In the Winter issue of Inspirations magazine, we shared our expert tips for selecting pottery for house plants. Once you have the right pot, make sure you fill it with the best soil for your type of plant.  

Here are a few tips to help you decide which soil is best for you:

House Plants

For most house plants, an all-purpose potting mix is sufficient. English Gardens has several options. Consider Miracle-Gro Potting Mix or Espoma Organic Potting Mix. Both are great options for growing your plants larger and more beautiful.

The Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix contains specially formulated moisture control materials that protect against over and under watering. It can absorb 33% more moisture than standard potting soil. Plus the soil feeds your plants for up to six months to ensure your plants twice as big! 

Cactus & Succulents

Cactus potting soil is coarser than potting soil and serves as a better basis for cactus or succulent roots. With better drainage, it prevents plants from sitting in water which can cause root rot.

English Gardens carries both the Espoma Organic Cactus Mix and the Hoffman Cactus & Succulent Soil.

African Violets

African Violet roots would be crushed by standard potting soil. Soil for African Violets must be light and porous to enhance aeration while keeping it moist. The Espoma Organic African Violet Potting Mix is ideal for this.

Bonsai

Bonsai soil mixes provide plant support, moisture and the necessary drainage for Evergreen and bonsai plants. English Gardens carries Hoffman Bonsai Soil Mix.

Orchids

The best growing medium for Orchids does not actually contain soil. Rather, it is a mix of chunky ingredients ideal for providing the proper drainage and aeration.

Select from three different formulas. Better-Gro Special Orchid Mix, is ideal for growing Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Paphiopedilums and Oncidiums. It is a mix of western fir bark, hardwood charcoal and sponge rock.

If you’re growing Phalaenopsis orchids, try Better-Gro Phalaenopsis Mix, which contains western fir bark, hardwood charcoal and coarse perlite. This mixture helps retain the proper amount of fertilizer and moisture to keep your plant blooming season after season.

For Dendrobium orchids, use Better-Gro Dendrobium Mix, which contains porous lava rock, western fir bark, hardwood charcoal and coarse perlite.

Seeds

When starting your seeds indoors, select a soil that promotes healthy growth, such as the Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix. This lightweight formula is specially formulated for germinating vegetable, flower and herb seeds.

Soil Additives

If you prefer to mix your own blend, English Gardens carries Espoma Vermiculite or Peat Moss, which is used to increase the water retention or aeration in a potting soil. Peat Moss is very spongy, which helps it retain significant amounts of water, and it is fairly acidic. Vermiculite is similar in its water retention qualities and contains a significant amount of nutrients.

Picking the right soil for your plants will ensure your success. If you have any further questions, talk with one of our gardening experts at your local English Gardens store or submit your question online.