What Is a Performance Mix?
A “chunky” or “gritty” mix is a coarse growing medium made up largely of inorganic materials that more closely mimics the natural environment that many popular plants like aroids, tropicals, cacti, succulents, or orchids come from.
Check out this quick animation for a better visual!
Benefits of a Chunky Mix
There are a number of benefits to a chunky mix that make it superior to any standard "specialty" tropical, cactus, or succulent soil you'll find in big-box, or even high-end plant shops.
1. The extra aeration allows the roots ample room to breathe (Oxygen in + CO2 out) and avoid shrinking, caking, and compaction.
2. Quick draining means water is able to freely penetrate the soil to get to the plant's roots and drain excess through the bottom of the container, avoiding the dreaded "wet feet" that leads to root rot.
3. The super porous components store water well, but allows for the substrate to breathe and dry in a more consistent manner. The moisture it does hold is retained in the components and kept off the roots, unlike the wet, muddy consistency of peat-based potting mixes.
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Root Rot; the #1 Killer of Potted Plants
Any potted plant with poor drainage can succumb to root rot, especially if potted in dense, heavy soil. Container plants are particularly at risk as they must have all their needs met in a small, controlled area.
The most common signs of root rot include the wilting and yellowing of leaves, soft mushy stems, and slow growth. Roots turn from a healthy white to black, brown, or red, and soil may smell rotten.
100% Peat Moss Free Product Portfolio
Because of its moisture retaining abilities and rather sterile, acidic nature, peat moss is heavily mined for the horticultural trade. Any standard bag of soil on the market contains peat, and the majority use peat as their primary ingredient.
Unfortunately, commercially harvested peat bogs worldwide emit over 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually — ~5% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and are expected to rise sharply.
