Intro to Our Substrates
If you like a more hands-on approach to plant care or want full control over your growing medium, individual substrates are the way to go. Unlike pre-mixed soils, substrates let you customise your own blends based on your plant’s exact needs - whether that’s better drainage, more aeration, or moisture retention.
Substrates are the materials used to build your plant’s growing medium. They provide structure, drainage, and aeration for healthy root growth. Unlike soil, substrates don’t contain nutrients but help create the right environment for your plant’s roots.
Our Substrates
A chunky essential for orchids and aroids alike, coarse bark adds structure and airflow to soil mixes, helping to mimic the loose, well-draining environments many tropical plants love. It breaks down slowly, improving mix longevity and supporting healthy root development.
A natural moisture balancer, activated charcoal helps keep things fresh by absorbing excess moisture and filtering out impurities. Ideal for terrariums or improving drainage soil blends.
Worm castings are nature’s slow-release fertiliser, rich, crumbly, and packed with goodness. They feed your plants gently over time, improving soil structure and boosting root health.
Lightweight clay pebbles that create a breathable foundation for terrariums, semi-hydro setups, and pots without drainage holes. Great for promoting healthy root zones and preventing rot.
Light, porous, and fantastic for boosting airflow, coarse pumice holds onto just enough moisture without becoming waterlogged. Ideal for cacti, succulents, and chunky tropical blends.
Semi-hydro is perfect for self-watering pots, semi-hydroponic setups, and propagation. It provides excellent wicking, breathability, and root support, making it ideal for everything from young cuttings to established plants in semi-hydro systems.
Heavy, angular grit is a go-to for boosting drainage and weight in soil mixes. Ideal for succulents, cacti, or stabilising tall, top-heavy plants without compacting the soil.
Soft, springy, and water-retentive, vermiculite excels at holding moisture and nutrients. It’s ideal for seed starting, propagation, or improving water retention in drier mixes.
Sharp, washed horticultural sand improves drainage without compacting. Great for cacti and succulent mixes, or as a neat top-dressing to help manage moisture levels.
Zeolite is a clever mineral that supports healthy root growth while helping retain moisture and nutrients. It improves soil structure, prevents compaction, and adds stability to custom soil blends - great for a wide range of houseplants and propagation setups.
Highly absorbent and breathable, sphagnum moss holds moisture like a sponge. Perfect for propagation, humidity-loving plants, moss poles, and moisture boosts in soil mixes.
Lightweight, volcanic perlite keeps soils airy and breathable while aiding water retention. Great for tropicals, propagations, and houseplants that need light, fluffy roots.
Building Your Perfect Mix
Choosing the right substrates gives you full control over your plant's environment. Whether you're aiming for ultra-fast drainage, extra moisture retention, or something in between, mixing your own growing medium lets you fine-tune care for your plants' natural needs and makes growing even more satisfying.
Browse our full range here to start building your substrate toolkit!