To Mix or Not to Mix: A Practical Guide to Houseplant Soil

As you dive deeper into the houseplant hobby, you'll inevitably encounter passionate discussions about soil: chunky soil, well-draining soil, aeration, and even soil-less planting techniques. One question that frequently comes up for beginners and intermediate plant parents alike is: "Should I be mixing my own soil?"

The Great Soil Dilemma

This is where you need to get honest with yourself about what type of plant parent you are. Are there benefits to making your own soil mix? Absolutely. But those benefits are in the same vein as making your own bread from scratch—we all know it's good, we all know someone who LOVES doing it, but realistically, we aren't all going to do it.

When DIY Soil Makes Sense

If creating your own soil mix sounds like something you would genuinely enjoy, go for it! It can be surprisingly fun and therapeutic. Mixing soil gives you time to think about your plant and its specific needs. Plus, repotting is always a great opportunity to assess your plant's overall health—checking roots, removing dead material, and planning for future growth.

Custom soil mixes allow you to:

• Tailor moisture retention exactly to each plant's needs
• Adjust drainage based on your watering habits
• Control exactly what goes into your plant's environment
• Save money in the long run if you have many plants

When Pre-Mixed Might Be Better

But ask yourself: If you only have one or two plants needing attention, do you want to buy three or four different bags of components for your mix? Will you put off that necessary repotting because now it seems like more work? Are you going to resent the mess that comes with mixing soils indoors?

Pre-mixed soils make sense when:

• You're just starting out with houseplants
• You have limited storage space for components
• You only need to repot occasionally
• You prefer convenience over customization

The Local Plant Shop Solution

Going back to the bread metaphor: You may not have the time to bake your own bread, but you probably know a local place that makes really good bread. The same applies to soil!

Smaller, independent plant shops truly understand their soil. Many make their own blends and can recommend the right mix for your specific plants. Even if they don't make their own, they know the best of what's commercially available and can steer you toward quality options.

Finding a local plant shop is worth the effort—they're fun to explore anyway (and let's be honest, you might even leave with a new plant or two).

The Middle Ground

If you're curious but not ready to go full DIY, consider starting small:

• Purchase a good quality potting mix as your base
• Add just one amendment like perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage
• Experiment with different ratios for different plants

Remember that plant care should bring joy, not stress. Whether you become a soil-mixing enthusiast or prefer the grab-and-go approach, what matters most is that your plants are healthy and your plant hobby remains enjoyable.

What's your approach to houseplant soil? Are you a mixer or a buyer? Either way, your plants can thrive with the right care and attention.