Today is National Plant a Flower Day, which presents the perfect opportunity to talk about potting mix! Though perhaps not the most interesting of subjects, it’s good to become familiar with the different types of mixes available and their benefits for each type of potted plant. After all, potting mix is what your plants will be living in year after year. It only makes sense that you give them the best possible home!

What is potting mix?
We’ll start with the basics: potting mix is not the dirt you dig up out of your backyard. It’s a fine-tuned combination of pine bark, peat moss, and vermiculite to absorb water or perlite to purge water. Unlike potting soil, a potting mix is soil-less and its purpose is to remain “fluffy” and not become too compact when wet. These mixes come in different types to match the specific needs of each plant, including their drainage, moisture, or acidity levels.

Houseplants
Most indoor plants will grow well with all-purpose potting mix, either organic or non-organic. These mixes will retain moisture without becoming too dense or packed. Certain potting mixes may come with time-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients for the first couple of months after potting. You’ll still have to fertilize routinely as your plant will eventually use this limited amount of nutrients. If you’re growing acidic soil-loving plants, such as azaleas, you’ll want to use a well-draining mix with a low pH. Plants like lavender, however, enjoy a sweet alkaline soil with a higher pH.

Herbs
Herbs have either a moisture or drainage preference when it comes to their potting mixes. Mint and rosemary prefer a higher level of moisture, while thyme, parsley, and basil need the soil to dry out between watering. Choose a potting mix that is well-draining to ensure your herbs don’t drown. A vegetable and herb mix will provide the proper type of soil to keep your herbs thriving. If the ingredients has perlite included, this is a good mix.

Succulents and Cacti
Both succulents and cacti are desert plants that thrive in dry, hot climates that receive occasional water. It’s crucial that you pot these plants in well-draining soil. The type of mix for succulents and cacti is generally more gritty, and is light and airy, with plenty of pockets to help the water quickly drain. Like other specialized mixes, your local garden center will have succulent and cactus potting mix that includes rock mineral and the right soil consistency.

Get your hands dirty
Soil is the foundation of a healthy, happy plant and is just as important as proper watering and sunlight. Don’t overthink potting mix, but keep in mind the different types of soil certain plants need. As always, be sure to pot your plants in a container with proper drainage!

Did you know different types of soil existed? Or is this old news? I’d love to know!

XO
Micah

The first day of spring is only a few weeks away, so naturally I’m getting into the spring cleaning mood. But spring cleaning doesn’t only have to be about bagging up old clothes or vacuuming the overlooked corners of each room. Your houseplant needs a little extra love, too, as it comes out of its winter dormancy. Here’s how to give it:

1. Give your plant a bath
If you have a houseplant with large leaves, like the fiddle leaf fig, it’s more prone to collecting dust that can block the sunlight. Using a washcloth or sponge dampened with warm water, gently wipe each leaf. You may be surprised to find how much dust has actually accumulated, even if you can’t see it! Plants with many small leaves, such as the golden pothos, still need some attention. Just be careful as these leaves can easily snap off.

2. Turn your plant toward the sun
Longer days and warmer weather also mean the sun will shine brighter and longer. If you notice some of your plants have leaned toward the window to catch scarce winter sun, give them a turn. Putting your plant on a rotating schedule ensures it continues to grow straight and that all leaves receive the proper level of sunlight. Similarly, if you have plants that don’t require as much bright light, move them to more shaded parts of your home so they don’t burn.

3. Feed and water your plant properly
During the warmer months, your houseplant will naturally need more water to stay fully hydrated and healthy. Spring is also the perfect time to begin fertilizing it, too. Keep a close eye on the moisture levels of the soil by testing how dry it feels about one inch below the surface. Dry soil means it’s time to water! Slowly begin adding fertilizer to your watering schedule, following the recommendation for each plant. This will give them a nutritional boost as they put on new leaves!

4. Make use of your pruning shears
If you notice any dead leaves or stems on your plant, be sure to remove them to make space for new growth. If stems look spindly, damaged, or diseased, prune these back to allow for healthier stems to grow instead. For vine plants like the golden pothos or philodendron, cut stems just before a leaf node for propagating. For large stems, cut as close to the main stem or the base of the plant as possible. If in doubt, don’t cut! Pruning shouldn’t turn your plant into a skeleton.

5. Improve the humidity level
If you live in a dry climate, you can still keep a tropical plant indoors. You don’t have to set up a humidifier by your houseplant though. Place a single layer of pebbles in the bottom of a plastic saucer and fill it with warm water, then put your plant pot on top. As the water evaporates, it will become its own humidifier around your plant. This process, along with misting your plant with warm water every few days, will keep it happy without the risk of root rot.

Ready for your own spring cleaning?
The last thing on your mind this spring might be spending a few extra minutes with your houseplant. But it’ll be happier and healthier after you’ve completed this checklist! Do you already give your plants some additional TLC in the spring? Tell me in the comments!

XO,
Micah