What Soil Do I Need?
Soil is a vital part of successful indoor gardening. Not only does it make caring for your plants easier, it also deepens your understanding of the environments they come from. Plants have adapted to grow in all sorts of climates, and honouring that natural diversity is key to helping them thrive indoors. It all starts with the right soil.
Why the Right Soil Matters
The roots of a plant need both water and air to grow strong and healthy. The right soil gives them access to both. Too dense, and roots suffocate or rot. Too loose, and they dry out too fast. The sweet spot depends on your plant’s natural habitat, and that’s your best clue for what soil to choose.
Start With a Few Questions
To choose the right soil, it helps to understand how your plant behaves in the wild:
- Where is it from? Tropical, subtropical, or arid climates?
- Does it grow in sun, shade, or under a canopy?
- Is it succulent and water-storing, or leafy and moisture-loving?
- What kind of root structure does it have?
These questions will help you understand what kind of environment the plant prefers and what kind of soil will help recreate that indoors.
Examples: Matching Soil to Plant Type
Cacti, like those from the deserts of Mexico, don’t want to sit in wet soil. They’ve evolved to store water and survive in arid, fast-draining conditions. A gritty, well-draining soil like our cactus & succulent mix is perfect here. It dries quickly and helps prevent the overwatering (the #1 cactus killer!).
Plants like Calatheas grow on the rainforest floor and love consistent moisture. For them, you’ll want a soil mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A moisture-retentive soil mix will help maintain the humidity around its roots, creating a more comfortable environment for the plant and making your care routine easier.
Still not sure what to choose? Soil Ninja’s A–Z Houseplant Index is a brilliant resource. It lists loads of plants and matches them to the ideal soil mix—based on how they grow in the wild.
Shop Our Soil Collection
Once you've figured out which soil you need, check out our full range of mixes in store and online, and if you ever need our advice we're always more than happy to help!
Remember, by choosing the right soil based on your plant's needs, you’re creating a home that closely matches its natural environment, which means less guesswork and a happier, healthier plant.
