However, for germinating seeds, you'll require a soil mix specifically for them, as this will contain more nutrients and help the seeds grow. For more exotic plants such as cacti or orchids, you'll require an even more specific soil mix. As peat-based compost will no longer be sold in the UK from 2024, I’d recommend that you start to use alternatives now to become accustomed to the different watering and feeding regimes that are needed for peat-free compost mixes,” suggests Roy. 2) Coir Fibre By making your own you can make sure you avoid causing environmental harm through your gardening choices. Making Your Own Cactus Mix Sphagnum Moss is used in soil for its ability to hold water and nutrients as well as its capillary abilities. You can buy Spaghnum Moss either dried or alive. In its dried form is called Peat Moss. The major difference is that whilst Spaghnum Moss is pH neutral, peat moss is acidic and contains tannins. When you buy Peat Moss it is often compressed and has to be soaked in water first before you can use it. There are more than 380 different types of Mosses that are called Spaghnum Moss and depending on the type it is able to hold between 16 to 26 times its dry weight in water. In addition, it has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which are very beneficial for plants and roots. Always research the correct compost before growing new types of carnivorous plants – the wrong potting mix is probably the main reason that people experience failures when they start growing carnivorous plants. Bonsai compost

Note: Liners are "squashy" so they can be pushed through the opening to expand and fit closer to the pot wall once inside. Liners can also be cut down to size with scissors for a neater fit if they bulge inwards slightly at the top. Another way to ensure drainage is to use either a houseplant compost and mix in some horticultural grit. This can be especially useful for cacti and succulents that need very good drainage. Just mix some horticultural grit in to make gritty soil with good drainage. This will help improve the soil for your houseplants and keep them thriving. Keep an eye onthe top layer Oranges, lemons and kumquats… citrus plants create an atmosphere reminiscent of warmer climes in our homes. Whether you’re providing an annual springtime top-dressing of compost or repotting the entire plant, a specialist mix will keep citrus in tip-top condition. Peat-free Westland Citrus Potting Mix is rich in loam, which helps to retain nutrients and boost fruit development. While the formulation is optimised to provide the perfect balance of nutrients for hungry citrus plants. The blend contains Seramis granules, too, which absorb water and nutrients then gradually release them. This creates the perfect growing conditions. Cacti and Succulents If you are growing cacti or succulents, you should choose a specialist compost which contains a high proportion of sand and grit. The compost should be free-draining so that the roots of the plant do not sit in saturated conditions that can cause rot, but it must still be able to absorb and retain some moisture. Image by liqionary from Pixabayand ½ parts composted bark (pine bark can be substituted for shrubs and trees that require additional acidity) A “part” could be anything, it’s just a generic unit of measure. One “part” can be a cup, a gallon, a scoop, a handful… whatever makes the most sense to you, and how large of a batch you plan to make. Coir is an excellent alternative to sphagnum peat moss, because it contains more nutrients and lasts longer.

Sarah Gerrard-Jones, also known online as The Plant Rescuer, has her own recommendation for a simple, sandy cacti mix: Unwanted Food or Drink Products - Once supply conditions are broken, there are a number of factors outside of our control that can affect the quality of a product. Therefore perishable goods such as food and drink cannot be returned. It is a mined mineral which is then conditioned with heat which causes it to expand into light particles. You could also make your own potting mix, without buying a potting mix to work from, for your cacti from:

Top 5 Potting Soils

Fill the gaps at the sides of the root ball with fresh potting mix, gently firm the compost and water well. When potting up with Houseplant Focus over the years, we’ve always found the consistency really easy to work with: there are never any big chunks of organic matter present, and water drains through easily from the outset with too much compacting. The soil is invariably moist when opening the bag, and we’ve had no encounters with bugs or pests,although quality will invariably change from bag to bag. Hydroculture plant roots have been specially adapted to grow in hydrogranules, which creates a smaller, more fleshy and hardier root system. This results in mature plants being available in smaller grow pots than their soil based equivalents. How do I choose the correct sized decorative pot to fit my houseplant?

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that is highly porous and lightweight. When heated, it puffs up and looks like balls of Styrofoam. It is added to soil to increase drainage and aeration, keeping soil lightweight and free-flowing. It is a good option for a succulent/cactus mix, propagating root cuttings, and container gardening. Vermiculite Trim if necessary: If the roots are excessively long or look unhealthy, trim them slightly before moving your plant to its new home. Our homes can provide the appropriate temperatures for these heat-loving plants, but if we fail to provide an appropriate growing medium then they will not be very happy. If it’s a small batch, and you’re using a container with a lid for mixing, you could shake it up to combine the ingredients.A healthy plant starts with good quality compost and the right plant food, but maintaining a pest and disease-free environment is equally important. Here are a few tips: