How to Make Potting Mix for Houseplants! | My Go To Soil Mix! | Soil Mix DIY

#soilmix #soilmixture #pottingmix
This video is all about my go to soil mix and how I make my potting mix for my houseplants! This is what I use for my houseplants except for plants I haven't repotted yet. I honestly love my soil mix so much. It's chunky and airy so I do have to water more frequently in my environment. This mix is great for most plants except I would add less amendments for some water loving plants.
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* I am not an expert - I'm sharing my process and what has worked for me through my own trial and error throughout several years of growing houseplants
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[@littlebeebs1]

Very nice mix ! Thank you so much ! I know how ya feel about those days ya planned to do all the things and end up feeling crummy . Same here . And always on my days off when I really wanted to do things I enjoy. Next time , please don’t fast forward through the mixing . I so enjoy hearing the sounds of soil being mixed to the point that I have searched for ASMR soil mixing videos. Not many 🤣. I find it satisfying to watch the ingredients mix together as well . 😊

[@junepark1003]

I'm so amazed that you poured the perlite without any of the dust flying in the air 😆

[@plantsbymelissa]

haha, I opened a bag in another video and the dust was crazy! I definitely need to be better at wearing mask when I'm making soil :)

[@cindygonzalez4578]

My plants always get six inside my house, I guess I have alot thinks to learn to keep pretty inside of my house, great videos.

[@davidreid8835]

As I’ve watched your videos for several months now I’ve observed your soil mix and how you use it many times. One thing I’ve learned is to add orchid bark to my mixes. I make my soil as I need it (I need far less quantity of potting soil than you) and adjust my soils to the need of each plant. For water loving plants I add about 25% of peat-based soil to my mixes and for plants that like well drained soil I add more perlite and some orchard bark. I also keep my soils in a tote in the garage so clearly great minds think alike. I like soil products made by a company called Coast of Maine which are available here in New Hampshire. Thanks for your excellent advice as always. I’m envious of the rain you are getting, I could use some of it at my house to water the new trees and shrubs I planted this spring.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I love orchid bark and I don’t think I could go without it honestly! ☺️🙌🏼 the rain is nice to have but then some days it’s like okay, that’s enough 😆😆 I need to start collection if I can because im sure my plants would love it! 😊

[@Gkrissy]

I love coast of Maine. It really brought life back to my roses.

[@jinxu00769]

I stopped using potting soil. I make my own soil: Orchid Bark Perlite Coco Coir fine (sparingly) Worm Castings Osmocote and a Clonex root stimulator to water with and to wet my moss with when making moss poles. Soil has potential for gnats and other nasty germies. Clear pots with the extra air holes helps tremendously! I'm thinking about adding vermiculite and pumus to help with aeration and weight.

[@jessicabey275]

I use Zoo Med repti bark for my bark. (It is just fir bark) Miss orchid girl mentions that in her videos. Its got a good mix of sizes. Right now at pet supplies plus it has it listed for $13 for 8 quarts and $30 for 24 quarts

[@neonice]

That orchid bark is insanely overpriced. It's just a market term for pine bark mulch which you can buy in large bags for a fraction of the price. Same with perlite which is sold in massive, cheap bags as floor insulation.

[@margovaniderstine6402]

I love your video Melissa, you make such great content for crazy plant people like me, also it made my day when I saw your glass of wine on the counter it made me love even more. cheers to you my friend. your my people.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!! haha I have one beside me now as I'm replying to comments lol 😆

[@TMarie7]

Hello melissa! Thank you so much for sharing! Definately going to be trying a chunkier mixture thank you for showing...have an amazing week💙💙

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! Happy to share and you as well! 🙏🏼☺️

[@georginacampuzano6412]

Congrats on your 5K, you deserve it.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so so much! 🥹🙏🏼

[@AngelTorres-rp8kw]

That looks very nice I just mix my soil a different way I'll put the lid on and shake the whole container 😅

[@sriguntarini5378]

Hello melissa!!! Thank you for sharing this! So helpfull... Love from Indonesia🇮🇩

[@justinamontgomery2618]

Just got fox farm for first time.....I am going to make your mix for my ficus repots! Oh cute you were only at 5K making this video :).....see how well your channel is going!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much, Justina! 🤗💗

[@urbanharvestdfw]

ok so im saving this so can come back to this for the spring

[@lindaschneidewind8164]

Thanks for the soil recipe. I've been transferring quite a few plants to LECA to try too. Congratulations on 5000 & here's to the next 5000!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I will be trying leca at some point here! ☺️❤️❤️

[@jinxu00769]

Honestly, the Fox Farm soil looks identical to the mix. You could have just added charcoal to the Fox Farm and been done. It is pretty though.

[@tiffanynicole6918]

Thanks so much for this informative video. Do you ever have an issue with fungus gnats when u by your soils. It seems like almost all the reviews I go through on diff plant mix’s almost 1/3-1/2 complain about opening the bag with gnats or getting a gnat infestation after using mixes. It has me scared to by any of them lol. This is also true for bark too….can u share your experience please? Thanks so much!!

[@liveinfourseasons]

Definitely will try this potting mix, thanks ❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

My pleasure 😊

[@devyvperez8122]

The mix looks soooo rich !!!!! I’m going to try Fox farm soil. I’ve been using Espoma products for everything but it’s good to try other things. Congratulations on your 5K. Very deserving !!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you❤️❤️🥹🥹 I’ve been using this soil for probably a good year and a half! I am branching out a bit to try some other stuff but I’ll always love my recipe 🥰

[@Whoreticulture]

I'm very new to plants and your videos are extremely helpful! You are so knowledgable and I can see your passion about plant care shine through! I hope I can be as knowledgable one day. You are inspiring! Your videos are so relaxing. Thank you, Melissa! You seem like a beautiful soul!

[@emisdemir9866]

Hi Melissa, I’m from Victoria love watching your channel. Would you use this mix for snake plants too?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Hi there! You can definitely use this for snake plants. I don't use this mix anymore but as long as you add some aeration to just straight potting soil it'll be fine.

[@laubrazza941]

Hi Melissa, thanks so much for sharing this! I live in France, and horticultural charcoal is hard to find here. Do you know what could replace it? Have a great day

[@marthaashley1430]

When and why did you decide to switch from Lechuza Pon to this mix?

[@plantsbymelissa]

This mix/video is old I don’t use it anymore :) I don’t use fox farm which is peat based. I use pon and my aroid mix now I DIY 😊

[@marthaashley1430]

@@plantsbymelissa Thank you. Do you have a video on the new aroid mix?

[@StephanieEM1991]

Hello! Do you use this soil for succulents and cacti too?

[@plantsbymelissa]

I don't use this mix anymore but it can definitely work for those :)

[@daliciamatos8114]

Heard that reptile bark is cheaper and that same as orchid bark.

[@katykirchoff3256]

Does it matter if u use perlite or pumice? I’ve been using pumice..

[@xocheenahox]

Is this ok for spider plants, snake plants, pothos?

[@plantsbymelissa]

I don't use this mix anymore :) I have switched to a soilless aroid mix that doesn't contain peat moss. It will work for those plants though :)

[@princemeleth]

This potting mix is good for calathea plants also

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yep! I would just be careful and not make it too chunky though for them. I like my water loving plants to still have a breathable soil but I water it more often ☺️

[@princemeleth]

@@plantsbymelissa k nice, thanks for reply

[@lilmsapril]

Is this the soil mix you use with your sphagnum moss poles? Thanks!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

I have some in Sol Soils houseplant mix as well but for the poles, I usually make it more chunky - I'll add extra perlite and orchid bark :)

[@gloriabuford4576]

Thank you! I just asked this question in another video 😊

[@marlenemartins7896]

Querida, me ensina esta sua em mistura em português porque nao entendo seu idioma anota todos os componentes aqui. Obrigado e sucesso para você.

[@WeirdFlex]

Is this a good soil mix for Alocasia plants?

[@plantsbymelissa]

yep! I have most of my plants in this mix! :)

[@marlenemartins7896]

Brasil

[@uzmaali9746]

Fox farm was teaming with fungus gnats😢😢😢

[@glendamartinez9309]

Do you use this mix for your Hoyas as well?

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yep!! I do have some that are still in their original mix I haven’t repotted but the rest are ☺️❤️❤️

[@marlenemartins7896]

País de primeiro mundo tem tudo de bom. Moro no Brasil e este pais e cheio de falcatrua só vendem gato por lebre brasileiro sofre.

[@limaalexander1460]

Less talking.🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@plantsbymelissa]

No

[@darthtraya8305]

I use Peat or Coco Coir, Compost (Black Cow is my favorite) Orchid Bark or coco coir chunks, perlite, and Charcoal (when I have it.) My house plants love the compost and grow well during the growing season.

[@florance17]

Hello Melissa, you seem like such a nice person and it’s very relaxing to watch your videos while doing some plant chores. Your room is just stunning and I could watch you take care of plants all day honestly 😄✨🌿 Lots of love!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Aw thank you so much! 🙏🏼🤗

[@tiffanyi5645]

This was a great video! I’ve been keeping plants since years before it was trendy and I’ve only recently discovered the absolute JOY of soil making!! 🤗 lol I literally love it and now I have to fight the desire to repot all of my plants lol

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!! I love making my own mix and I love how you can control what’s in it! ☺️

[@Studio_243]

Thank you for sharing. Your gentle manner of speaking, methodically and deliberately explaining, is truly captivating.

[@nelsonporter8387]

I agree!

[@beckythebealge]

I’m the same way I just love mixing my soil. I feel like my plants love me more for it❤️

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yes!! I feel they definitely appreciate it 🥰🙌🏼

[@libbyw6855]

Just getting into my plant care and your videos are so helpful 🥹 also, you remind me so much of Drew Barrymore!

[@sunshineonmyshouldersmakes8331]

Me today...

[@tzurtex6336]

Foxfarm is worth $10😅😅😅 and long term it isn’t the best but mixing it in seems good. It is slightly acidic and it lacks phosphorus and potassium for plants that require smaller nutrients. If you use it on a blooming plant, after 4-5 seasons the soil becomes slightly anaerobic and some plants react to it some don’t but it makes your plants extremely sad. If you’re paying

[@tzurtex6336]

Waste forest products on soil is not good

[@rhi963]

please tell me more! i honestly am having such an issue with any potting soil, might be bc im im hawaii in near constant 70-80% humidity

[@tzurtex6336]

@@rhi963 I'll tell you what potting mixes contain. They contain Peat moss Or Coconut Coir, Perlite, Compost, and waste forest products some have bat guano and worm castings which worm castings are amazing. Peat moss is annoying to rehydrate Perlite is good but it doesn't have enough (since the perlite in the potting mixes are small they break down easier and float up as the soil compresses over time) Waste forest products is basically how they water it down.. The compost provides short term nutrients but once when it breaks down it suffocates the roots. I buy more coarse perlite and pummice and add it to any mixes I buy. Fox farm ocean forest is hot in nutrients since it has the guano and castings but the happy frog is less hot. I tried out sunshine mix #4 and I loved it (home Depot) but it needs to have coarse perlite and pummice so it doesn't retain too much water. I suggest you to buy red wiggler worms and make your worm castings with it. They require bedding like shredded paper/cardboard and you feed them your food scraps. The product is amazing with red wigglers.

[@Binnie_303]

@@tzurtex6336peat moss is horrible and extremely unsustainable.

[@allenpost3616]

Thanks for sharing your soil mix. The charcoal is an amazing soil amendment that everyone should be using in their mix. It does wonders for filtering out the bad stuff from media making for a healthier plant. My mix is a coco coir base with worm castings, charcoal, pumice, orchid bark, and fluval stratum. My plants love the vermicompost! It does wonders you should try it some time. 👍

[@SshhhTrouble]

What mix would I use for pilea mollis? I have cactus/succulent soil, coco coir, pumice. I also have worm castings

[@Isabelle-009]

I love the sound of the soil being mixed 👌😂👏

[@plantsbymelissa]

Same!! 😂🙌🏼

[@kimberlylarkins8858]

Is this the aroid mix?

[@justinamontgomery2618]

It is a stormy day here too....I have all my ingredients to make a bin of mix! I think today will be the day! Thanks for the inspiration :)

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!! Yay! Glad I inspired you! Happy mixing!!

[@viren1929]

Thanks it helped me a lot.. I was keeping my calathea in wrong soil mix.. Was holding water for way too long and very less aeration.. Now I know how I can make it more light and airy potting soil..

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! Glad it helped! I love this mix but it’s definitely airy! 🥰

[@lisaanglim9588]

Congratulations Melissa on reaching 5 k. You certainly deserve it.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much!! 🥰🥰

[@patriciamusquiz2834]

Happy for you Melissa! Congratulations 🍾 You make wonderful content 🤗

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much!! 🥹❤️❤️❤️

[@johnniekuykendall2696]

Thanks for sharing your potting mix!

[@plantsbymelissa]

You’re very welcome! 🥰

[@taylormcelveen3477]

I just recently started using moss poles like yours, but I’ve noticed that my moss poles dry out way quicker than my soil. Any advice?

[@moraimaloera2065]

I immediately went to Amazon to order the orchid bark and charcoal 😅. I usually get the miracle grow orchid bark and they’re always infested with fungus gnats 🙄.

[@ThanhNguyencuoc]

👍🪴thanks you so much ❤

[@planty_friends_myc3863]

Hi mine is nearly the same mix :) but I like your Badis soil more than mine - need to check if it’s available in my country

[@rosehunter7788]

Oh my goodness you are so sweet thanks for this. So glad I found you.

[@nelsonporter8387]

I’m going to try this! Thank you Melissa!!

[@nelsonporter8387]

Prettiest plant lady on KZbin!

[@beverlysullivan1427]

Is it good for African violeys

[@bobnicholson3087]

Great video I have all the ingredients to create this potting mix. Could you possibly send me the percentage breakdown? I would appreciate it very much. Thank you.

[@bbkiki8480]

Aim for about 30-50% soil or coco peat. How much you use depends on your humidity and your watering habits. 20% orchid bark and 20% perlite or pumice. You could also add some charcoal, leca or coconut chips as well.

[@shortcakesdb]

Do you store your soil in an air tight container or do the bins have air holes? I've noticed my soil mix container has evaporation building inside and I'm worried about mold.

[@plantsbymelissa]

It's sealed but not super air tight I would say but no holes though. I would make sure you try and store it somewhere cool and dry where no light hits the box or you can leave the lid off to let it dry some inside and that should help!

[@sagewillowLisa]

:40 to :56 - me Monday thru Friday (during my work week). 🙋🏻‍♀️🤣😅💀🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@plantsbymelissa]

😂😂🙌🏼

[@nao32ka]

Love your content and videos! Luna’s guest appearance is an added bonus! ❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so very much!

[@silvanaansaldof7846]

Hi Melissa🤗! First, I love your videos and content. They are relaxing 😌 and never boring, plus your love for plants always show through. I live all the way in South America, especially Valparaíso, Chile 🇨🇱. I can never get hold of bark or charcoal. They just don’t sell it here. I was wondering, can I substitute orchid bark for decorative mulch? Would it work? Thank you 🙏 soooo much for all the info

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! ☺️🙏🏼 I’m not too sure of that honestly! If it’s treated with anything I would be cautious. You can use coco husks or coir too it helps retain moisture like the bark would ☺️

[@silvanaansaldof7846]

@@plantsbymelissa Thank you so much Melissa for taking the time to respond! I will experiment with the mulch and see how it works. If I find coco coir or husk, I will surely try that 🫶

[@monicaf2965]

I’m so excited! I’ve got all the ingredients and I’m gonna mix a batch this weekend. I’ve got plenty to repot. And thank you for mentioning that I’ll have to water more frequently. I’ll be mindful of that. Love your channel, Melissa. 🪴💚 Btw, the mix looks like a loaded caramel apple from Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory. It DOES look delicious! 😂🤣

[@gloriabuford4576]

I’m definitely gonna get these mixes and give it a try 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@plantsbymelissa]

🥰🥰 thank you! I love this mix for my plants!

[@madelinerivera3837]

I love Fox Farms, I use it as well along with those amendments. I tend to make it as I need it. In the past I tried storing soil in a container made with Black Gold and the soil grew mold. I was glad I had not stored a large batch. Have you had any issues like that with that particular mix?

[@plantsbymelissa]

I have used miracle grow in the past and didn’t have a good experience. I got gnats a lot and one time I opened a bag and tons of bugs were everywhere 😅 I use miracle grow for outside plants but never again for houseplants lol. Since then I used better quality fox farm and never stored in a big bin. I’m always cautious about mold and stuff forming so I just stick to a smaller bin at a time 😊

[@madelinerivera3837]

@@plantsbymelissa yes I agree. I make it as I need it.

[@Ginger_Odie]

I will definitely be trying this 💚🙌🌿 thank you for sharing 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

You’re welcome!! Thank you!! ☺️

[@PatriciaMartinez-fk6ej]

I love your channel!!!❤️😭

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!! 🥰🙏

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

I will highly recommend you use activated charcoal instead of horticultural charcoal. The reason for this is the pH level of horticultural charcoal is alkaline meaning it's always above 7, while the pH level of activated charcoal is acidic which is always under 7. So when you mix a much as 10% horticultural charcoal in with a lot of soil, you can end up with a high pH level which can cause shock to the plant, making it drop leaves or at the very least stun the plants growth for some time.

[@MICHIGANGIRL4TRUMP]

I agree activated charcoal is better

[@brooklin_bernek]

How can we still If it’s activated charcoal? And can you share where you buy yours from?

[@Pudin788]

You should stop spitting unnecessary nonsense…. More information is needed 😊

[@brendabrown7864]

Thank you Melissa you are always so helpful, I follow you on Instagram too love your videos. Happy Week ahead 💚🪴💚🥰