POV: You’re nailing this whole plant care thing (with Willow’s help!) but now, there’s a change of season with Spring. All the plant pros are telling you now’s the time to repot. But why? And with what? And how?
Repotting is great ahead of the growing season because it will give your houseplants a leg up in the growth department with a spacious, fresh new home. Instead of relying on the standard potting mix, let’s introduce you to a new player in your plant care arena: soilless mix.
What’s soilless mix got to do with this?
Soilless mix is a medium for your plants to grow in that doesn’t include any actual potting mix. It’s a level up for your houseplants compared to standard potting mix because of its draining capabilities – this stuff drains beautifully. Good drainage means better houseplant health overall. We won’t get into it here, but we’ve covered it for you recently here.
With a smidge more effort from you, your plants will be thriving in their new soilless home in no time.
Your soilless mix recipe
You can find any of these at your local plant nursery or select hardware stores that cater to plant lovers.
Ingredient #1: Your base
Orchid Bark Chips
If you can’t source orchid bark chips, opt for coconut husk chips.
Ingredient #2: Your moisture-retaining layer
Peat Moss
If you can’t source peat moss, opt for sphagnum moss (or, if all else fails, use a bit of standard potting mix).
Ingredient #3: Draining material
Perlite
If you can’t source perlite, go for vermiculite or pumice. Both are affordable and easy to find!
Optional Ingredient #4: An anti-bacterial booster
Horticultural charcoal
Not an essential, but if you find it while shopping, add it to the mix.
Ingredient breakdown
500g Orchid Bark Chips
250g Peat Moss
250g Perlite 65g
Horticultural Charcoal (Optional)
The mixing method
It’s really simple, and not technical. Pour it all into a large bucket, then stir vigorously until combined.
Where I will get technical is health & safety. This will create dust which you should take care not to breathe in. Wear glasses and a facemask if you have one, and wet the mix slightly to lower the amount of dust kicking up.
Once stirred, plant your leafy friend in and you’re set! Repotting plants for Spring and Summer can be daunting, but this DIY soilless mix will make this growing season one for the books – and your repotting a lot less dirty.