Best soil to use for houseplants

The main element for growing plants is soil for indoor plants. Of course, in natural conditions, plants take moisture and all nutrients from the soil. Due to the large space, the roots of plants can grow over long distances (both in width and in-depth). So let discuss which is the best soil to use for houseplants.

At home, things are a little more complicated. All our plants are limited in root growth, by that pot or container. In which they grow. We are entrusted with responsibility and control. We ourselves are forced to prepare this or that soil for each plant, also control watering and timely fertilize. In a pot, the plant has almost no place to take nutrients.

best soil to use for houseplants

Best soil to use for houseplants

Each plant needs its own soil. Many indoor flowers are similar in care and soil requirements, so if you are growing plants that are similar in care. The choice of soil will be easier. Basically, the soil can be of various types: peat, humus, sod, leaf. Sand and charcoal are also classified as soils since adding them to the main soil give us this or that soil composition for growing a particular plant.

At the moment, in good garden stores, the assortment of soil for home flowers is very rich. Special soils for specific plant species are on sale. it makes life easier for all of us. The prepared soil is used immediately for planting plants.

From the name of the soil, we can conclude which plant it suits best. For example, a Saintpaulia mix is ​​ideal for growing Saintpaulias and violets. Recently, our flower lovers have made life even easier. On the soil, they already write the name for which plant it can be: for violets, cacti, dracaena, orchids.

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List of Best soil to use for houseplants

  • Peat soil
  • Garden soil
  • Compost soil
  • Humus soil
  • Charcoal
  • Sand
  • Perlite vermiculite
  • Expanded clay
list of best soil to use for houseplants 1

Peat soil

This soil is prepared in swamps, and such swamps are located in the low-lying part of the earth’s surface. Manure and lime are added to such soil in layers. This process takes a couple of years, it is timely moistened and shovelled. Such soil will give lightness to heavy soil, it will loosen it. And light soils – on the contrary, it will make it heavier. Peat pots and tablets for growing seedlings are made from this land. It is very suitable for growing small seeds (eg petunias). For indoor plants – ideal for mixing. There are very few plants that can grow in this type of soil. Since not all flowers like this kind of soil.

Garden soil

This soil is also called garden soil. It is obtained by adding lime and fertilizers containing potassium. Phosphorus, in the top arable layer of the earth, usually after growing vegetables. This soil is used in the form in which it is – only for growing seedlings. For indoor use, it is only suitable as an additive to the main mixture.

Such soil is not entirely suitable for indoor use. Rather, it can be added, as mentioned just above, but only after disinfection. Since it is simply necessary to disinfect the soil for indoor flowers, and such soil is full of pests and can be infected with pathogens. It can contain both an excess of mineral fertilizers, as well as pesticides. In other words, this is all that was used for the successful cultivation of vegetable crops. Disinfection can be done in different ways: pickling with special preparations. The use of manganese also has its effect. Ignite in the oven, as is done with sand, this is the same as disinfecting the soil, only with high temperature. Fortunately, at the moment there are many drugs in the trade network, thanks to which it is possible without much effort. That is why it is necessary to disinfect the soil.

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Compost soil

It is obtained by composting plant waste. Usually, many people in the villages or in the country have compost heaps. We send all weeds, leaves, cut grass, food waste there. For greater joy, lime and manure are added. Chicken droppings. You can buy special composting accelerators on the market. Typically, this soil should lie for at least two years. Every year it is shoveled and moisturized in dry weather. After two years, a very loose soil is obtained, which is rich in nutrients. This soil is perfect for growing seedlings, germinating seeds. Among indoor plants – cineraria, cyclamen, primrose will grow well in such a land. One drawback of this soil – if you take it from garden plots – is the likelihood that weeds will begin to germinate in such soil,

Humus soil

The basis of such soil is rotted manure from greenhouses. This soil also matures for about two years. It is periodically shovel and moisturized as needed. The result is a very loose soil with good nutrient content. It is suitable for growing seedlings and is added to the mix for indoor plants.

humus soil

Charcoal

It absorbs excess moisture perfectly. This is an indispensable element in the preparation of soil for cacti, but you need to add about ten percent of the total volume of prepared soil. Usually the coal is crushed to the desired size. Also crushed charcoal, an excellent antiseptic. They can be sprinkled on wounds, cuts, used for grafting.

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Sand

For the preparation of the soil mixture, coarse sand is used. Usually it is riverine and should be well washed. Used to prepare potting mix for indoor. Can be used for seed germination and cuttings. Thanks to the addition of sand, the soil becomes looser and more porous.

When compiling soil for indoor plants, take several parts of different soil, with the addition of sand and charcoal. Each plant has its own proportions. Something needs to be added more, something less.

When growing plants at home, it is necessary to take into account such a moment as the composition of the soil. Namely, the quality of the soil, which is composed of different types of soil.

The so-called quality should be classified into three groups:

  • heavy soil mixtures: this composition includes sod, humus soil, and sand (5: 1: 1). Used to grow dracaena, clivia, and adult palms.
  • medium soil mixtures: this composition includes sod, humus, peat soil, and sand (2: 2: 1: 1). In such a soil mixture, fast-growing plants, pelargonium, fuchsia will grow well.
  • light soil mixtures: this composition includes humus earth and sand (3: 1) + charcoal. Gloxinia, peperomia, begonias will do well in such soil.

Recently, there are many ready-made soils on the shelves of stores for a particular type of plant. Therefore, many growers are able to compose one or another soil composition for their plants themselves, trying to take into account all their needs.

We always process the resulting soil: we disinfect and sterilize, otherwise, there is a risk of developing diseases and pests. You can read how to sterilize garden soil for indoor plants?

Perlite vermiculite

It is good to add this tool to the ready-made soil mixture, just before planting the plant. This material is similar to shredded foam (perlite). Vermiculite resembles crushed eggshells. Both promote aeration of the soil, loosen it and absorb excess moisture.

Expanded clay

On sale there is a different fraction of expanded clay. You can buy large, medium, and small. Usually expanded clay is used for laying on the bottom, which gives good drainage in a pot with a plant. Very fine expanded clay can also be added to the soil.

In any case, purchasing a ready-made soil for indoor plants, whether it is a universal soil for indoor plants or a specific soil for flowers. No matter what kind of soil, it is ideal to add a little charcoal. Sand, perlite or vermiculite. If the soil is universal or for a certain type of plant, you can add a little peat with neutral acidity. Or with a simple solution. In a specialized soil for a specific plant, you can always add a part of the universal earth. By mixing them with perlite or vermiculite.

expanded clay

After some time, after planting the plants, the soil may turn white or the top layer turns white. This may mean that soil acidification has begun. You added acidic soil for planting. Sometimes the soil starts to grow moldy – a common occurrence with poor drainage.

Not all plants like this acidic soil. And it happens that the soil is not acidic enough, and you need to know how to acidify the soil. Dolomite flour or hydrated lime can be added as a deoxidizer. Wood ash also helps with soil acidity. You always need to have an apparatus for measuring acidity and soil fertility at hand.

Before planting plants, prepare the flower pot, substrates and fertilizers. Some plants prefer light soil, others prefer good soil, and still others want soil acidification. Always research the requirements for growing plants.

If desired and necessary, you can add fine expanded clay. The bottom should be covered with expanded clay and the plant is planted. The main thing is to love your hobby. Approach it creatively and with patience. Soil for indoor plants plays a major role and is the foundation for successful indoor floriculture. Good luck to you.

Best soil to use for cacti

suitable for growing cacti themselves and other succulents. In turn, the mixture for succulents is also suitable for cacti.

Good firms for the production of soil for indoor plants, always indicate on the packaging information in which you can find out the content of the necessary elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), acidity, a list of plants for which it can be used.

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Best Universal soil to use for houseplants

usually contains low-lying peat, with the addition of clay and sand. This soil is only suitable as a component to the base soil.

A versatile soil containing low-lying peat, clay, and sand. Over time, it becomes one lump. Watering is a difficult, quite acidic reaction. Very moisture absorbing and poor breathability. Perlite or vermiculite can be added, usually, this loosens the soil. But it is still better to add it as an additional component to the main planting mixture.

I am an avid plant enthusiast and horticulture aficionado with a deep passion for houseplants. With years of nurturing green companions, my expertise in caring for indoor foliage is well-rooted. Through my journey, I've cultivated insights into optimal plant care, propagation techniques, and creating vibrant indoor ecosystems. Join me as we explore the verdant world of houseplants together. Let's turn your living space into a thriving oasis of botanical beauty. Connect with me on admin@houseplantspro.com and Facebook and explore more at Houseplantspro. 🌿🪴

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