Menu
Menu
Disclaimer: Your House Your Garden is reader-supported. If you buy something through links on our website, we may get compensated at NO extra cost to you.
There are numerous cultivars of the pothos plant, including Shangri-La, Marble Queen, and Golden Pothos. Because of its hardiness and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, the plant has earned the moniker “Devil’s Ivy.” If untrimmed, its strands can stretch up to 30-40 feet.
The appropriate kind of maintenance is necessary to reap the benefits of a pothos plant, and thanks to our gardening guides, you can learn all about looking after your pothos as well as finding out about the best soil for pothos and other indoor plants.
Finding a soil that drains well, has the right nutritional elements, and holds some moisture without becoming soggy is crucial because not every houseplant soil mix is appropriate for this plant.
Discover why the following items are some of the greatest choices for cultivating this well-known houseplant as you read on to understand what to look for when selecting the best soils for pothos.In this article, we will discuss all about the best soil for pothos plants as well as the key considerations to keep in mind before you purchase the best pothos soil. Keep on reading!
Top Picks for Potting Soil and Mix for Your Indoor Pothos
- 1. Best Choice - FoxFarm Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil
- 2. Editor's Choice - FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
- 3. Best Overall - Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix
Jump to Section
1. FoxFarm Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil
This indoor potting mix from FoxFarm provides a near-natural environment for newly potted plants to get a head start. It contains peat moss, forest humus, and sandy loam, all of which offer good drainage, aeration, and moisture retention.
The Ocean Forest potting mix has been amended with natural ingredients that provide nutritional support, including earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish and crab meal. The blend is designed to encourage strong root development and a robust growth habit. The mix falls within 6.3 to 6.8 on the pH scale, which is right in the optimal range for growing pothos.
2. FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
With the help of soil bacteria, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, forest hummus and other beneficial natural components, FoxFarm’s Happy Frog potting mix helps create a soil that drains effectively, holds onto moisture, and has the minuscule air spaces that pothos roots adore.
Earthworm castings from Happy Frog, bat droppings, and humic acid have all been added to the soil. However, this pothos plant mix also contains oyster shell and dolomite lime, chemicals that normalize acidity and change the pH to a palatable 6.3 to 6.8 pH. Leonardite enhances acidity in the soil. Repotting the plant does not require any additional fertilization, but fertilizing is advised within three months of potting.
Despite its benefits, this soil for pothos plants can be a bit pricey.
3. Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix
Another pick on this list for the best soil for pothos plants is this brilliant Miracle-Gro Houseplant potting mix. It blends together all the key elements and nutrients needed for your pothos plants to flourish and thrive in the best of conditions and soil environments.
This versatile potting soil is also one of the best soil for spider plants, English ivy, and other indoor plant varieties.
One of its best qualities is that this pothos soil is not prone to gnats and this is because of its ingredients such as perlite, sphagnum and peat moss. The blend of these three keep this a well draining potting soil.
It is also certified by the Mulch & Soil Council and one bag is ample for an 8-inch container.
4. IvyMay Redwoods Organic Potting Mix for Houseplants & Aroids
Looking for the best soil for pothos plants? Look no further than this brilliant, eco-friendly pothos potting mix that is completely peat-free, coir-free, and developed with a blend of renewable sources.
These eco-friendly ingredients include Redwood mixed with perlite and organic worm castings. It is also completely ready to use and does not contain any additives or additional chemicals.
Its open-draining formula helps with root support and shields your pothos plants against root rot.
Additionally, this formula is specifically designed for the healthy growth and nourishment of houseplants and aroids as well. It is one of the best soil for monstera plants and other indoor plant varieties.
This IvyMay mix is also 100% organic with no nasty chemicals and it is blended smoothly with peppermint oils for plant strength and also a pleasant smell.
5. Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
This Miracle-Gro is truly a miracle worker! It is especially handy for potted pothos plants as well as other potted plants.
One of its standout qualities is its AquaCoir formula which protects your pothos and other plants against the damage caused by over as well as under watering cycles. It absorbs over 33% of the water compared to average, ordinary wet soil for pothos.
This pothos soil mix helps your pothos grow twice as big!
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Soil for Pothos
Pothos is a good plant to cultivate in hanging baskets because its long, luscious vines can climb over window frames and other structures or trail downward.
The more colorful variegated pothos want a little more light, perhaps next to a window with a sheer curtain to filter the light.
The plant grows well in low to moderate light. Pothos plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, just like other houseplants, making them an appealing addition to a household for both their plant health advantages and ornamental appeal.
Different Types of Fresh Soil for Pothos Plants
Pothos-friendly growth mixtures include elements that make it simple for the plant’s roots to access oxygen. Pothos can be grown in many common houseplant soil mixtures, but stay away from planting it in soil meant for succulents and cacti. If you have different succulents in your home, try one of these best soils for succulents instead.
The moisture that pothos need is not retained by succulent soils because they drain too quickly. Additionally, stay away from growing pothos in garden soil, as it is too compact and can carry insects like gnats that might travel to other indoor plants and infest the house.
The best soil for pothos will usually have one or more of the following ingredients so keep a lookout on your nutrient rich soil bag and its ingredients.
Coconut Coir
Coco coir is an absorbent material that absorbs water. It is made from the coconut husk, which is found between the coconut’s fruit and its tough outer shell. Pothos benefit from the progressive discharge of that water.
Horticulture Sand
This works exceptionally well for drainage of excess water and also adds a layer of structure and sturdiness to the soil to help balance the roots of the pothos plants.
Peat Moss
Peat moss is extracted from moss bods and is known for its light texture and absorbent qualities. This can usually be found as a key ingredient for most indoor potting soil mixes.
Perlite
Light, fluffy, and airy, perlite is extracted as a byproduct of volcanic glass. This ingredient traps the necessary moisture needed for pothos plants to thrive and it also keeps the pothos soil from becoming compacted.
Good Drainage
When caring for pothos, it’s important to place it in a pot with good drainage as well as in a soil type that drains well. Choose a container with holes on the bottom so that water can drain. The plant can be put in a basin or bucket where the water will easily flow through if it is tiny enough.
If sink watering is not possible, think about using a container with a plate that rests below the level of the drainage holes to prevent the roots of the pothos from getting wet. Before applying the growth mix and the pothos plant, add 1 to 2 inches of gravel or tiny pebbles to the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.
Rich and Balanced Nutrients in Pothos Plants Potting Mix
In some cases, you may notice that some brands of potting mix for pothos plants or others come with plant food, but you will still need to give it additional feedings within the first 6 months of repotting. This can also largely depend on the species and type of pothos plants.
After feeding your pothos plants, you can start fertilizing it every 5-6 weeks during the growing season. You can reduce the number of times you fertilize during winter months.
Keep in mind that this plant thrives in slightly acidic soil between 6.1-6.6 pH.
FAQs on the Best Soil for Pothos Plants
Can you use cactus soil for pothos plants?
No, you cannot use cactus soil for pothos plants. This is because cactus soil has poor moisture retention since it is made to allow water to drain from it fast. Pothos, however, need soil that can hold onto moisture for a while.
Can you use all-purpose potting soil as pothos soil?
Yes, you can use all-purpose potting soil for pothos so long as it contains one or more of the following: coco coir, perlite, fertilizer, spaghnum peat moss.
Do pothos plants need a special pothos soil mix recipe?
No, pothos plants do not need a special pothos soil mix recipe. Pothos plants will flourish in very slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.1-6.8. Fortunately, this range covers the majority of potting soils. You might be able to find this information on the label, and you can use a pH meter to test your current soil.
Abigail Clemente
To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.
Abigail Clemente
To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.
