Potting Soil 101: The Essentials for Healthy Plant Growth

What is the Difference Between Garden Soil and Potting Soil?

 

Potting soils, on the other hand, are specifically designed for container gardening. It’s usually made of ingredients like peat moss, coir fiber, perlite, pumice, vermiculite, compost, and/or aged bark. Potting soil is light and airy which helps with drainage and air circulation. It’s perfect for houseplants, container gardens, and starting seeds because it provides a balanced environment with consistent moisture and nutrients. Unlike garden soil, soil for potting containers doesn’t easily compact, which makes it ideal for pots and planters.

Why Potting Soil Matters

Optimal Drainage and Aeration: 

Soil for container plants is designed to drain well in order to help prevent water from sitting around which can cause the dreaded root rot – a condition where plant roots start to decay due to excessive moisture levels blocking oxygen flow to the roots. Including materials like perlite, high-fired baked clays, and coir fiber helps keep the soil light and airy, allowing roots to breathe.

Nutrient-Rich Composition:

The nutrient-rich composition of an indoor potting mix is important because it provides essential nutrients that plants need to grow and thrive. These nutrients include “the big three” – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron can also be incorporated. This nutrient mix supports healthy root development, vigorous growth and abundant flowering or fruiting - depending on which green friends you are growing. All of this can lead to stronger, healthier plants with better resistance to diseases and pests.

Perfect pH Balance:

The pH balance of soils affects how well plants absorb those nutrients we just talked about. Most plants do best in soil that's slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. If the pH balance is too low or too high some nutrients can become less available to the plants – leading to deficiencies and poor growth.

*Click the image above to learn more about ideal soil for plant growth.

 

Common Issues with Generic Potting Mixes

Many commercial potting mixes are often not designed for indoor conditions for several reasons: 

• They are formulated to retain a high level of moisture to cater to a broad range of gardening needs.
• They often compact easily which reduces the amount of air needed to reach the plant roots.
• Generic formulas are meant to be versatile and cost-effective for a wide range of plants/conditions. However, they fail to meet the specific needs of plants that require particular ratios of moisture, aeration and nutrients. 
• The quality of materials used in mass-produced soils often miss the mark – especially when it comes to providing the necessary nutrients and structure indoor plants require. Additionally, these mixes can sometimes contain filler ingredients that do not contribute to the health of the plant.

If you opt for a mix that is specifically formulated to address these issues, you will be able to provide your green friends better aeration and drainage. As a result, your indoor plants will experience a less stressful environment which ultimately promotes healthier and more resilient growth. As an added bonus, a custom mix will give you more leeway in your watering and care routine. This makes it easier to maintain your plants even if you occasionally make mistakes – which we all do!

 

Choosing the Right Soil

Selecting the perfect soil for your container friends depends on the specific needs of your plants. Here’s what we suggest you look for:

Read the Ingredients

1. Opt for a mix containing organic matter like coconut coir, bark or wood chips for moisture retention. These ingredients help keep the soil moist without becoming waterlogged.
2. Look for perlite or vermiculite, which can help improve drainage and aeration. These materials assist in preventing the soil from compacting and making sure that the roots get enough air.
3. Choose potting soils that use sustainable and eco-friendly materials, like coconut coir instead of peat moss. Making this choice helps support environmentally conscious gardening practices.

Tailored Mixes

1. Some plants (succulents and cacti) require an extra well-draining mix to mimic their natural habitats. We highly suggest finding a potting mix that is specifically designed for these plants. These special soils generally contain more sand or grit to enhance their drainage.
2. For other plants – such as orchids, there are specialty mixes available that cater to their unique growing conditions. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees and get air to their roots rather than sitting in soil. Opt for a lightweight chunky mix that provides excellent drainage.

Nutrient Content

1. If your plants need an extra nutrient boost, select a mix with added fertilizers. These can provide essential nutrients that might not be present in regular container soil.
2. Slow-release fertilizers are a good option as they can help provide ongoing nourishment over time.

Moisture Control

1. For those who might tend to overwater or have plants in varying humidity conditions, a moisture-control potting mix can be beneficial. These mixes contain water-absorbing materials that help maintain the right moisture levels.  
2. This type of mix is especially useful for novice gardeners or for plants that are sensitive to moisture fluctuations (ferns, calatheas, or ficus plants).

DIY Potting Mixes

Creating your own indoor potting mixes can be a really fun way to make sure your plants get exactly what they need. Sol Soils has a bunch of different amendments, like pumice, chunky perlite and LECA balls that you can mix and match. This lets you create custom blends that are perfect for succulents, orchids, bonsai trees, houseplants – you name it! It's all about experimenting to find the right balance for drainage, aeration and nutrients. Here are some ideas to help you get started with your own unique potting mixes using soil amendments..

FAQs

How do you store potting mix?

To store your soil properly you’ll want to keep it in a dry place using airtight containers or sealed bags to prevent moisture. Place the soil in a cool, dark location, that is away from direct sunlight, and off the ground using shelves or pallets. Label containers with the type of soil and date, and make sure they are tightly sealed to prevent pests. Periodically check the soil for any signs of issues to keep it fresh and ready for use.

Does potting soil go bad?

Yes, organic potting soil can go bad over time. It may lose nutrients, become compacted or get infested with pests, mold, or fungi. Such infestations can harm your plants. Additionally, the organic matter in the soil can break down which can change its structure and effectiveness. Follow proper storing techniques we discussed above to avoid your soil going bad.

Can you reuse soil?

Yes, you can reuse potting soils. However, you’ll want to sterilize the soil first. There are several ways you can do this, but here is one method: Start by removing old roots and any debris. Then, bake the soil at 180-200°F for about 30 minutes to sterilize it. Refresh the soil by mixing in fresh compost or fertilizers and improve its structure with perlite or coconut coir. This keeps the soil healthy and ready for new plants.

Let's Wrap This Up and Get Planting!

Potting soil is the cornerstone of any successful container gardening journey. By understanding its components and benefits, you can provide your plants with the best possible environment to flourish. So, whether you go with a commercial mix or you create your own, you are giving your plants a great chance at having a vibrant healthy life.

Explore all of our premium soil options at Sol Soils to give your plants the start they deserve and Grow Happy Plants!