When you walk down the potting mix aisle of your local hardware store or garden centre, it will quickly become obvious that there's an enormous range of indoor and outdoor potting mixes to choose from. They range in price and in quality so how do you know which one is right for your plants? Read on for tips and advice on how to pick the right potting mix for your indoor and outdoor plants.
Why should you use quality potting mix for your indoor and outdoor plants?
Potting mix isn’t just a bag of dirt. Quality potting mix is the result of extensive research, product development and precise manufacturing to ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients that they need. There are four key elements that are vital to your plants health.
- Good drainage and the right levels of moisture
- Good structure so the roots can breathe
- Good support so the roots can spread out
- The right balance of nutrients
How to identify quality potting mix?
There are a few key features to look out for to ensure you are buying quality potting mix.
- Professional potting mix will be made with natural materials from renewable resources like bark which is fully composted until it has rich dark soil like texture before special components are added. These materials will have your plants growing from day one.
- Quality potting mixes will have a fertiliser that lasts for 3-6 months, and additional nutrients such as seaweed, sheep manure or blood & bone listed on the pack.
Indoor plant potting mix
Indoor plants are a great decorative element to add to any household and can also help improve air quality and mood around the house. It is important to plant indoor plants right from the start to ensure that they grow to become healthy and strong plants. The first step is to choose the right indoor plant potting mix, it is essential to select a quality potting mix to ensure that it encourages strong root development, has good water holding for circulation, good aeration for moisture retention and will also provide feeding for indoor plants for up to 3-6 months. The Scotts Osmocote Indoor Plant Potting Mix is especially formulated for indoor plants. Make sure that your plants are being watered frequently enough that the indoor potting mix is moist but not wet and avoid allowing plants to dry out. Plants should be repotted with new potting mix when they outgrow their pot or after 12-18 months.
After the initial 6 months the indoor plant may need additional fertiliser however this will depend on the need of each indoor plant. It is important to use a quality indoor plant fertiliser that is fast and easy to apply and supplies a balanced range of plant nutrients. Adding Scotts Osmocote Pour + Feed to the leaves or roots of the indoor plants will provide them with the essential nutrients for optimum growth with visible results in 7 days. Some indoor plants such as orchids and cacti & succulents need a specific plant fertiliser formulation to ensure they receive the essential nutrients they need.
Potting mix for different plants
It's estimated there is close to half a million different plant species found on Earth, occurring naturally over an extraordinary range of climates and soils. So it's important to be aware of this when choosing between potting mix for vegetables, flowers, plants in pots or other containers, or vertical/wall gardens at home.
Potting mixes are usually formulated to reproduce as closely as possible the soil conditions that plants prefer. While there are all purpose mixes that will be quite suitable for a vast array of different plants, there are some plants that require special mixes to meet their very specific needs..
Top tip
Take the time to look at the multitude of bagged potting mixes available from your retailer to see what they're designed and recommended for. Consider this information in relation to the plants you have and buy accordingly.
