If you've ever wondered why some plants thrive effortlessly while others refuse to cooperate, the answer often lies beneath the surface. Your potting mix is the foundation of your plant's entire world — it affects moisture, airflow, nutrients, and whether roots grow strong or struggle.

Welcome to Potting Mix 101, your go-to guide for understanding precisely what your indoor plants need — and how to choose the right blend using our curated range of premium mixes.

Why Potting Mix Matters More Than You Think

Indoor plants can't rely on the richness of outdoor soil, nor can they tolerate heavy, compact garden dirt. They need a mix that stays airy, drains well, and still holds enough moisture to keep roots happy.

A high-quality indoor potting mix delivers:

• ✔ Good drainage to prevent root rot
  
• ✔ Gentle moisture retention
• ✔ Oxygen flow for healthy roots
• ✔ Structure that supports growth and stability

But not all plants want the same thing — which is why choosing the right mix is essential.

The All-Rounder: Indoor Potting Mix

For everyday houseplants like Pothos, Philodendrons, Peace Lilies, Dieffenbachias, Syngoniums, and many more, a well-balanced indoor mix is perfect. It keeps moisture levels steady without becoming dense or waterlogged.

The Plant Runner Indoor Potting Mix is designed to suit the vast majority of indoor plants. If you're unsure which mix to choose, this one is your safest (and happiest) match.

For Dry-Loving Plants: Cacti & Succulent Mix

Plants that naturally grow in arid, rocky environments — like succulents, cacti, Snake Plants, and ZZ Plants — need a potting mix that dries quickly and won't hold excess moisture.

The Plant Runner Cacti & Succulent Mix is formulated for excellent drainage and minimal water retention. It features:

• ⌛ Sand and grit
• ⚪ Fast-drying mineral components
• 🌵 Small stones or coarse materials for airflow

Great for dry-loving varieties — and perfect for anyone who tends to overwater.

For Aroids: Chunky, Airy Mix

Aroids such as Monstera, Philodendron, Epipremnum, and Alocasia evolved in lush rainforest environments, where their roots cling to trees rather than to dense soil. They thrive in chunky, fast-draining mixes that provide excellent airflow.

The Plant Runner Aroid Mix gives these plants precisely what they need — room to breathe.

An aroid mix typically contains:

• • 🌳 Orchid bark for structure
  • 💎 Pumice or perlite for aeration
  • 🌱 Coco coir for lightweight moisture retention

If your aroids have ever looked unhappy in regular potting mix, this blend will change everything.

Soil Boosters: Give Any Mix a "Level Up"

Whether you're refreshing soil or adjusting a potting mix to fit a specific plant, amendments can make a dramatic difference. Soil Microbe Booster is an excellent all-around addition that improves soil health, increases nutrient uptake, and supports stronger root systems.

Add it to any mix to:

• ✔ Encourage microbial activity
• ✔ Improve plant resilience
• ✔ Support faster, healthier growth

It's like giving your soil a probiotic — the roots will thank you.

When to Refresh or Repot

Over time, soil breaks down, compacts, and loses its structure. Even the best potting mix won't last forever.

Repot or refresh the mix when you notice:

• 🌿 Roots circling the pot
• 🌵 Soil is drying out suspiciously fast
• 💧 Water passes straight through without absorbing
• ⚪ Salt or fertiliser crust on the surface
• 💚 Growth slowing or stalling

Most houseplants enjoy new soil every 12–18 months.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right potting mix is one of the simplest ways to transform your plant care routine. With the proper foundation, your plants grow stronger, bounce back faster, and look happier every single day.

Ready to find your plant's ideal match? Browse All Potting Mixes & Soil Boosters →