Easy DIY Potting Mix | 4 ingredients + beginner friendly chunky soil mix

[@julievoiceover]

I’ve been experimenting with different additives in my soil mixes. For the succulents, I add sand and lava rock. For my houseplants I use coconut husks, orchid bark and charcoal for extra water absorption and I’ve seen the difference! Coco coir as a base is amazing! I also use worm casting as fertilizer and my plants are so happy 😊

[@amylee503]

Thats basically my potting soil mix for houseplants too! Never going back to bagged potting soil

[@julievoiceover]

@@amylee503 Yes! Bagged soil makes me so sad!

[@kjanhasan9152]

So try for the dumb question...I'm a total beginner...so are those ingredients all you use to pot plants or is this mix added to soil or anything else?

[@habibii6730]

@@kjanhasan9152 coco coir is used as the the soil you mix all those products together for most plants some plants need different proportions

[@thankgodformentalillness6221]

​@kjanhasan9152 this chunky mix is meant to be an alternative to soil so yes, this is all you need. I would add worm castings (worm poop) as well bc it is a natural fertilizer which all plants love. It looks like compost.

[@vickykent353]

I'm so happy to find someone who shares my exact theory on pumice! 🤗 I'm a newby to the plant world as of midsummer last year. I've watched video after video on DIY potting mixes. Almost all say to include perlite to the mix with a side note that perlite rises to the top over time. So, after that happens, what can you be left with at the bottom? Compacted soil was my answer. My solution to that problem was to add pumice to the mix for the exact same reason you said. It stays in place and keeps doing its job. Thank you so much for confirming my theory! 😊

[@allenpost3616]

Outstanding mix, I love it! This is just like mine except I add in worm casting compost as part of the coir base. I do 1 scoop compost for every two scoops of coco and the rest is just like yours. The plants love the compost. 👍

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

I have had the worst experience with root rot lately! I've tried so many different types of mixes but haven't found anything that I like. I just bought charcoal, sand, coco chips, pumice, and lava rocks... along with Coco coir and worm castings that I already have. I've never really been a fan of the miracle grow type orchid bark mix. It doesn't seem to be chunky, rather flat. I'm really hoping that this mix recipe will help with my root rot issues. Thanks so much!!

[@sararosatuulikki]

I've only used store bought ready soil"mixes" (so pretty much just soil, maybe some sand here and there if I was lucky). But I've been curious about mixing my own "soil" and planned to change the soil of all/most of my plants to a better medium this spring. So this video came out perfectly for me!👌🏼 Thank you, great video 😊

[@WoodlandT]

I’ve found it can make a huge difference. I apologize for repeating Fern’s info. But be cognizant of your watering habits as well as the type of pots you’re using. I lean toward under watering and I previously used mostly terracotta pots. With some of the mixes I concocted, along with using terracotta, some of my plants ended up suffering from lack of water. So definitely consider your own habits and don’t be afraid to adjust ratios to find what’s right for you and have fun! Mixing up potting mediums has become one of my favorite things to do for my plants 🪴

[@maripesqueira2515]

So sad actually cause I recently found out that soil from the store doesn’t even have actual soil read carefully they all say potting mix of something similar instead of soil

[@aricstewart1224]

I will definitely be trying this. Ive been using crappy potting mix for years! Now that I am getting into more tropical plants, I really need to up my plant care Ty ty

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

I use mostly bark and some soil. My mix depends on the plant but it's roughly 50 to 80 percent bark. I've been experimenting with some moss lately. Perlite floats to the top so I am not crazy about it if I know I am going to have a lot of water poring on top. I have red volcanic rock from Lowe's. Throwing some rocks in the pot may be helpful for some plants. I'have used leca in my mixes too. Bark, leca, volcanic rock. 3 things. Less is more.

[@Sophia1991sd]

great video. since you are an underwaterer like me, if you replace some of the bark with chunky cocochips it helps. because it's chunky like bark but unlike bark it retains a bit of moisture. my anthurium clarinervium is in just cocochips,nothing more, and it loves it. also adding a little bit of vermiculite helps. it helps to make the mix even more airy but it also restores some water and fertilizer inside it and provides the roots with moisture and nutrients when they most need it. I'm pretty sure some of my plants would die from my underwatering if it was not for the vermiculite in their mix(I use both fine and chunky vermiculite. the fine one helps more in keeping moisture). hoyas also seem to love vermiculite

[@PhoenixFyreRising]

I also add horticultural charcoal and worm castings to my mix.

[@TheQueensWish]

That was a nice video Fern. It’s so satisfying seeing that mix at the end. It’s so perfectly light and chunky.

[@theplantwitch6052]

Thank you for this, I've been playing around with soil mix but really thought I had to use actual soil as the base. Your mix doesn't have any actual soil in it and that's the question I've been wondering about...(I'm rambling but I literally woke up and watched this lol) thank you for this video!

[@wildfern]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meraki4324]

I'm mind blown at the perfect timing lol I'm literally walking outside, stop in my kitchen to grab my little bin and looking for a video to watch while I'll repot and make a fresh mix and boom your video was right there ! Now I can try this mix out !! Thank you 😘😘😘😘

[@wildfern]

🥰🥰

[@ClaudiGaudi]

my potting mix is quite similar - I start with store bought soil and then amend it with bark and my mineral mix and it works like a charm

[@wildfern]

yesss 👌

[@VickyHafler]

Your soil mix is almost like mine but I always also add worm castings. Not a lot but enough to feed the plants. Wonderful video. Thanks Fern!

[@wildfern]

Thanks so much Vicky!!

[@ReXora25]

Do they stay in the container when u grow them indoors? That's the only part that makes me nervous and will it invade the root growth since they probably will reproduce.

[@VickyHafler]

@@ReXora25 Worm castings (or vermicompost) are worm excrement. The castings are made up of live biological organisms, including fungi, actinomycetes, beneficial bacteria, pseudomonads, plant growth regulators, yeasts, molds, trace elements and Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. I don’t put live worms in my plants.

[@kindallnight1615]

Worm castings is just poop​@rxsora25

[@BigBoi658]

I know this is a super random comment but I love the music you use at like 8:30. I associate it with your videos and just good chill vibes. I can't help but smile every time.

[@wildfern]

haha aweee - chill vibes indeed!

[@northernplantucky]

I use cypress mulch a lot. I don't hear anything about other people using it but it works for me. It's still drains. It breaks down slowly, and holds more moisture than orchid bark.

[@jeffzimmerman25]

That's very helpful I'm about to pot up 3 anthurium babies soon. Love the nails too!

[@keborn6teen]

This is how I do it too but I also add worm castings.

[@wandashaw3551]

Hi Fern, I also make my own mix for my plants that don't like LECA! I agree it can smell a bit musty, so I used my soldering iron to put a few holes in the lid so some air can circulate. 😍

[@wildfern]

Oh I love this! So smart

[@GoldenArrow297]

I like this short and crispy video.

[@oliv3691]

Great to see coco coir! We love a Peat Free potting mix!

[@emmasplantz]

I just bought some orchid bark to make more airy potting mix. Thanks for the great info, as always :)

[@jeffree9015]

Buildasoil sells a good size pumice if you are in US

[@hyejinlee8033]

🪴🪴🪴 Coco husk and bark from pet store are my favorites. I add osmocote when I use coco coir

[@ratmannlibertyhound6755]

This is great information along with your older video on diy soil.

[@wildfern]

Thank you!

[@charleyblum1930]

Im excited to watch this! Im very curious. My mix is perlite, orchid mix, worm castings, and fox farms soil.

[@caitlin9951]

Could you do a video on how to water in the winter? I’m dealing with a bunch of root rot because my plants’ soil dries in 7-10 days and I typically water when dry, but I know you’re supposed to cut back when it’s cold

[@a.2461]

that repti bark company also has coco coir! i use it, i think it’s called coconut bedding or something like that

[@hazeieris4478]

Perfect, I was just making a potting mix today. Didn't have the pumice so used akadama instead :)

[@wildfern]

Sounds great! Happy potting :)

[@MaisieVine]

Hi there I don't want to recommend my channel or anything but I'm a newish plant youtuber, if you was looking for more plant videos, I would really appreciate any support 😊

[@shonniemurphy6512]

Yay! Thank you! Buying the bark now!

[@natashac3666]

I love using fern fibre (or Ponga, if you're also a New Zealander) similar to coco coir i guess, but it has loads of nutrients and plants love it! Can be used on its own in place of soil mix. I use it instead of moss for my verticle supports too! Def try it if you are able to find some. Highly recommend!

[@lynn8062]

Hi Natasha, That was going to be my question…if I could use tree fern fibre in place of coco coir. 🤔 I recently purchased some (I live in Canada but was able to get New Zealand fern fibre on Amazon). I’ve found it really great, with some perlite added in, for propagating as well.

[@wildfern]

Hard to find, but yes I've heard it is great!!

[@natashac3666]

@@lynn8062 yes of course! I use it in my soil mix too (similar to Ferns in the video, but I also add a little succ mix to make it go further! ;) ) but it's great on its own as well, it is super light and has lots of aeration so I don't find adding perlite is necessary ! Hoya go mad for it too ❤️

[@ninav5417]

I also add chicken grit, especially in succulent mix. I comes in different grades/sizes, and is very inexpensive.

[@ashxdesign]

Thank you! I literally was thinking about your potting mix for my Hoyas

[@GardenWitchStudio]

Thanks for posting this. I've been wanting to update my mix. I've been using a potting mix and then adding extras to it but I definitely want to get away from using potting mix completely.

[@veronicaalejandra20]

YESSSSSS!!! This is the video I've been wanting! Thanks so much for sharing, I've always been curious to see what your specific mix was 🥳💖

[@wildfern]

😃🥰

[@plantymom]

I am a new plant mama and bought succulent soil accidentally instead of potting soil. I also have perlite and an orchid bark mix. Should I get a potting mix or coco coir to use instead of the succulent soil for a better chunky mix for my aroid plants?

[@carlyamberson]

Thanks! Super helpful 💚🌿🌱🪴

[@Laurynzo33]

I’m still ol’ fashion and love a bit of soil in my mix and some charcoal and cinnamon

[@ThePurpleYarnivore]

I can't wait to try this mix and maybe add some charcoal and do a half and half between soil and coir. 🤔

[@wildfern]

Yes that would be a great combo!

[@jandersen8792]

For the perlite, I grab a hand full at a time and keep my hand squeezed a little while it's still in the bag so the perlite doesn't float around in the air. Saves wearing a mask.

[@rimarockes]

What do you use for nutrition? I was recommend getting warm castings in there

[@emcrawford6401]

Great video, super helpful! I was wondering if you use this mix for your succulents / cacti or if you add sand or cactus mix to it? I'm never sure how to mix up a good cacti/succulent potting mix.

[@CazSantiago]

Hi. General rule of thumb for cacti/succulents is 1/2 half soil, 1/2 perlite/pumice. This is the percentage I use and mine thrive in this mix. Hope this helps!

[@dolinaskinner8444]

Hello Fern. I’ve just found you on KZbin. I think your videos are great. Keep up the good work. I love your enthusiasm as well. 👍

[@wildfern]

Thank you Dolina!

[@natashaoreilly3546]

Ooh I love your Monstera Albo 😻 She is looking fly ✨🌱

[@wildfern]

this is her year!!

[@janikaaho2983]

I can't believe that yesterday I was literally watching your older video of making potting soil, and in the middle of that I had a notification of this video!

[@wildfern]

no way lol!!

[@hotdubtime]

Hi! Thanks for guide. Could you please tell if I can substitute pumice with vermiculite? Or they are different? Or can I substitute pumice with highmoor peat? 🤔

[@wildfern]

Yep you can! They are similar but vermiculite holds onto a bit more water, so just make sure you're not overwatering.

[@hotdubtime]

@@wildfern great! so in your opinion it's better to choose vermiculite not peat, right? And should I add osmocote? I thought all four ingridients from your substrate don't give the nutrition to plant 🥴

[@Peniphony]

@@hotdubtime hi I saw your comment and thought the same. I would suggest adding a handful of slow release fertiliser or worm castings to provide nutrients. If not, you could use a nutrients when watering.

[@debs_boho_jungle]

Hey Fern. I've been making my soil mix for about a year. As its winter, I'm dealing with pests, so finally received my systemic( I have about 200 common to kinda uncommon babies) My question, because we do a chunky mix, there's less nutrients...do you increase fertilizer? I find as I've converted my plants to chunky mix,my plants need more. Love to hear your thoughts/ experiences.

[@victoriasalas5611]

I would also love to know that! I was wondering the same thing as I was watching the video.

[@wildfern]

I fertilize with every watering - yes :) or a slow release (osmocote)

[@DovidM]

Perlite rises to the top of pot if you tend to overwater your plants. For that reason, I don’t use it. Pumice is, as you point out, more likely to stay where you put it.

[@taeganrichards7770]

I just happened to be making my soil up when you posted :)

[@wildfern]

Haha! aligned :)

[@alokasiablackmagic3444]

When the mix is too chunky for the plant that loves water, as simple begonias for ex, it's worse and risky to get roots damage easily when watered too late. I use the same ingredients but measure proportions according to the plants' need. So the plant is happy and I'm less anxious about watering

[@paulaclark7989]

Fabulous! Just what I needed, thank you 😊

[@wildfern]

You are so welcome!

[@angieyaeger2]

I LOVE 😍 your nails!! What color is (was) on your left hand?

[@Mandi_Hui]

I always like plant lovers making there own soil mix. Unfortunately i don’t have much choices in my garden centres. They just have the standard mix for example outdoors plant soil and indoors plant soils. And they are not a good airy mix. I buy the cactus and succulents soil is the only one that is good and i mix perlite with it. I wish I could get my hands on orchard bark for more of a chunky mix and add some pumice too. Also i like to get charcoal too i heard is good to fight off pests.

[@wildfern]

Cactus mix is always a good choice 🙌

[@clairealexander8747]

new video!!! yayyy! i love when you post.

[@wildfern]

thank you so much Claire!! 💖☺️

[@MaisieVine]

Hi there I don't want to recommend my channel or anything but I'm a newish plant youtuber, if you was looking for more plant videos, I would really appreciate any support 😊

[@peggybouillon9737]

Perfect timing! 🌿

[@wildfern]

💚✨

[@natalieshigrov8550]

I get large perlite from a hydroponic store! Im in Australia.

[@rummiii7877]

Hey girl!!! Loved this video I’m new to house plants … and this was so helpful! I had a question while you use this type of mix how often do you fertilize and is it okay to fertilize in the winter time for houseplants if they’re kept under a grow light? I have no windows that have adequate sun exposure to keep even me alive lol so I added a lot of grow lights.

[@MaisieVine]

Hi there I don't want to recommend my channel or anything but I'm a newish plant youtuber, if you was looking for more plant videos, I would really appreciate any support 😊

[@wildfern]

Hey! Yep! I fertilize all year round. I actually fertilize with every watering. I just dilute it to half strength :)

[@laurenjohnson5880]

I love making potting mix lol, I used a deep bin when I made my fresh batch a few days ago and now I'm worried about mold because I had to rehydrate my coco coir so the whole mix is pretty moist from that. Maybe I should divide into some shallow containers, not a bad idea

[@wildfern]

when it's moist I just leave the lid open for a few days and mix it every so often until it dries out - good luck!

[@suedub5156]

Love this vid. Those are my fav amendments too!

[@wildfern]

🙌

[@kriskuboart9635]

I'm about to start my own mix for the first time by the end of the month 🥰 I'm almost using everything you mentioned instead of pumice I got charcoal

[@wildfern]

That sounds great!! Happy potting ☺️

[@Yoliplanting]

Thank you needed this!!!

[@wildfern]

Glad it's helpful! Happy potting :)

[@jackie_gentry]

This is super helpful thank you!!

[@TheLucille7]

I make my own also but haven’t used CC. I’ll try it

[@rmartin3858]

I see all these chunky mix recipes and I just have a question on why there's never any potting "soil" added? Do plants just really not need dirt?! Lol

[@Christine-tf9hj]

I always wonder the same thing. I’ve always used cactus soil for my monsteras and I’ve never had an issue. I think these chunky mixes are better for beginners though to prevent issues if overwatering occurs. But you will have to use some fertilizer to replace some of the nutrients they will be missing out on since there’s no soil.

[@vipdrumnbass9682]

Dirt is just a medium that holds the nutrients and beneficial bacteria,so as long as its got the right nutrients,water retention and airation,u can use any medium, a lot of people switch the compost for coco coir,bark and perlite and either just use liquid fertiliser or worm castings,then theres no need for soil

[@maditux8826]

Rewatching old videos for fun lol

[@MustafaSheikh]

i started with Perlite + potting mix + leca clayballs with my monstera. hoping clay + perlite will help it breathe better.

[@wildfern]

Yes, that sounds like it would work great 👍

[@guywithaplant]

Thanks for this! It would be great if you can do one for Calatheas 🙂

[@amandasaenz1848]

Thank u for sharing this helps 💗

[@ashleyrodriguez7430]

So do u remind better pumic or perlight

[@kickkss]

I'm really new to having houseplants. So, this doesn't need any soil in it at all? Do you have to supplement with nutrients? (I've seen videos about soilless potting mixes like leca, and they say you have to add nutrients into it)

[@ferak09]

Hi Fern! How often do You water this soil? I do this potting soil mix yesterday and want yr tips. Thnks

[@wildfern]

Hey! It depends on what type of pot you're using, what size it is, and what plant is in it. But generally I water most of my plants every 5-7 ish days :)

[@plantseveryinch9024]

Great video short & sweet & to the point !! Love it 😁💯💚🪴🌿🌱 I noticed tho I'm not in your members cards at the end of the video ...

[@wildfern]

Hey! What's your name? Sorry if I've missed you!!

[@wildfern]

(your name on Patreon)

[@plantseveryinch9024]

@@wildfern Plants Every Inch 902

[@plantseveryinch9024]

@@wildfern My name on there is Lady Rebecca but anyone who's group I'm in puts the PEI902 name as wrote above , no worries hun just noticed it the last few videos so thought I'd ask 😉

[@katykirchoff3256]

I’m not sure if u kno anything about Fox Farms soil but I was wondering if u think I should add coco coir to that as well??? Mostly for aroids and calatheas!

[@wildfern]

If you're already using soil as a base there is no need for coco coir :)

[@amandarichard4739]

what about fertilizer? how much and what kind?

[@mcleand]

Can this be used for succulents?

[@maddiehall8262]

What is a good base if you’re an over waterer?

[@arimalfoy8807]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@wildfern]

You’re welcome!!

[@claudigym]

Can I put vermiculite instead of pumice?

[@amandaroth2727]

What’re your thoughts on horticultural charcoal as a soil amendment?

[@PlantDad215]

I have the same question

[@wildfern]

I used to use it, haven't really noticed any difference since I stopped. I'm sure it's beneficial, but for a simple/base mix I think it's fine without.

[@BlackCrowLudo]

What a great and easy video for beginner like me.... but that's it ? No soil ? My alocasias and monsteras in this mix ? Thanks & hi from France 🇫🇷😉🌱

[@wildfern]

Nope, this is a soilless mix, which means you'd have to fertilize often. Alternatively, you can add worm castings or slow release fertilizer :) happy planting!

[@BlackCrowLudo]

Oh thank you so much !

[@marlenemartins7896]

Moro no Brasil pena que não entendo seu idioma. Sucesso querida.

[@brittanyfosberg1029]

I laughed at ,yield when you mentioned mold in the deeper plastic tubs….because that’s exactly what happened tome when I mixed up my own soil recently! I haven’t even touched the container because I just don’t want to deal with it right now 😆 do you ever add a slow release fertilizer to your mix?

[@wildfern]

I don't add slow release fertilizer into my mix, I sprinkle it on top of the plants I want to add it to.

[@paulinha5580]

Hi there. Do you use expanded clay on the bottom or just put the mix in the vase ? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@wildfern]

I don't use expanded clay, I just put it in like this!

[@evelyn_doe]

Hey Fern,hope you're fine!!! very nice video, very useful, thank you :)

[@MaisieVine]

Hi there I don't want to recommend my channel or anything but I'm a newish plant youtuber, if you was looking for more plant videos, I would really appreciate any support 😊

[@mimiwithplants868]

Thank you

[@donnaabotsway3552]

I have only been able to find the Coco Coir in a brick How do I dry it out after wetting it to use and have made too much for my needs please

[@bbkiki8480]

I usually break the brick into pieces so I can wet it in smaller amounts. You just need to get a screwdriver or something similar and peel the coco coir off in pieces. Any extra coco coir I didn’t use up I store in either ziplock bags or in an empty pot.

[@gabrieleweidhuner5727]

Do you add slow release fertilizer when you repot? None of your ingredients contain nutrients for the plants so how do you compensate? I recently bought coco peat & I know it has absolutely no nutrients.

[@wildfern]

Some plants use slow release fertilizer (osmocote) but I fertilize with every watering so I'm not worried about it!

[@jmeelizabethh]

🌟🌟🌟thank you Fern😇😇😇

[@wildfern]

You’re welcome!!

[@mxj28]

Can you link the items? These would be great for my baby pots. My chunky mix is too large for 3” pots.

[@wildfern]

I don't have links because I bought these supplies locally, sorry!

[@beautifulstems1631]

Hi Fern✋🏼is this the same potting mix you use for your alocasia Cupria?

[@wildfern]

Yes, you bet :)

[@WilnaWanderlust]

❤️❤️❤️ im in 🥳

[@wildfern]

🥰🥰🥰

[@68046Matt]

I went sith pure coco. Why add anything anyways.....it dries out fast enough and the roots don't rot if plant gets good light

[@lindastraughn1193]

Are you still using pon for some of your plants? Which ones ?

[@wildfern]

Only for a few - my Ctenanthe lubbersiana, alocasia black velvet, anthurium vittarifolium, and philodendron florida ghost.

[@steve7015]

Hello Fern, Thanks for the great videos I'm new to houseplants. Question: I didn't see any soil in the mix.....is that something you add or is that it?

[@wildfern]

Nope, this is a soilless mix. I fertilize with every watering, but if you don't, you'll want to add some sort of organic compound like soil or worm castings.

[@ChillyXMilly]

Hi fern can you use just regular liquid fertiliser with soilless mixes or does it need to be semi hydro stuff?? I thought maybe the soil microbes needed to break down the fertiliser would mean you needed a different kind? If there was no soil… and the microbes 🦠

[@shawsr5639]

Hi Fern, Love your channel. Quick question, does this mix work for a Monstera Albo? Thanks!

[@wildfern]

Yes you bet!! :)

[@shawsr5639]

@@wildfern Thank you!

[@Nikolas_kloudas]

What about lekka? What do you think! . Btw you are so beautiful 🥰

[@sindhujaramakrishnan9693]

I have a doubt. With these 4 ingredients, where exactly would the plant get the nutrients from? Since there is no soil, how does that work? I am new to the plant world and this would really help me a lot. Thanks in advance

[@wildfern]

I fertilize with every watering or mix in a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote. You could swap out the coco coir for soil if you’d like to as well, or add worm castings. Hope that helps 😊

[@sindhujaramakrishnan9693]

@@wildfern thank you so much! I will definitely try this!

[@colepeterson1295]

Would a monstera like something with more air/chunky or more dense? Potting up my big monstera and I’m so nervous she will die if I do it wrong 😫

[@wildfern]

More chunky!! It depends on the pot and your watering habits also though. Terracotta will require more watering, but if youre using plastic or ceramic definitely go chunkier.

[@dontdomeboo81]

8 quarts of bark is not more than 6-7 where im at in dallas

[@pabloacosta5050]

Hi fern!

[@wildfern]

Hi Pablo!! 👋