Dishing The Dirt: Everything You Need To Know About Soil.
A good soil will do three main things, it will
Provide the correct nutrients for the plant
Create the desired conditions for the plant
Allow both proper drainage and moisture retention.
It is important to first note the differences between soil and dirt. Potted plants will not thrive in dirt because it lacks nutrients, oxygen, and drainage. Many potting soils actually contain no dirt, instead using materials like coco coir, compost, or barks. Different materials offer different nutrients and/or conditions beneficial to the plants overall wellness.
Let's get into the properties you want in soil, and how to pick out the best potting soil for your potted plants. In order for a plant to live in a container it needs some nutrients to thrive and proper conditions for roots to develop. Nutrients for your plants can come from soils with added plant foods, fertilizers, or compost. You'll also want your soil to have proper drainage, some ingredients that add drainage include barks, vermiculite, perlite, coir fiber, and horticultural charcoal. In addition to proper drainage certain plants will prefer more or less moisture in their soil, to up moisture retention add perlite as it absorbs water for future distribution, or peat moss. A good soil will also have a ph balance ideal for your plants. Look for a balance between 6-7 on the ph scale for most indoor or potted plants.
Bottom Line: If your soil is well draining, while still retaining moisture and giving the roots enough room to move around in and allowing oxygen to flow then your plants will be happy. To encourage growth ensure there's proper amounts of plant food or fertilizer added to the soil or water during the growing season.
If you'd like to make your own soil, here are my go to mixes.
1/3 Store-bought cactus/succulent soil, 1/3 perlite, 1/3 standard store-bought potting soil. This mix is great for your average houseplant, its well rounded and provides all the basics without being overwhelming to beginners.
1/4 coco coir, 1/4 perlite, 1/4 compost (store-bought or homemade), 1/8 orchid bark, 1/8 horticultural charcoal. This mix is easily ph balanced and an apt home for your houseplants. Coco coir and perlite both have a neutral ph and provide ample drainage/water retention, the bark increases airflow, and the charcoal keeps bacteria away, all the while the compost is providing nutrients.
The first mix is an easy introductory mix while the second mix is great for those who are looking to save money by making their own soil, customize the soil to their plants needs, or just take a more natural approach to planting. Healthy happy plants start at the root, so a good soil is crucial to a plants success!
Bonus Tip: If you have extra perlite, use it to propagate your plant cuttings by filling your regular vessel about 2/3 with perlite and add water until slightly wet but not fully soaked. This allows the roots to siphon water up through the perlite as needed and reduces the chance of rot. This method has led to healthy and quicker roots for me with many plants, try it for yourself!
