Jump to:
- What Is Potting Soil?
- Uses of Potting Soil
- Common Ingredients of Potting Soil
- What Is Potting Mix?
- Uses of Potting Mix
- Common Ingredients of Potting Mix
- Types of Potting Mixes
Houseplants are a great way to breathe life and energy into your space, not to mention that they improve your indoor air quality. But crispy leaves and wilting stems aren't exactly aesthetically pleasing. And if you've followed the care guide down to the letter—tweaking sunlight exposure and scheduling waterings—but still can't seem to keep your plants happy and healthy, you may be using the wrong kind of soil. While the terms potting soil and potting mix get used interchangeably for soil that's used with indoor plants, they're actually very different things. Depending on your environment and the plants you care for, choosing the right one could make all the difference. Wondering what is the difference between potting soil and potting mix? Read on for all the details, along with tips and tricks on when to use each one.
Potting soil is just that: soil specially designed with elements needed for plants, whether in pots or gardens. Soil is usually heavy and dense and made for the ground rather than assisting the houseplants it's used in with drainage. It may contain fungi or weed seeds. Potting soil should be refreshed once a year, usually after the winter frost as you're resetting your garden and promoting new growth.
Potting soil is most commonly used outdoors for landscaping. Soil is also what you would mix with compost and fertilizer. Bagged soils are often mixed with compost to improve their nutritional value, which makes them ideal for outdoor use in vegetable gardens and flower beds to revive them after the winter.
Common Ingredients of Potting Soil
- Soil
- Peat moss
- Pearlite
- Wetting agent
- Fertilizer
Potting mix doesn't actually contain any soil or dirt at all. It's a common misconception (often the result of confusing branding), but potting mix consists of organic matter and fertilizer along with pearlite or some drainage aid. Potting mix is commonly lighter and has better drainage and aeration than standard potting soil. It's also sterile, so you can be sure it won't introduce any fungi or weeds. However, because it's not soil, you'll want to replace it (i.e., repot your houseplants with fresh mix) every six to eight months.
Potting mix is used to pot and grow any indoor houseplant (unless its care guide specifically indicates that you should use soil).
Common Ingredients of Potting Mix
- Organic matter
- Fertilizer
- Pearlite
- Peat moss
Different potting mixes cater to different plants' drainage and pH needs.
Moisture-Control Potting Mix
For plants that need less drainage or assistance with controlling their water retention, like some humidity-loving plants, a moisture-control potting mix is ideal. These types of mixes help to retain and soak up water for longer-lasting moisture.
Succulent or Cacti Potting Mix
On the other end of the watering spectrum are succulent-specific potting mixes. These mixes contain a higher ratio of pearlite and sand to potting soil and help water drain faster.
Organic Potting Mix
You might think all potting mixes are organic, but a lot of them contain chemical compounds or elements that can be very helpful for finicky plants like orchids or fiddle leaf fig trees. Organic potting mix is more expensive, but it's better for the environment and more natural for your plants. The Organic Materials Review Institute is the organization that sets the organic production standards for organic potting mixes and soils, so keep an eye out for this certification when shopping.
FAQs
Potting mix is commonly lighter and has better drainage and aeration than standard potting soil. It's also sterile, so you can be sure it won't introduce any fungi or weeds. However, because it's not soil, you'll want to replace it (i.e., repot your houseplants with fresh mix) every six to eight months.
Which is better, potting mix or potting soil? ›
Potting Mix vs Potting Soil: Which One Should You Use? Potting soil's composition makes it suitable for outdoor plants. On the other hand, a soilless potting mix is a better choice for potted plants or a container garden because it: Offers a good balance of moisture retention and water drainage for potted plants.
Can you use potting mix as potting soil? ›
It's a good idea not to use these products interchangeably. Soil-free potting mix is for containers and potting soil is formulated for in-ground use.
Do you use potting soil or potting mix for indoor plants? ›
Potting mix is different from outdoor soil. It's best to use potting mix for any indoor plants. Use one that gives your plant roots the preferred air, moisture and nutrition balance it needs. Soil from the outdoors is heavy and is best used for outdoor gardening.
What is the best soil mix for potted plants? ›
Most gardeners make potting soil by combining perlite or vemiculite with peat or sphagnum moss. Two other organic materials that you could add to your potting mix are leaf mold and compost, which offer a wide spectrum of nutrients.
Is potting mix good for all plants? ›
While the basic peat moss, pine bark and perlite type potting mixes will work fine for almost all annual flowers and mixed potted plants, there are some crops for which specialty mixes might be helpful. The most common is potting mix for orchids.
What is the difference between Miracle-Gro potting soil and potting mix? ›
Potting mix is basically the same, regardless of brand. You'll find composted organic matter, sand and peat moss. In some of the less expensive brands, there will be bark chips, as well, which adds bulk. Miracle Gro Potting Soil has some garden soil (loam) and some fertilizer mixed in with the organic matter.
Can you mix old potting soil with new potting soil? ›
As gardeners begin to add the new potting soil, they should mix it into the old potting soil as they go.” Hillock cautions gardeners against reusing potting soil if they had problems with diseases, weeds or insects last year.
Can I use bagged topsoil for potted plants? ›
Topsoil is excellent for landscaping and filling spaces, but potting soil is better if you need a growing medium for container plants. And if you want an Earth-positive soil that's beneficial for any potted plant, you'll love Rosy's Indoor Potting Mix.
Does potting soil go bad? ›
3. How Long Can You Store Potting Soil? Opened bags of new potting soil can retain quality for around 6 to 12 months. For unopened and unused potting soil, you can store it for about a year or two before it goes bad.
Topsoil is dirt, and potting soil isn't. True potting soil is actually “soil-less.” Topsoil is for planting in the ground. Potting soil is for planting in containers. Topsoil is sand or clay (ground-up rocks) mixed with organic materials such as compost.
Are all potting mixes the same? ›
Similar ingredients are used in nearly every brand of potting soil but they aren't all created equal. Learn about some of our best options, select the one that will work best for you, and watch your plants thrive. - A pre-moistened blend of sphagnum, peat, and perlite along with a starter and slow- release fertilizers.
Why can't you use Miracle-Gro garden soil in pots? ›
Soil taken from your yard or a garden bed is too dense to use in a pot or raised bed. Instead, for containers, you'll want to use potting mix (also called potting soil), a lightweight and fluffy alternative. For raised beds, you'll want to use a blend of potting mix and garden soil.
What is the best soil to buy for pots? ›
What is the Best Soil for Container Gardens?
- Sphagnum Peat Moss: It helps hold water moisture and improves aeration.
- Perlite and Vermiculite: They add air space to the soil for better root health. ...
- Compost: It provides organic material for your plants containing essential nutrients.
Clayey soil is used to make pots and toys because water can be held in the tiny gaps between the particles of clay and soil get sticky when it comes in contact with water. Hence, it becomes easy to mould this soil into any shapes like toys, pots and statues.
Is potting mix worth it? ›
A quality potting mix provides the best growing medium for container plants. Quality potting mixes, unlike soil, always maintain a good balance between holding moisture and draining well. This means that plant roots can obtain sufficient water without drowning.
What kind of soil is best for gardens? ›
Loam is the ideal soil for most plants; it contains a balance of all three mineral particles and is rich in humus (what's left after organic matter decomposes).
What are the benefits of soil less potting mix? ›
Benefits of Soilless Potting Mix
Improved Drainage: Soilless potting mix is designed to provide excellent drainage, which helps prevent root rot and other moisture-related problems. This is especially important for container gardening, where water can easily accumulate and cause problems.
Which potting mix is best for vegetables? ›
Use Premium Potting Soil
Another great option is Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix, which helps protect plants against over- and under-watering. Place your container vegetable garden in a spot that receives at least six hours of sun daily, wherever that may be.
