What type of soil and pot is best for houseplants?
Select a container with drainage holes. Fill it with a well-draining potting soil appropriate for the plant type. Indoor soil tends to be bad at draining and could harbor bugs. Most tropical foliage will do well with a standard airy indoor mix. Cacti and succulents require a soil that drains even faster. The pot should only be slightly larger than the existing root ball.
What soil and pot should you use for houseplants?
Select a pot that has a drainage hole. Use a commercial potting soil made for indoor plants. Typical garden soil is too heavy for containers. It tends to compact around the roots, hold too much water and introduce insects or disease indoors.
Most tropical foliage plants will thrive in a loose mix that is able to retain some moisture while still allowing air to the roots. If your ordinary houseplant mix is staying wet for too long, add some perlite or orchid bark. For succulents and cacti, use a mix that has more grit and is very well draining.
When repotting, go no more than one or two sizes up from your previous container. A container that is too big will hold extra wet soil around your plant's roots, increasing the likelihood of root rot. Repot your plant at the same depth as before. The stem or crown should be exposed above the soil, not buried.
Repotting basics
- Lightly water the plant beforehand to make it easier to remove.
- Gently slide the plant out and check the roots.
- Snip out any roots that are black, mushy, or otherwise severely injured.
- Put new mix in the area around the roots, but do not pack it tightly.
- If the mixture seems too dry, sprinkle with a little water, then drain the pot.
Don't put gravel in the bottom of the pot to increase drainage. It will actually raise the water level. Good drainage is provided by good potting mix, a wide open drainage hole, and a pot that isn't too large for the plant's roots.