The 7 Best Soil For Pothos of 2023

So you’ve got yourself a Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, and you’re ready to show off your green thumb. But wait! Before you start patting yourself on the back, make sure you’re giving your new leafy friend the right soil. After all, you don’t want your Pothos to be a sad, droopy mess.

Best Overall: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix 6 qt.

• Brand: Miracle-Gro
• Ingredients: sphagnum peat moss, perlite, fertilizer

Product highlights

I have never been disappointed by tailored lines of Miracle-Gro potting soils. Whenever I’m in need of soil or plant nutrition, this brand is always my go-to. 

I have used a variety of Miracle-Gro potting soils over the years, but I must say that the Indoor Potting Mix of the brand is one of my favorites. This soil mix contains a unique blend of sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and fertilizer that work together to create a perfect environment for indoor plants to thrive.

The product has an innovative formula, unlike other potting soils that contain compost or bark, which can attract gnats, this mix uses coconut coir for easier water retention. 

The soil is very fluffy and lightweight. And unlike some other soils that can hold water, this soil does not, my pothos love it. 

One of the most impressive things about Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix is its ability to revive almost dead plants. I have seen stunted plants perk up and grow new leaves after being repotted in this soil. The soil also has a particular earthy smell that gives me an emotional connection to the authenticity of the ingredients.

The only downside to this soil is that it can be a little dry, so it requires a little soak before use. However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the many benefits that come with using Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix. My personal rating for this soil mix is 4.8 out of 5. It’s truly a remarkable product that I highly recommend to any indoor gardener looking for the best soil for their plants.

Pros

• Good water retention
• Lightweight and fluffy
• No gnats
• Revive plants effectively
• Long term use

Cons

• May require soaking

Best Improvement: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix

• Brand: Miracle-Gro
• Ingredients: perlite, sphagnum, peat moss, a wetting agent, and coir

Product highlights

Having used Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix a time before. I think the performance it gave is nice. After repotting one of my pothos plants with this soil, I noticed an immediate improvement in the plant’s health and appearance within just a few days. This potting mix is designed to be less prone to gnats, and I can attest that it is indeed free from bugs.

One of the features of this potting mix that I like is the wetting agent, which is said to be excellent at holding water for plants, and it did. This is great for keeping your plants hydrated and healthy, but can also lead to soil that doesn’t drain properly and is far too dense.

Regarding the texture, the soil is light and airy. It has supported root development well, while propagating or when repotting. Despite being a little pricey compared to the quantity, the quality of the product is worth the investment. Overall, I highly recommend this potting mix for anyone looking for high-quality, bug-free soil to grow beautiful indoor plants.

Pros

• Rapid improvement seen in plants
• Reduced gnats infestation
• Effective in retaining moisture
• Light and airy texture

Cons

• Limited drainage
• A little higher cost 

Best Effective: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix

• Brand: Miracle-Gro
• Ingredients: perlite, sphagnum, and peat moss, fertilizer

Product highlights

I recently had the opportunity to try Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix on my pothos and was thoroughly impressed with the results. After potting my newly propagated pothos plants, they sprouted and became full and lush.

The soil is light and soft, and very easy to work with. I provide the perfect environment, and the roots thrive and develop as expected. Additionally, I did not encounter any issues with gnats, which is a common problem with some potting soils. The soil also maintains a good level of moisture, which is crucial for keeping your plants healthy and hydrated.

The price of this product is very reasonable, especially when combined with the added fertilizer that feeds your plants for a long time. The small size of the package makes it easy to use and store, and very cost-effective for those who have a small garden.

The one downside is the presence of a bit more wood matter than desired. Also, the 8 qt size can be deemed small for some people, but it was indeed suitable for me for a single repotting season for my container plants.

Overall, I would highly recommend Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix for anyone looking for high-quality, easy-to-use soil that provides excellent results. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this product will help you grow healthy, beautiful plants in no time!

Pros

• Quick effectiveness
• Free of gnats 
• Reasonable price
• Compact size

Cons

• More wood matter than desired
• Small quantity for cost-conscious gardeners

Best Budget: Wonder Soil Organic Potting Soil

• Brand: Wonder Soil
• Ingredients: coconut fiber, worm casting, kelp, perlite  

Product highlights

I can’t express enough how in love I am with WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil! The combination of coconut fiber, worm casting, kelp, and perlite creates the perfect blend for my plants to flourish.

The moment I repotted my propagated pothos, I could see an immediate improvement in their growth and appearance. The plants are thriving, their leaves are a beautiful, healthy green, and their branches are strong and sturdy.

The fact that this soil expands way too much when adding water makes it incredibly cost-effective, which is a huge plus. You can use a bag of this soil for even tens of relatively large pots. I highly recommend this powerful and effective potting soil to all indoor gardening enthusiasts.

The only downside is that I would love to see this product in a larger size option. And, I also advise being careful when following the instructions, as it’s easy to use too much soil for one pot. But, overall, this is a fantastic product that I cannot praise enough!

Pros

• Nutrient-rich
• Promoting good plant growth
• Can expand to fill multiple pots
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Only one size available
• Need to follow instructions to avoid overuse

Best Quality: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix

• Brand: FoxFarm
• Ingredients: sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, fish emulsion, and crab meal

Product highlights

I have tried many different potting soil mixes, but FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix stands out as one of the best. Its carefully crafted ingredients, including sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, fish emulsion, and crab meal, provide the perfect nutrition for my pothos. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my plants continued to look vibrant and healthy without additional fertilizer even after 4-6 weeks of repotting. 

The soil has a light and airy texture that makes it easy for roots to breathe and thrive; new leaves and vines just keep sprouting on the pothos. 

Another plus of this soil is the absence of gnats, which can be a major issue for indoor gardeners. While it may be a little pricier compared to other brands, the quality and results are truly worth the investment. The only downside I’ve noticed is that it may retain too much water, but with a little caution, you can avoid this issue.

Overall, I highly recommend FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix to any indoor gardener looking for a high-quality, nutritious soil mix that will help their plants flourish.

Pros

• High-quality ingredients
• Light, aerated texture
• Includes all necessary nutrients
• No gnats

Cons

• Slightly expensive
• Can retain too much water at times

Best Indoor: Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold

• Brand: Sun Gro Horticulture
• Ingredients: sphagnum peat moss, forest humus, pumice, perlite, worm castings, fertilizer, and a wetting agent.

Product highlights

The Sun Gro Horticulture All Purpose Potting Soil has truly been a blessing to my pothos plants! From the moment I opened the bag, I was greeted with the sweet, earthy scent of healthy soil. The size is just right, not too big or too small, and it’s free of any unwanted bugs or flies. 

My Pothos have thrived since being repotted with this soil; the new leaves and vines did show signs of sprouting.

The soil is impressively absorbent and holds just enough moisture for my plants. However, I do have to be careful with watering as it can retain too much water at times, but mixing it with some coarse sand or perlite helps solve this issue. Another point, this soil may be a bit small for some gardeners who need to fill multiple large pots, but for my pothos, the 8-quart size was just perfect!

Overall, this soil is a great option for anyone looking for reliable and effective potting soil for their indoor plants!

Pros

• The right size, not too big or too small
• No gnats, flies, or bugs
• Good scent
• Soil absorbs water quickly

Cons

• Retains too much water sometimes, affecting drainage
• Relatively small quantity

Best Natural: FoxFarm FX14054 Happy Frog Potting Soil 12 Quart

• Brand: FoxFarm
• Ingredients: forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and fertilizer

Product highlights

I am always searching for the perfect soil to give my beloved pothos the nourishment they need to grow and flourish. And I found FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil. As I believe it can do more for your pothos, gardeners should give it a try!

The natural ingredients of forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and fertilizer work wonders on my plants, providing just the right amount of nutrition. The soil’s excellent drainage helps to keep my plants healthy and thriving, and I don’t need to worry about fertilizing as often.

However, there is a potential downside – it might attract fungus gnats. And let’s be honest, the price is a bit steep compared to other brands. But despite this, I believe that the benefits of using FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil far outweigh the drawbacks.

Pros

• Pothos plants develop well
• Natural ingredients
• Good drainage
• Does not need to be fertilized often

Cons

• Potentially attracts fungus gnats
• Price is a little high

Why Soil Matters for Pothos

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant known for its hardiness and ease of care. It is a trailing or climbing plant with green and yellow variegated leaves and can grow up to 20 feet long when grown as a climbing plant.

Soil, as well as water, and light, are essential components for the growth and survival of plants. It provides the foundation for a plant’s root system and serves as a medium for the plant to absorb water and nutrients. The soil also provides physical support for the plant and helps anchor it in place.

Picking the right soil for your Pothos is like choosing the right wine for your meal. It can make all the difference. The wrong soil can lead to root rot, slow growth, and yellow leaves, but the right soil can help your Pothos absorb all the nutrients it needs to grow big and strong.

In terms of soil, just like the requirements for indoor plants in general, pothos plants prefer a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. The ideal soil for pothos should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0, and contain organic matter to provide the plant with adequate nutrition.

What to look for in good soil?

When choosing good soil for pothos, there are several important factors that you should never overlook: drainage, moisture, nutrients, and soil acidity.

Drainage

Good drainage helps prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and other issues. Indoor plants require well-drained soil to prevent standing water and to ensure that their roots receive adequate oxygen.

Adequate moisture

Indoor plants need consistent moisture levels to prevent wilting, and yellowing leaves and to ensure proper growth. Therefore, the soil must have the ability to absorb and retain an appropriate amount of moisture.

Essential Nutrients

Indoor plants need a variety of essential nutrients to grow and thrive, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A balanced, nutrient-rich soil can help promote healthy growth, vibrant leaves, and abundant blooms. These nutrients are usually derived from earthworm castings, bat guano, oyster shells, etc., which good soil will definitely have.

Aeration

Aeration is important for good pothos soil because it helps to provide the roots with adequate oxygen, avoiding the roots to become compacted. Additionally, good aeration can help to regulate the moisture levels in the soil.

Many people mistake aeration for drainage; however, drainage refers to the flow of water through soil, which allows excess water to drain away. On the other hand, aeration refers to the mixing of air and water in the soil. They are distinct aspects of soil but are both important for healthy plant growth.

Acidic Soil

Many indoor plants prefer acidic soil, which helps create an optimal growing environment. The right soil pH can help ensure that the plant can take up essential nutrients and maintain overall health. Pothos plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. Too high or too low a pH can make plants suffer from stunted growth or yellowing leaves.

Aside from soil characteristics, environmental factors such as the type of container, room temperature, and watering frequency also play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of using good soil. You can visit other pages that discuss these topics on our website.

The Ideal Soil For Pothos

When you choose to grow indoor plants, those plants that go with pots or containers, the garden’s ordinary will not be ideal because it is heavy and compact, causing poor drainage and root rot in containers. Normal soil is also less formulated and may not provide the right balance of nutrients for container plants.

Soil can be amended with organic matter, such as compost or mulch, to improve its structure and fertility. They whip up a soil mixture that’s good enough to make your indoor buddies thrive. They are what we call potting soil. Potting soil is a special type of soil mix that is used for growing plants in containers, like pots or planters.

Imagine your potting soil as a culinary creation. Some ingredients provide drainage; others bring in moisture retention with crucial nutrients. We will give a brief explanation of the main organic matters that are found in potting soil, based on which you can determine which is the one to go for your pothos plant.

• Bark: Think of this as the flour in our soil mix. It’s made from pine or fir trees and keeps things light and fluffy. It helps with drainage, so being among the key ingredients for a happy pothos.
• Coconut Coir: This ingredient comes from the husk of a coconut and is like a sponge, soaking up water and slowly releasing it – just what your pothos needs!
• Perlite: A natural byproduct of volcanic glass that makes things light and airy. It helps keep the soil from getting too compact and holds just enough moisture for your pothos to thrive.
• Peat Moss: Harvested from moss bogs, this lightweight and absorbent ingredient is the heart and soul of our indoor potting mix.
• Horticultural Sand: This is like the eggs in our soil mix – it helps everything hold together and provides a sturdy foundation for your pothos roots.

Conclusion

After reading this post, you may have found that the Miracle-Gro line is somewhat the ideal option for pothos plants. It is indeed; the soil holds moisture well and is rich in essential nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to the growth of plants. However, I have also been impressed with the FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, which has an ideal pH and is abundant in nutrients. There are tons of options to consider.

I hope that you will find the best soil for your Pothos plants soon, and enjoy beautiful pots filled with green leaves. Thank you for reading! 

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