You wouldn’t plant your monstera in concrete, right? (We hope not.) The secret to lush, thriving indoor plants isn’t just in the lighting or watering — it’s also in what’s happening below the surface.

Whether you're a first-time fern fanatic or knee-deep in your own plant jungle, understanding soil types is essential. Let’s dig into the best soil mixes for indoor plants — and how to pick the perfect one for your leafy mates.

🌿 Why Indoor Plants Need the Right Soil

Outdoor soil = too dense.
Cheap potting mix = too soggy.
Your plant = sad.

Indoor plants thrive in mixes that are:

• 🌱 Well-draining but moisture-retentive
• 💨 Aerated to allow airflow to roots
• 🐛 Rich in organic nutrients
• ⛏️ Free of pests, weeds or pathogens
  
  

🧪 What’s Actually In Potting Mix?

Good indoor soil blends contain:

• 🥥 Coco coir or peat moss – holds moisture
• 🌋 Perlite or pumice – improves drainage + air
• 🌳 Bark chips or compost – adds structure + nutrients
• ⛱️ Sand or grit (in cactus blends) – helps dry faster

Think of soil as your plant’s home. And no one wants a swampy or suffocating house.

📦 Best Soil Mix for Common Indoor Plants

Here’s what your green friends actually want underfoot:

🌱 Tropical Houseplants (Monstera, Philodendron, etc.)

These love light, airy soil that mimics jungle floors.

✅ Choose:

• 40% coco coir or peat
• 30% perlite
• 20% bark
• 10% compost or worm castings

🛒 Try our Tropical Blend – designed for Aussie conditions. [INSERT PRODUCT LINK HERE]

🍃 Fiddle Leaf Fig & Rubber Plants

Fussy but fabulous. They need aeration and a slightly richer base.

✅ Choose:

• 40% peat
• 30% perlite
• 20% compost
• 10% charcoal or bark

🛒 Our “Fig + Ficus Mix” gives them structure without sogginess. [INSERT PRODUCT LINK HERE]

🌵 Cacti & Succulents

Desert plants don’t want to sit in wet soil — ever.

✅ Choose:

• 50% coarse sand or grit
• 25% perlite or pumice
• 25% coco coir

🛒 Cactus Blend = ultra-fast draining goodness. [INSERT PRODUCT LINK HERE]

🌸 Calatheas & Peace Lilies

Humidity lovers who enjoy consistent moisture without being waterlogged.

✅ Choose:

• 40% coco coir
• 30% bark
• 20% vermiculite
• 10% compost

🛒 Keep these queens hydrated with our “Thirst Trap Mix.” [INSERT PRODUCT LINK HERE]

🌬️ What to Avoid in Indoor Soil

• 🚫 Garden soil: Too heavy, likely full of bugs
• 🚫 Cheap potting mix: Compacts over time, holds too much water
• 🚫 Over-fertilised blends: Can burn roots
• 🚫 No drainage? Big trouble (no matter the mix)
  
  

🧯 Signs Your Soil Needs a Refresh

• 🌫️ It smells musty or sour
• 💧 Water sits on top and won’t absorb
• 🧵 Roots are circling the pot
• ⏳ Water drains too fast or too slowly
• 🐛 You see fungus gnats or mould

💡 Tip: Refresh soil every 12–18 months or when repotting.

🧭 Match Soil to Light, Pot, and Plant

• 📍 Low light + plastic pot? Choose a fast-draining mix
• ☀️ Bright spot + terracotta? A slightly moisture-holding mix is okay
• 🧂 Small pots dry faster — use more organic matter
• 📦 Large pots may need perlite or bark to stay light and airy
  
  

🧵 Bonus: Make Your Own Mix

DIYers, unite. You can customise your own blend with:

• 🥥 Coco coir bricks
• 🌋 Perlite or pumice bags
• 🧂 Worm castings
• 🏖️ Sand or grit
• 🌿 Orchid bark

🛒 We sell these as individual ingredients too. [INSERT PRODUCT LINK HERE]

🌱 Final Leaf

Getting the soil right is like finding your plant’s love language. It's the base that supports healthy roots, lush growth, and longer plant life. Whether you DIY it or grab a pre-mix, your plants will thank you from the roots up.

So go on — find your soil mate 💚