Three Potting Mix Recipes for Indoor Plants, Herbs and Succulents
Use flexible ratios for three plant groups, then test drainage and drying in your own containers.
Quick answer: Use recipes as starting ratios, not laws. For foliage plants, combine a moisture-holding base with bark and aeration. For herbs, use nutrient-rich compost in a well-drained base. For succulents, increase stable mineral material. Ingredient particle size, pot type and weather change how every recipe behaves.
Foliage plant starting mix
- Try roughly two parts quality base mix, one part bark and one part perlite or lava rock.
- For thirstier ferns, increase moisture retention; for aroids, increase chunkiness.
- Do not bury stems deeper when repotting.
Herb and vegetable starting mix
- Use roughly two parts base, one part mature compost and one part aeration component.
- Large fruiting crops need deeper containers and ongoing feeding.
- Refresh compacted surface material without damaging fine roots.
Succulent starting mix
- Begin around one part organic base to one or two parts mineral material.
- Adjust for rainfall, pot material and species.
- Test a sample pot through a full wet-to-dry cycle before using it across the collection.
A Bangalore-ready action plan
- Observe the plant and its position in daylight before making a change.
- Check the root-zone moisture and drainage, not only the top centimetre.
- Change one major variable and watch the newest growth for evidence.
- Record a dated photo so improvement is judged over weeks, not hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can sand replace perlite?
Fine construction sand may compact; use clean, appropriately coarse horticultural material.
Do I need charcoal?
It is optional and does not compensate for poor drainage or watering.
Why measure by parts?
Any scoop works, making the ratio easy to scale.
Next step: Shop mixes and amendments, or ask Plantsy for a recommendation based on your light, space and care routine.
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