The Best Potting Mix for Each Type of Plant

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