Potting Soil Recipes
All Purpose Mix: A general potting mix for most plants. It has good drainage, water retention, and nutrient content.
2 parts peat moss or coco coir
1 part perlite or vermiculite
1 part compost or worm castings
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
Acid Mix: A potting mix for acid-loving plants, such as blueberries, azaleas, and gardenia. It has a lower pH and higher organic matter than the all purpose mix.
3 parts peat moss or sphagnum moss
1 part perlite or vermiculite
1 part compost or worm castings
A handful of sulfur to lower the pH
Citrus & Palm Mix: A potting mix for citrus and palm trees, which need a well-draining and slightly acidic mix. It has a higher proportion of coarse sand, redwood bark, and pumice than the all purpose mix.
1 part peat moss or coco coir
1 part coarse river sand
1 part redwood bark
1 part pumice
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
Rose Mix: A potting mix for roses, which needs a rich and slightly alkaline mix. It has a higher proportion of compost and lime than the all purpose mix.
2 parts peat moss or coco coir
1 part perlite or vermiculite
2 parts compost or worm castings
A handful of lime to raise the pH
Cactus Mix: A potting mix for cacti, succulents, and other plants that need a fast-draining and low-nutrient mix. It has a higher proportion of perlite, pumice, or lava rock than the all purpose mix.
1 part peat moss or coco coir
2 parts perlite, pumice, or lava rock
A handful of compost or worm castings
A handful of dolomite lime to raise the pH
Seed Starting Mix: A potting mix for starting seeds and rooting cuttings. It has a finer texture and lower nutrient content than the all purpose mix.
3 parts peat moss or coco coir
2 parts perlite
A handful of compost or worm castings
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
Houseplant Mix: A potting mix for most common indoor plants, such as ferns, ivies, and peace lilies. It has a balanced drainage, water retention, and nutrient content.
2 parts peat moss or coco coir
1 part perlite or vermiculite
1 part compost or worm castings
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
Aroid Mix: A potting mix for aroids, such as philodendrons, monstera, and anthuriums. They need a well-aerated and moisture-retentive mix. It has a higher proportion of composted wood chips, perlite, and charcoal than the all purpose mix.
1 part peat moss or coco coir
1 part perlite or vermiculite
1 part composted wood chips or shredded bark
A handful of charcoal
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
African Violet Mix: A potting mix for African violets, which need a light and fluffy mix. It has a higher proportion of vermiculite and perlite than the all purpose mix.
2 parts peat moss or coco coir
2 parts vermiculite
1 part perlite
A handful of compost or worm castings
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
Epiphytic Orchid Mix: A potting mix for epiphytic orchids, such as phalaenopsis, cattleya, and dendrobium. They need a very well-draining and airy mix. It has a higher proportion of bark, charcoal, and pumice or lava rock than the all purpose mix.
1 part peat moss or coco coir
2 parts redwood bark
1 part charcoal
1 part pumice or lava rock
A handful of compost or worm castings
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
Terrestrial Orchid Mix: A potting mix for terrestrial orchids, such as paphiopedilum, cymbidium, and bletilla. They need a moist and fertile mix. It has a higher proportion of compost, vermiculite, and sand than the all purpose mix.
1 part peat moss or coco coir
1 part perlite or vermiculite
2 parts compost or worm castings
1 part vermiculite
1 part coarse river sand
A handful of lime or sulfur to adjust the pH
