Well Draining Soilless Potting Medium

Bark is often added to improve drainage and promote air circulation.

Well draining soilless potting medium.

Sand feels gritty and clay feels sticky. Most soilless mixes are predominantly sphagnum peat moss. It is also lightweight and inexpensive. Sand improves drainage and aeration but doesn t retain water.

Depending on the type it is reasonably lightweight. This blend of coarse materials is designed for many kinds of orchids. In addition to these common mediums other materials such as bark and coconut coir can be used. Adjust the texture of the medium to create a loose well drained mixture.

Coarse sand is another medium used in soilless mixes. Peat not only holds water well but also drains easily. Sphagnum peat is lightweight and inexpensive. Sand is sometimes added to soilless mix for drainage.

Orchid potting mix improves drainage and helps air reach roots. Just as importantly it s well draining yet water retentive. It bulks up potting mixes without adding a lot of weight and once wet it holds water fairly well. However perlite which is commonly found in many types of potting soil is another option.

Sphagnum peat moss is well draining and well aerated but it s very low in available nutrients and it has an acidic ph typically ranging between 3 5 and 4 5. Granted until you get the peat thoroughly moistened the particles can be very unpleasant to work with. If the potting soil feels too sandy more peat moss should be added. Organic potting mixes are chemical free and made from natural organic materials.

If the potting soil feels too sticky extra sand and peat moss should be added. When you grow vegetables in pots or containers your growing medium must be porous and well draining to allow the movement of water and oxygen to your plant s root system. Orchid potting mix usually doesn t have fertilizer or moisture control pellets. Yes potting soil.

Perhaps a better description of well draining succulent soil mix would be extra drainage or amended drainage. In addition this type of medium is slightly acidic making it great for seed starting. Succulent potting soil needs adequate drainage to keep water from remaining on the shallow roots of these plants for any length of time.