Soil & Substrates

Potting mix made for containers gives roots a useful balance of water and air. Garden soil is often heavier and can compact in a pot, so choose a suitable container mix for indoor plants.

Pine bark, perlite and lava rock can add air spaces to an appropriate potting mix. Also check the size of the pot and its drainage, especially if the roots occupy only a small part of the container.

LECA is expanded clay that can be used as a growing medium in suitable semi-hydro systems. The watering method and nutrient supply need to match that setup. Clay pellets can also be used as a component in some potting mixes.

Venus flytraps need a nutrient-poor growing medium made for carnivorous plants and suitably low-mineral water. A specialist carnivorous plant mix is a useful starting point.

Allow enough fresh mix to fill the space around the existing root ball in the new pot. Check the bag volume and choose a container only modestly larger than the roots when repotting a healthy plant.