This guide provides practical steps on how to repot indoor plants and highlights the importance of using the right houseplant compost for maintaining healthy growth. Sarracenia, Dionaea, Cephalotus, and many Drosera will thrive in a standard carnivorous plant potting mix of peat moss, sharp sand or grit, and perlite. Nepenthes require a much more open compost. BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine offers advice on selecting the best compost for house plants, including vermicomposting and in-vessel composting.
There are several types of houseplant compost, such as alkaline, nutrient-rich cactus compost, flower compost, and organic potting mix. The alkaline, nutrient-rich cactus compost is ideal for growing healthy plants, while flower compost is a general-purpose compost suitable for most plants. Organic potting mix is also a great all-rounder for indoor plants.
When selecting compost for houseplants, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. A mixture of 70 soil and 30 compost is perfect for almost any plant. Jack’s Magic 50:50 Compost is highly recommended for indoor plants. For most houseplants, a 1:4 sand-to-compost ratio is recommended, while peat or peat substitutes can be used.
In conclusion, choosing the right houseplant compost is crucial for maintaining healthy growth and thriving plants. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your plants receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
📹 What’s the best compost mix for my plants? | Busting Houseplant Myths with Tony Le-Britton | The RHS
This video explores the myth that one houseplant compost works for all plants. The presenter demonstrates three different compost mixes tailored to specific plant types, including cacti and succulents, general houseplants, and aroids.The video explains the benefits of each mix and the ingredients used, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right compost for optimal plant growth.
Is peat-free compost ok for house plants?
Peat-free compost is porous and allows for good drainage and aeration, allowing houseplants to grow happily in peat-free soil. However, the lack of peat in the compost may require more frequent watering, so it’s recommended to check the soil regularly to get used to the watering schedule. The Little Botanical is working on improving its peat-free options for specific plant varieties and supporting the RHS Peat Free Fellowship to help the broader horticultural sector transition to peat-free.
They are also working with the RHS Peat Free Fellowship to help the broader horticultural sector transition to peat-free and assess other alternatives to peat. The Little Botanical now offers a peat-free range of high-quality houseplants potted in stylish ceramics, making it an eco-friendly, planet-first choice.
What is the best compost for indoor plants?
Organic potting mix is a general-purpose compost for potted plants. It is composed of compost, perlite, and vermiculite. Potting compost, which has been specifically formulated for use with potted plants, is an ideal medium for the cultivation of houseplants. The material in question has the capacity to retain moisture, facilitate drainage, and nourish plants. It is advisable to select a compost that is capable of retaining moisture and providing nourishment for the plants in question.
What compost is best for plant pots?
Potting composts are different from garden compost made in a bin, and commercial potting composts often contain coir, grit, and loam. It’s essential to choose peat-free compost. Containers are versatile and suitable for various plants, making them easy to brighten small spaces and create focal points in larger areas. Large containers are ideal for creating striking displays and are easier to maintain. They can grow bedding plants, vegetables, and small trees. It’s crucial to have drainage holes in the base and water containers regularly in spring and summer.
Can I use general purpose compost for houseplants?
Potting mix or compost labeled as’multipurpose’ or ‘all-purpose’ is suitable for indoor or outdoor plants. However, multipurpose compost often contains a high percentage of organic matter, making it denser and reducing air circulation. Indoor plants prefer well-aerated compost with a lighter texture, and can benefit from a mix specifically designed for indoor plants. Adding perlite or vermiculite to a multipurpose compost can improve drainage and aeration. It’s recommended to replace potting compost every couple of years, as plants will consume nutrients over time.
Can I use compost for my indoor plants?
Compost is a versatile fertilizer that can be utilized in both indoor and outdoor settings. It is of the utmost importance to refrain from over-composting, as an excess can prove detrimental to both plants. The optimal quantity of compost to be applied is contingent upon the dimensions of the plant, the condition of the soil, and the strength of the compost. Nevertheless, a general guideline is to apply one inch of compost to the plants on two occasions per year. Insufficient application of the fertilizer will have no effect.
What is the best soil for indoor plants?
The composition of an indoor potting mix typically includes a combination of compost, sphagnum peat moss, coconut coir, vermiculite, and perlite. The organic compost provides structural support and essential nutrients for indoor plants, while the sphagnum peat moss and coconut coir are utilized for their distinctive properties.
Is Miracle Gro compost good for houseplants?
Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Premium Houseplant Potting Mix is a high-performing peat-free compost that has been formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of houseplants for a period of three months. The product features a unique three-part patented formulation that provides optimal structural support for robust root development and regulates water availability. The smart release system allows for three months of feeding, releasing plant feed only when conditions are warm and moist.
What the difference between houseplant compost and garden compost?
Indoor compost may contain added ingredients for marketing purposes, but most of these ingredients are used for marketing purposes. This guide aims to clarify if multi-purpose compost is suitable for indoor plants and what benefits can be expected. It aims to answer the common question of whether multi-purpose compost is suitable for indoor plants and if it can be used for house plants. It also explores whether normal compost works for house plants and provides a summary on whether multi-purpose compost is okay for indoor plants.
Can you use all-purpose compost for houseplants?
Potting mix or compost labeled as’multipurpose’ or ‘all-purpose’ is suitable for indoor or outdoor plants. However, multipurpose compost often contains a high percentage of organic matter, making it denser and reducing air circulation. Indoor plants prefer well-aerated compost with a lighter texture, and can benefit from a mix specifically designed for indoor plants. Adding perlite or vermiculite to a multipurpose compost can improve drainage and aeration. It’s recommended to replace potting compost every couple of years, as plants will consume nutrients over time.
Is houseplant compost worth it?
The application of finished compost to houseplants has been demonstrated to enhance their overall health and stimulate growth. The retention of nutrients and moisture is promoted, thereby ensuring long-term well-being. It is crucial to disseminate images illustrating the manner in which the compost is being utilized, irrespective of the methodology employed. Further details will be provided in due course regarding the possibility of ordering soil amendments via the customer portal in the spring.
Can you use multipurpose compost for indoor plants?
Multi-purpose compost is suitable for indoor plants, as long as it is high-quality and suitable for plants. Look for compost labeled as “all-purpose” or “multi-purpose” and double-check with the supplier if unsure. Most indoor-specific composts contain similar ingredients to multi-purpose compost. Jack’s Magic 50:50 Compost is a highly recommended multi-purpose compost for indoor plants due to its affordability, versatility, and numerous benefits for potted plants. It is essential to choose a product that is high-quality and suitable for plants.
📹 Best Soil for Indoor Plants
Finding the best soil for your indoor plants can be challenging. There are so many different choices and soil mediums.
OK, this is THE MOST USEFUL DIY SOIL MIX article. Yes I said that in caps. Thank you! Next step for me is prep a chunky high drainage mix and a small high drainage mix. Then when I’m ready to plant, I can add how ever much bagged soil or sphagnum I think is appropriate to the mix for water retention. At least that’s what I got from the article. Plus some laughs. Plus tips on fiddleleaf. Thanks!
As I was perusal, every time I thought, “Yeah, but what about…?”, you answered the question. Such a useful, thorough article. I also really appreciate your calming demeanor, and that you aren’t speed-talking or talking at full volume. It makes it so much easier to absorb the information you’re giving and to enjoy learning from you.
Finding the right soil for my plants was always a pain in the butt 🤣 especially with cactus, these guys just hate getting new soil for some reason. If I leave them for years in the same pot they are happy but dare me giving them fresh soil 🤣🤦♀ And we actually have one plant who’s just to big to give it new soil 🤣 we have one Monstera which is 2m high and 2.5m wide in a 80cm pot with tons of gigantic leaves 🤣 this guy has to sit in his old soil bc there’s no way I’m getting this big guy out of the pot 🤣 But speaking of monstera, my uncle once had one, double the size of ours, it was just a huge room with this plant filling it almost up and he actually managed to get it to bloom, I never saw a Monstera bloom, and the flower was gigantic 😳 but it was a one time thing in 50years. Anyways thanks so much for the article! ♥
Lee…thank you. I needed to repot epiphyllum plant, she is 18″ dia and 16″ tall pot, she is massively big. She has lots of new growth and she got two new flower buds developing at this time, in which she didn’t flowering in 3 years time. But i got 2 buds soon to be flower. I am going to mix soil as per your article for this plant. These types of soil is expensive in the markets. Thanks again. ❤
Yes I do have a really long Monstera I can’t report. It big, it’s hanging and I have it climbing all around my kitchen and dining area in braches all around the ceiling. So I’m doing the best I can to provide for it. But it looks pretty good. I have another one too climbing around som shelves and I have successfully liftet it with my husband to feed it some more soil. So far so good 😊. Just found your website and learned so much. Thank you. Now I’m gonna give my Philadendron some poles and maybe repotting some of them again to do it ‘right’.
I needed this, because I was falling through the rabbit hole thar is costly soil amendments. Horticultural charcoal is very expensive where I live. Perlite can only be found online, or in small quantities in aquarium shops, as well as pumice. I do invest in 60 L bags of coco coir and perlite, and I plan to invest in 20 L bags of washed sand, and potting soil. I buy big bags of horticultural pine bark (15 – 30 mm) instead of orchids bark, as the latter is quite expensive. I don’t reuse soil because I’m not knowledgeable enough about pests yet, and because it is too much hassle. With these ingredients I can make cactus soil, epiphyte soil, hemi-epiphyte soil, and what like to call delicate root system soil. It’s still quite an investment, isn’t it? Talk about an expensive hobby.
I dont have houseplants beside Aloe but thats also a good article for other plants. I use a well draining soil for my dragonfruits. They are a tropical climbing cactus and love a little more water than other cactus but it should also be well draining especially if you life in a country that have a lot of rain like me in Austria (in the wintertime, my plants are in the basement). In the soil is perlite, clay pebbles, pumice and sand. 1 third is some fluffly pottingmix I bought from a company in the netherlands but I don´t know whats inside besides perlite, but the plants like it
When selecting the best medium for plants use what plants naturally are adapted to, cactus and many plants prefer sandy loam, sand is actually one of the best permanent mediums for plants, peat moss is so dead it can last for about 5 years before final decomposition. Plants prefer natures way, the soil;sand silt and clay combinations are home to their roots, in nature dead and decaying matter is Always on top of soil. Water is essential to plant growth as well as air.
my mother in law wanted to help out around the house when she came to visit and watered my monstera… which I had been bottom feeding because I hadn’t changed the soil yet. It was THRIVING this way and I wasn’t ready to repot so- if it’s not broke don’t fix it. Well… when she watered it, from the top, it caused many leaves to turn brown. I clipped some, but I still have damaged leaves and now I’m dealing with yellowing. It’s been 5 months since this happened and I’m having a hard time getting it to reset. I’m thinking of repotting it now as it likely needs it, plus give it the proper soil it needs… 2 questions. Can I clip off all the damaged leaves (about 3) and hope it regrows and how long should I wait to do that after repotting?
Always mix your own, i’ll die on this hill. Plant choice isn’t the only factor. Your home humidity, your fert schedule, your watering schedule, whether or not you have adhd (i do, it really matters for your ability to make certain schedules work), there are just too many variables for store bought mixes.
I bought a snake plant from a local nursery last month and haven’t watered it yet. The moisture meter i got (after perusal Sheffield Made Plants) constantly reads wet only for this plant. It is producing new pups, so I’m scared to repot it. I’d also like to try putting in just water with pebbles, cuz I’m terrified of fungus gnats. But i have no idea what kind of soil it’s in now, i just know that it’s wet and not happy – some of the larger leaves had some nasty brown spots that I had to cut down. What do I do?!
boiling water also works for soil, makes it sterile as hell but, worth it, the only downside is, it keeps the soil compact and traps the heat, and for some reason depending on the ingredients in your soil, can make it neglect water and drain even slower, but reverts after it has completely dried you can also use hydrogen peroxide to sterilize soil without harming the plant, and provides nitrogen like crazy, but im not sure it completely kills off eggs and larvae.
Theres an error, water does Not cause root rot, water in decayed and decaying matter does some things, reduces oxygen in the water and growing medium, increases the sewer gases by increasing decay, if your medium is soil; sand silt and clay roots do not rot because of good water retention and permeability/air flow, Cheers for trying, its not your fault for this, the university and colleges teach that water causes root rot and even though its not true they won’t relent.