Gilson Lyceum is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Best Potting Soil For Indoor Plants of 2024

Philip Jackson
  Mar 29, 2024 9:28 AM

We spent several hours searching the internet for best potting soil for indoor plants, reading reviews, and drawing on our own personal experiences to compile our list of the top 16 best potting soil for indoor plants now available on the market.


Overview

The same is true for plants, which, like us, have a variety of requirements. Each plant has a unique set of requirements, such as the amount of water, light, and temperature it prefers. Knowing how to choose the appropriate soil for your houseplant is another important component in its health. But how can you make a decision when there are so many potting soil alternatives available in the garden center?

The "all-purpose soil blend" at your local garden center may seem convenient, but it's important to know exactly what kind of soil your plant needs to thrive.

We're here to dissect the many types of soil and the components that go into a high-quality plant-potting mix. In local garden center, you'll know exactly what kind of soil to buy (or make yourself) for your plant's new home.


Compare Products

1
  • SCORE
    9.8
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Miracle-Gro
2
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Miracle-Gro
3
  • SCORE
    9.5
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    The Hydroponic City
4
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Superfly Bonsai
5
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Fox Farm
6
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Burpee
7
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Soil Sunrise
8
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Black Gold
9
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Jessi Mae
10
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Wonder Soil
11
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Noot
12
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    PERFECT PLANTS
13
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Glee
14
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Jessi Mae
15
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Wonder Soil
16
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Rio Hamza Trading

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Different Types of Soil

Cactus and Succulent Mix

Peat moss is commonly used as the primary ingredient in this blend (an organic matter found in many soil blends known for its absorbency and ability to release moisture as needed). In order to avoid overwatering your succulents and cacti, use peat moss instead. Perlite or pumice, for example, should be included in this mix. This mixture would be incomplete without sand. Sand, like perlite, helps to keep the soil loose and aerated, preventing it from becoming compacted.

Potting Soil

Blends that incorporate actual dirt and are more dense than potting mix are called potting soil. Gardening and planting beds frequently use potting soil. Perlite, vermiculite, or sphagnum (peat) moss may also be included in regular potting soil. Potting soil, on the other hand, is much more likely to hold moisture, compact the root structure, become waterlogged, and inhibit sufficient aeration that many houseplants require. I'm not interested.

Potting Mix

Plants that reside in containers or pots benefit from using potting mix. Having a fluffy and lightweight texture, it improves aeration and drainage while also preventing the "soil" from becoming too compact. Perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, sand, wood fiber, and coconut fiber are some of the soil-free potting mediums included in a potting mix.

I encourage you to experiment with making your own concoctions. We propose utilizing a mixture of peat moss and coconut fiber for this application. Add sand or pumice for proper drainage if you're potting a succulent or cactus.

Thing to consider

Ingredients

Knowing what your houseplants need is critical. For example, sphagnum and coconut coir materials are ideal for plants that require building properties.

Texture

Make sure the dirt isn't too dense because most indoor plants are in containers. Roots can be damaged by excess water in thick soil. A lack of aeration might also cause the plants to become suffocated.

Organic Compounds

As a final consideration, choose a product that has the most organic chemicals. Other products may release additional greenhouse gas into the atmosphere if they aren't properly recycled. This is a bad idea for your home and the surrounding area.

Drainage Based on Plant Type 

Drainage is a major aspect in the importance of soil for plant life.

There is no one-size-fits-all soil for plants because they all have varied watering and moisture requirements. Some plants prefer soil that is always wet, while others need to be entirely dry or they'll suffer root rot if they don't dry out completely.


Faqs

Which potting soil is best for indoor plants?

Potting soil comes in a variety of forms, each with a particular composition that works well for some plants but not others. Soil-less potting mixes, superthrive potting soils, and organic potting soils are all readily available. You and your plant will benefit from this information!

What is the difference between potting mix and potting soil?

For this reason, you should fertilize potting mixtures on a regular basis or use a slow-release fertilizer. It's possible that they don't include any organic materials, such as compost.

How do you prepare soil for indoor plants?

You'll want to make sure your soil is wet but not soaked, and that it has been thoroughly incorporated into the mix. Using your finger, poke a hole in the middle of the pot to create air pockets. Water and nutrients can better be held in the soil as a result of this.

Can I use potting soil for indoor plants?

When the potting soil is moist and free of stones or other impurities, it can be utilized for indoor plants. Most plants that need to be watered often can be grown successfully indoors in pots using potting soil.

How do you prepare the soil for indoor plants?

Compost, peat moss, and perlite can all be added to potting soil for indoor plants in equal amounts. Then, in a large container, combine these components with the ordinary soil until well-combined. If, after complete blending, you discover that your mixture is either too dry or too moist, you may require additional soil. Potting Soil For Indoor Plants should not contain any chemicals or pesticides that are damaging to the plant. A pH of 5.5 to 6 is ideal for potting soil for indoor plants.


Conclusion

A plant's tastes and wants are just like those of humans. The potting mix you use for your plant's housing has a significant impact on its general health and well-being. Look for a mixture of soilless mediums such as peat moss, coir (coconut fiber), wood fiber, vermiculite, perlite, and/or sand when selecting or preparing a potting mix.

Root development, aeration, and drainage are all critical for houseplants. Your indoor plant may not be able to thrive if the soil in which it is housed contains dirt from the outside. In order to continue growing and flourishing, plants also require a pH balance and frequent nutrition. Your plants will reward you for taking all of the necessary actions to keep their environment healthy.


4.5
4 ratings