Finding the best soil for indoor plants can seem like a tricky task, but these tips will help you to make sure your houseplants are happy in the soil they are potted in. There are a few different options to choose from, so this guide will help. Remember that all houseplants will have different needs so no matter what soil they are planted in if the plant is in an unfavourable position it might not thrive. Always check the label and be sure to know what your plant needs.
Houseplant compost
The most obvious and popular choice is the houseplant compost you can buy in-store. These will ensure your houseplants get just what they need by means of nutrition, well-drained matter and in a bag that will be easy to store as well. You will find general, all-purpose compost as well as specialist blends for cacti & succulents, carnivorous plants, aroids, ferns and a whole host of others. We even have compost specially blended for use in terrariums.
Perlite mix
Perlite is really good for houseplants as it provides a well-drained and aerated soil for the roots. The majority of houseplants prefer well-drained soil. You can mix perlite in with compost or mix it with coco coir and vermiculite. There are various ways of using it including when you take cuttings for propagation.
Horticultural grit
Another way to ensure drainage is to use either a houseplant compost and mix in some horticultural grit. This can be especially useful for cacti and succulents that need very good drainage. Just mix some horticultural grit in to make gritty soil with good drainage. This will help improve the soil for your houseplants and keep them thriving.
Keep an eye on the top layer
When you have potted your houseplant you need to keep an eye on the top layer of the soil. You may find the top layer of soil becomes white or gets little bugs. This can be due to poor soil or damp soil as well. You can add a layer of horticultural grit on top, or stones of any kind plus there are other available products such as broken shells. If you experience some problems with your top layer, please ask our staff members at the garden centre for help. They can give you advice on what you should do.
Replenish nutrients
Most soils contain nutrients for the first six weeks. After the first six weeks, your plants will need to have some new nutrients after using up everything in the new soil. Most plants won’t need repotting every year and if they do, it is best to do that in spring. Throughout the rest of the year, let your plants rest for winter and begin feeding them with a weekly fertilising from spring throughout summer. This will ensure the soil is replenished with nutrients to keep your plants thriving.
We're happy to help you choose the right potting soil or houseplant compost, check out our range when you visit us in-store or on-line.