Indoor Potting Mix
Best for: Most houseplants
- Pre-mixed, easy start
- Drainage varies by brand
- May need perlite for chunky aroid mix
Buying guide
Potting Mix
Which bag of potting mix should you buy? A quick guide to all-purpose, aroid, cactus and orchid mixes — and the add-ins that improve drainage.
Updated
Quick answer
Buy an indoor potting mix for most houseplants, a cactus and succulent mix for snake plants and succulents, and orchid bark for orchids. Keep a bag of perlite on hand — mixing a scoop into regular potting mix is the easiest way to improve drainage.
Potting mix is one of the cheapest things you’ll buy for your plants, and one of the most important. A mix that suits the plant keeps roots healthy and makes watering far more forgiving.
Which mix for which plant?
| Mix type | Texture | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor / all-purpose potting mix | Light, fluffy, holds some moisture | Pothos, peace lily, spider plant, most foliage plants |
| Aroid mix | Chunky with bark and perlite | Monstera, philodendron, anthurium |
| Cactus & succulent mix | Gritty, fast-draining | Snake plant, ZZ plant, aloe, cacti, succulents |
| Orchid mix | Coarse bark, sometimes with moss | Moth orchids and other epiphytic orchids |
| Seed-starting mix | Fine and light | Seeds and delicate cuttings |
Useful add-ins
- Perlite: lightweight white granules that add air and drainage.
- Pumice: heavier, porous stone — great for succulents and tall plants.
- Orchid bark: creates chunky air pockets for aroids.
- Coco coir: helps hold moisture evenly.
- Worm castings: a gentle source of nutrients.
Buying tips
- Choose mixes labelled for indoor or container use, not garden soil or topsoil.
- Check the bag isn’t soaking wet or smelly — damp stored mix can harbour fungus gnats.
- Buy smaller bags if you only have a few plants; mix breaks down over time.
- Store opened bags sealed and dry.
Want exact ratios? Read potting mix basics for three easy recipes, or use the Soil Mix Generator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use outdoor potting soil indoors?
Container mixes for outdoor pots can work, but some are heavier or contain slow-release fertilizer and wetting agents. Indoor mixes are usually lighter and cleaner for houseplants.
Why does my new potting mix have white bits in it?
That’s almost always perlite, which is added for drainage. White fuzzy growth on the surface is different — it’s usually harmless mould from staying damp.
Shopping shortcuts
Compare potting mix
Links go to Amazon search results so you can compare current prices, sizes and reviews yourself. We don’t list prices or star ratings here because they change constantly.
Helpful plant gear
| Product | Best for | Budget | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Plant Pots | Any room | Budget | View |
| Self-Watering Pot | Busy owners | Mid | View |
| Plant Grow Light | Low-light apartments | Mid | View |
| Moisture Meter For Plants | Beginners | Budget | View |
| Plant Stand Indoor | Floor plants | Mid | View |
| Watering Can Indoor Plants | Daily use | Budget | View |
Before you buy
- Match the product to your plant’s size, light and watering needs.
- Read recent reviews for build-quality problems and check the return window.
- Have pets? Check each plant on the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.