Tom and I were discussing how to come up with a cheap recipe for indoor gardening soil. He suggested that I start with a base mix, and then modify as needed for individual plants. I thought this was a great idea. I started out with 4 basic ingredients.
- Potting soil
- Perlite
- Organic Plant Food
🌱 Basic Indoor Plant Soil Mix (by volume)
- 3 parts indoor potting soil – your main base for nutrients and water retention
- 1 part perlite – for aeration and drainage (prevents soggy roots)
- ½ part Spanish moss (optional) – only use if shredded finely; it helps with light moisture retention and texture. Otherwise, reserve it as a decorative top dressing.
- 1 tablespoon organic all-purpose plant food per gallon of mix – blend evenly through the soil.
🪴 How to Mix
- In your large bin, add the potting soil first.
- Mix in the perlite until it looks evenly speckled.
- If using moss, shred it or cut into small pieces and blend lightly.
- Sprinkle in the organic fertilizer and mix thoroughly.
- Lightly moisten the mixture before potting—just damp, not wet.
🌿 Optional Adjustments by Plant Type
- Succulents/Cacti: Use 2 parts potting soil : 1.5 parts perlite (very airy).
- Tropical foliage (like peace lily, monstera, etc.): Use 3 parts soil : 1 part perlite : ½ part moss.
- Ferns or moisture-lovers: Add a bit more moss for humidity retention.