Understanding Soil: Choosing the Right Mix for Your Plants
When it comes to plant care, soil is everything. You can give your plants the perfect light and water them on schedule, but if the soil is wrong, they’ll struggle. Whether you’re growing succulents, tropical plants, or herbs, understanding soil is the key to keeping them healthy.
Why You Need to Repot Plants from Big-Box Stores
If you’ve ever bought a plant from Rona, Home Depot, or Walmart, the first thing you should do is repot it. These stores use cheap, moisture-retaining soil that suffocates roots. Succulents, in particular, suffer the most because they need well-draining soil, not the dense, soggy mess they come in. If you don’t switch it out, expect root rot sooner rather than later.
The Basics of Soil Composition
Good soil isn’t just dirt. It’s a mix of:
Organic matter (peat moss, coconut coir, compost) for nutrients and moisture retention.
Minerals (sand, perlite, vermiculite) for drainage and aeration.
Microorganisms that help break down nutrients and keep the soil healthy.
The right balance depends on the type of plant you’re growing.
The Best Soil Mixes for Different Plants
Succulents & Cacti
2 parts cactus soil or sandy soil
1 part perlite or pumice for aeration
1 part coarse sand to improve drainage
Pro tip: Avoid store-bought “cactus mix” alone—it’s still too dense. Add perlite or sand to fix it.
Tropical Houseplants (Pothos, Monsteras, Philodendrons)
2 parts potting soil
1 part orchid bark for aeration
1 part perlite for drainage
1 part coconut coir to retain moisture without waterlogging
Tropicals love moisture but hate sitting in water. A chunky mix helps roots breathe.
Herbs & Edible Plants
3 parts organic potting soil
1 part compost or hen manure for nutrients
1 part perlite or sand for aeration
Edibles need nutrient-rich soil that drains well but stays moist enough for root development.
When to Add Soil Amendments
Soil isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes you need to tweak it with amendments:
Hen manure pellets – Great for vegetables and leafy greens, adds long-lasting nitrogen.
Worm castings – Boosts microbial life and helps plants absorb nutrients.
Charcoal – Prevents root rot and keeps soil fresh, perfect for terrariums.
Mycorrhizae – Beneficial fungi that help roots absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Signs Your Soil Needs Changing
Water pools on top instead of absorbing
Soil smells musty or sour (root rot warning!)
Leaves turn yellow or mushy despite proper care
Plant growth is slow or stunted
If you see any of these signs, check your soil. It might be time to repot or adjust your mix.
Final Thoughts
Soil is the foundation of plant health. Don’t trust the mix that comes with store-bought plants, especially succulents. Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, using the right soil blend makes all the difference. If you need high-quality amendments like hen manure or want help repotting, check out MTLGardening for the good stuff.
Happy Gardening!
Issac
