What soil should I use for my plant?
The soil you choose directly impacts your plant’s growth and health. This page will explain “what soil does my plant need” for different plants, helping you make an informed choice for your indoor and even outdoor plants.
What types of soil are there?
Below we have listed the different types of soil / compost and potting mediums available.
Houseplant Compost
A rich and nutrient dense compost for moisture loving plants. This compost can work great as a base for most other composts, provided that you add grit, perlite or sand to allow extra drainage dependent on the plants needs.
Cactus and Succulent Compost
A free draining and nutrient deficient compost mix, made up of mostly sand and perlite.
Coco Coir
Coco coir, is the brown hairy husk from a coconut. It is one of the best growing mediums for retaining moisture as it is able to hold 10x it’s own weight in water. The only drawback is that coco coir doesn’t contain any nutrient. It is often a popular choice for people with a hydroponic setup or if you just want to help increase water retention.
Peat Moss
Peat moss has been a very popular choice for years. However, we strongly advise against using it. Peat moss helps to lock up vast amounts of carbon from our atmosphere and is a great defence for us against climate change.
The Best Soil Mixes for Your Plants: What Soil Does My Plant Need?
Selecting a suitable soil mix sets the foundation for optimum plant performance, significantly enhancing plant health, growth, and vitality. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through various soil types, including potting soil, garden soil, and topsoil, ensuring that whether you are an indoor plant enthusiast or an outdoor gardener, your plants get the optimal growing conditions they need.
Navigating the aisles of a garden centre or scrolling through an online shop can be overwhelming with the myriad of potting soils, garden soils, and potting mixes available. But what do these terms mean, and how do you know which one is right for your plants? Potting soil, potting mix, and potting compost differ primarily in their composition and the terminology used in different regions.
The selection of the appropriate soil mix is pivotal as it supplies the essential nutrients, drainage, and support required by different plants to flourish in their specific environments. As is also the case with watering and fertilising your indoor houseplant, many plants prefer specific types of soil, making your job as a plant parent s little tricky!
Potting Soil
Specifically designed for container-grown plants, potting soil serves as a versatile medium. Its composition typically includes a mix of organic and inorganic materials such as: vermiculite, perlite, peat, coir, decomposed wood.
These materials provide essential support and aeration for plants. Unlike garden soil, which can compact easily and cause drainage issues in containers, potting soil ensures good drainage while retaining enough moisture for root access.
For specific plant types, as well as most plants, specialty blends are available, guaranteeing tailored care for your potted plants.
Garden Soil
Designed for use in garden beds and in-ground planting areas, garden soil holds its unique formulation. It typically consists of native soil mixed with organic matter like compost and other additives to enhance soil health and plant growth. This type of natural soil provides the necessary structure, nutrients, and drainage needed by plants growing directly in the ground, making it ideal for creating a robust garden environment.
It is possible to replicate garden soil in our indoor houseplants using a selection of substrates. Coco coir, potting bark, vermiculite, and perlite can all be used to replicate garden soil.
Selecting the right soil based on plant needs
Unique soil requirements that warrant optimal growth are inherent in every plant. Factors such as nutrient needs, drainage properties, and soil structure play a significant role in selecting the right soil mix. By understanding these needs, you can create a thriving environment for a variety of plants, from indoor houseplants to outdoor garden beds and raised beds.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants generally require soil mixes that ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Adding perlite to the mix can improve aeration, which is beneficial for houseplants. It’s also important to monitor the top layer of the soil for any signs of poor soil health, such as a white layer or bugs, indicating that it’s time for a soil change.
Proper potting techniques and adequate soil depth will allow your indoor plants to thrive.
Outdoor Garden Plants
Outdoor garden plants thrive in soil that is well-draining yet retains enough moisture. Incorporating organic matter such as compost can enhance the nutrient content and improve the soil structure, providing a fertile environment for your plants to grow.
By tailoring the soil to meet these needs, you can cultivate a lush and productive garden with your plants thriving.