
It is carefully balanced to maintain the ideal pH levels for Peace Lily. This optimal pH environment ensures proper nutrient absorption and supports optimal growth, making your Peace Lily thrive.
The mix comes in user-friendly packaging, making it convenient for both beginners and experienced gardeners. It is pre-mixed and ready to use, saving you time and effort in soil preparation.
Sizes: 1 Quart, 2 Quarts, 4 Quarts, 10 Quarts, | Contains: Peat Moss, Perlite, Worm Castings, Lime
14. Professional Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil
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Professional Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil is a premixed, ready to use soil blend made up of premium non-organic all-purpose soil which provides a nourishing environment that your Fiddle Leaf Fig needs to thrive.
The soil mix maximizes fertilizer absorption and provides excellent aeration to the roots for healthy and vigorously growing plants while holding an adequate amount of moisture to meet the plant's needs.
Sizes: 8.2 Quarts | Contains: Peat, Sawdust, Coarse Sand, Pinebark
15. Gardenera Snake Plant Premium Potting Mix
Photo: Etsy
Gardenera Snake Plant Premium Potting Mix is hand crafted specifically to support the growth of Snake Plants. It will enhance the growth of your plant to become large and healthy.
This potting mix is designed to protect the roots by quickly draining away excess water but keeping dirt moist for nutrient retention, best mimics their natural growing environment.
Sizes: 1 Quart, 2 Quarts, 3 Quarts, 4 Quarts, 5 Quarts, | Contains: Canadian Peat Moss, Perlite, Worm Castings, Lime
16. Sun Gro Horticulture Black Gold African Violet Mix
Photo: Amazon
Sun Gro Horticulture Black Gold African Violet Mix is specially designed for African Violets and other flowering plants.
The potting mix is great at absorbing and retaining moisture which is a major requirement for the optimal growth of your African Violets.
Sizes: 8 Quarts | Contains: Sphagnum Peat Moss, Perlite, Volcanic Pumice, Earthworm Castings, Dolomitic Lime
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