Making your own soil mix for indoor plants allows you to customize the environment to better suit specific plant needs, often using simple components like potting mix and perlite.
DIY Soil Mix Recipes
According to Aaron's basic recipe, creating a tailored soil mix involves adjusting the ratio of regular potting mix and perlite based on the plant's preference for drainage and aeration versus moisture retention.
Here are two common mixes based on this method:
Mix for Plants Preferring Aerated Soil
This blend is ideal for plants like succulents, cacti, and some tropicals that thrive in soil that drains quickly and allows plenty of air to reach the roots.
- Components:
- Regular Potting Mix
- Perlite
- Ratio:
- 40% Regular Potting Mix
- 60% Perlite
This higher percentage of perlite helps create air pockets and improves drainage, preventing waterlogged soil which can lead to root rot.
Mix for Moisture-Loving Plants
For plants that prefer their soil to retain more moisture, such as alocasias and pothos, the ratio is adjusted to include more potting mix.
- Components:
- Regular Potting Mix
- Perlite
- Ratio:
- 60% Regular Potting Mix
- 40% Perlite
By flipping the ratio, the mix retains more water while the perlite still provides some level of aeration and prevents the soil from becoming too compacted.
Summary Table
Here is a quick overview of the two recipes:
| Plant Type Preference | Potting Mix % | Perlite % |
|---|---|---|
| Aerated Soil (Succulents, Cacti) | 40% | 60% |
| Moisture-Loving (Alocasias, Pothos) | 60% | 40% |
By following these simple ratios using readily available materials, you can create soil mixes specifically tailored to your indoor plants' needs, promoting healthier growth.
