Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best House Plant Soil?

Amanda Barnhart
Amanda Barnhart

Choosing a good house plant soil is vital to ensuring the growth and health of your indoor plants. While common garden soil is sufficient for many outdoor plants, potted plants require additional support and nutrients to help them flourish in an indoor setting. Most types of plants do well in a basic house plant soil, though some plants, like orchids, may grow better in a specialized soil.

If you’re purchasing a house plant soil pre made, look for an indication on the bag that the soil is formulated for indoor plants. Indoor soil preparations typically include some garden soil to provide a base for the plant. They also contain peat moss, which makes the soil lighter and helps absorb water. Perlite is also common in house plant soil because it helps space the soil to help the roots grow and prevent water-logging. Specialty soils may use shredded bark or charcoal in place of the traditional substances to provide a supportive soil for certain plants, such as orchids.

Choosing quality soil is important for the health of indoor plants.
Choosing quality soil is important for the health of indoor plants.

Most commercial varieties of house plant soil are sterile. These mixes help prevent disease and weeds. Unsterile mixes are also available, but are less desirable, particularly for starting house plants from seedlings when they are most susceptible to disease. Some house plants, such as azaleas, require an acidic soil, so check the package for the pH. Soil that has more peat moss is more acidic than typical potting soil.

Potted plants need more nutrients than regular garden soil can provide so they can flourish indoors.
Potted plants need more nutrients than regular garden soil can provide so they can flourish indoors.

Some indoor gardeners prefer to mix their own soil. This requires sterilization of garden soil in a sealed pan in the oven. Heating the soil for 30 minutes at a temperature of 200° F (about 93° C) is usually sufficient. To be considered sterile, the dirt should register a temperature of at least 150° F (about 65° C). The soil is then mixed with equal parts of perlite and potting soil for most plants. Sand can also be added to increase drainage for plants that do not need held moisture, such as cacti.

Fertilizer can build up over time in potted soil.
Fertilizer can build up over time in potted soil.

Most house plants need to be repotted every year or two to remain healthy. House plant soil breaks down over time, which restricts drainage and stifles the roots. Salts and other particles from fertilizer can also build up in the soil over time and suffocate the roots or prevent needed nutrients from reaching the plant. Flushing the soil regularly can help it last longer, and potting mixes made yourself will typically last longer than premixed soil.

Discussion Comments

BouncingKiwi

I just inherited an organ pipe cactus from my aunt who passed away. This plant has to be at least five years old. I am not really good with plants at all. Can anyone suggest the right soil or soil mixture for this plant?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Choosing quality soil is important for the health of indoor plants.
      By: M. Schuppich
      Choosing quality soil is important for the health of indoor plants.
    • Potted plants need more nutrients than regular garden soil can provide so they can flourish indoors.
      By: cameramatch
      Potted plants need more nutrients than regular garden soil can provide so they can flourish indoors.
    • Fertilizer can build up over time in potted soil.
      By: Sinisa Botas
      Fertilizer can build up over time in potted soil.
    • Most commercial brands of house plant soil are sterile to help prevent disease and weeds.
      By: kai
      Most commercial brands of house plant soil are sterile to help prevent disease and weeds.
    • Sand can be added to house plant soil to increase drainage.
      By: Khorzhevska
      Sand can be added to house plant soil to increase drainage.