The Right Soil for Your Plant
Did you know that growing a plant in its preferred substrate is crucial for it to thrive? With so many options to choose from, how do you know which mix is the best match for your plant? The Pot City is here to help with a comprehensive guide to picking your plant’s perfect potting mix. By understanding the differences in each substrate, you’ll be able to help all your plants thrive!
All-Purpose Mix
All-purpose mix releases nutrients for longer periods of time through specific fertilizers. This soil typically contains a blend of peat moss, vermiculite, and compost.
Some Plants That Thrive in All-Purpose Mix: Most houseplants and outdoor plants
Fun Fact: Add moss to your all-purpose mix to improve aeration!
Links: Organic Potting Mix, Dr. Earth Organic Potting Soil, Super Soil Potting Mix
Cacti & Succulent Mix
Cacti and succulent mix provides drainage through sand, perlite, and potting soil. This type of soil is crucial because overwatering is one of the most common ways to kill cacti and succulents.
Some Plants That Thrive in Cacti & Succulent Mix: Cacti, succulents, and aloe
Fun Fact: You can create your own soil mix using one-third sand, one-third potting soil, and one-third pumice, perlite, or gravel!
Links: Harris Premium Succulent Mix, Organic Succulent and Cacti Mix, All Natural Succulent and Cacti Mix
Clay
Clay soil is heavy, compacts easily, and holds water well. It can be improved with the addition of organic matter to lighten the texture, add nutrients, improve drainage and aeration, as well as provide pore space. Examples of organic matter include leaves, pine needles, and compost.
Some Plants That Thrive in Clay: Ornamental grasses, prairie flowers, perennials, shrubs, and fruit trees
Fun Fact: Clay soil can allow perennials to survive extreme temperature and moisture changes!
Premium Mix
Premium mix is ideal for high maintenance plants by assuring proper drainage and nutrients. Many of these mixes contain perlite or organic matter. If you’re using a premium mix for fruits and vegetables, try to use an organic mix with non-chemical fertilizers.
Some Plants That Thrive in Premium Mix: Monsteras, pathos, philodendrons, and most houseplants
Fun Fact: You can create your own premium mix with potting soil and a combination of perlite, vermiculite, or peat moss!
Links: FoxFarm Ocean Potting Mix, Pro Mix 2.0 Cuft, Michigan Peat 1250 Baccto Premium Potting Soil
Sand
Sand drains quickly and can be used as a soil amendment to improve drainage and texture. Since sand doesn’t hold nutrients, it can be improved with the addition of organic matter.
Some Plants That Thrive in Sand: Shrubs, bulbs, herbs, root crops, and most vegetables
Fun Fact: Most vegetables are grown commercially in sandy soils!
Silt
Silt compacts easily holds moisture well, and is typically rich in nutrients. This soil is considered the happy medium between sand and clay, and like these types of soils, can be improved with the addition of organic matter.
Some Plants That Thrive in Silt: Moisture-loving trees, shrubs, perennials, and most fruit crops
Fun Fact: Some examples of moisture-loving trees are Weeping Willows, River Birches, Red Maples, and American Sweetgums!
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