What Do We Mean by Soil?
So when somebody says soil, we usually think of the stuff that you’re digging up from the ground. If it’s brown and has a plant growing out of it, yeah, it’s dirt. But potting soil is very different from actual in-ground soil.
In-Ground Soil vs. Potting Mix
In ground soil is actually a mixture of clay, silt, and sand these are considered inorganic materials. Potting mix, on the other hand, is mostly made up of organic materials.
We’re not covering in ground soil today we’ll do that in future episodes. If you want to learn more about that kind of soil, this video by Atlas Pro makes it very easy to understand.
What Exactly Is Potting Soil or Potting Mix?
All purpose potting mix is what you need as long as it has the words “container” or “potting” on it. This can be used with most houseplants.
The Components of Potting Mix
Potting mix is composed of organic materials like peat. This peat, often labeled as stagnant peat moss, makes up the majority of the mix. Some other potting mixes offer coir instead of peat for environmental reasons.
These two materials (peat and coir) are considered the base. Small amounts of amendments are added, including:
- Perlite: The little white things you see in soil.
- Small pieces of bark and twigs.
- Vermiculite.
- Sand.
These amendments, when added to the base, change the soil’s characteristics.
Do You Need to Add Extra Amendments to Potting Mix?
Not really if you’re just starting out, focus on the three pre-made potting mixes:
- All-purpose mix.
- Cactus mix.
- Orchid mix.
Caution: Garden Soil Is Not for Containers
The stuff labeled “garden soil” is for in-ground use only. Don’t use it in containers because it’s not designed for that.
Understanding Cactus and Orchid Mixes
- Cactus Mix:
Used for cacti, succulents, and other dry-loving plants. It includes peat, sand, perlite, bark, and twigs. - Orchid Mix:
Designed for orchids and some bromeliads. It’s composed mostly of bark with the occasional twig.
You can find these mixes at your local gardening center or nursery, or check the affiliate links in the description for online shopping options.
When Should You Use Amendments?
Once you get a feel for how pre-made potting mixes work, you may want to customize your soil to behave in a specific way:
- Too Wet?
Add perlite, which retains very little water and increases drainage. - Too Dry?
Add potting mix, peat, coir, or vermiculite to increase water retention.
When adding, mix it into your soil during repotting—don’t just sprinkle it on top.
Deep Dives Coming Soon
Standalone videos will explore each amendment, like bark, perlite, and vermiculite, in more depth to help you understand their behavior, mechanics, and history.
Main Takeaways
- Use the three pre-made potting mixes:
- All-purpose for most houseplants.
- Cactus mix for cacti and succulents.
- Orchid mix for orchids.
- Adjust water retention by adding:
- Perlite or bark to reduce water retention.
- Peat, coir, or vermiculite to increase water retention.
Final Thoughts
Plants bring life into your home and are surprisingly easy to care for. Yes, you’ll probably kill a few plants at first I know I did, and it was discouraging. But life isn’t a picture perfect Instagram feed. Dust yourself off and keep trying!
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