Indoor plants bring life and greenery into our homes. But like any living thing plants need the right care and nutrition to thrive indoors. Choosing the best compost for indoor plants is essential for healthy growth. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors in selecting quality compost for houseplants.
What to Look For in Indoor Plant Compost
Not all composts are created equal when it comes to indoor use. Here are the most important characteristics to evaluate:
Nutrient Levels
Indoor plants have different nutritional needs than outdoor varieties. They require compost with lower nutrient levels to avoid overfeeding. Look for compost specially formulated for containers and indoor use. Outdoor multipurpose compost often has excessive nutrients for indoor plants.
Moisture Retention
Compost for indoor plants should hold moisture well without staying overly wet. Since indoor plants depend on manual watering, the compost must retain water in between waterings. Good moisture retention prevents drought stress.
Aeration and Drainage
Proper aeration allows oxygen to penetrate the soil, while good drainage prevents soggy compost. Roots need both oxygen and moisture to thrive. A blend of coarse materials like perlite, vermiculite or coconut coir provides the balance of air and water circulation indoor plants need.
Lightweight and Clean
Heavy, dense compost is difficult to move and handle in indoor pots and planters. Look for lightweight blends designed for indoor use. Clean compost with no large sticks or debris allows for neat, attractive indoor displays.
Organic and Sustainable
Opt for compost made from organic, renewable materials like coconut coir or composted bark. Avoid compost with synthetic chemical additives. Sustainably-sourced compost is better for indoor air quality.
Types of Compost for Indoor Plants
With so many composts on the market, deciding on the best option for your indoor plants can feel overwhelming. Keep these compost types in mind
Potting Mix
Potting mixes are versatile, all-purpose composts blended for container gardening. Most contain a mix of peat or coconut coir for moisture retention and perlite or vermiculite for drainage. Potting mixes are a good general compost for a variety of indoor plants.
Potting Soil
Despite the name, potting soil isn’t actually soil. It’s usually a blend of composted bark or coconut coir with other amendments. Potting soil is formulated specifically for growing plants in containers. The ingredients provide a balance of moisture retention, drainage and aeration for healthy roots.
Cactus and Succulent Mix
These blends contain extra perlite or sand to create very fast drainage and mimic the dry, rocky growing conditions cacti and succulents prefer. The gritty texture helps prevent soggy soil.
Orchid Mix
Orchid composts are formulated from chunky materials like bark, charcoal and expanded clay to allow maximum air circulation to the roots. Orchids require excellent drainage and thrive in an airier mix.
Organic Compost
Organic compost options are produced from natural, sustainable materials without chemical additives. Coconut coir, composted bark fines, worm castings, and composted organic matter create excellent organic blends.
Peat-Free Compost
Peat harvesting damages fragile wetland ecosystems. Peat-free composts replace peat with sustainable alternatives like coconut coir. They offer similar moisture retention to peat-based mixes while preserving natural resources.
Making Your Own Custom Indoor Plant Compost
For full control over the ingredients, you can create your own custom indoor plant compost.
A basic recipe includes:
- 1 part coconut coir or composted bark for moisture retention
- 1 part perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration
- 1 part high-quality organic potting soil or compost for nutrients
- Optional amendments like worm castings or biochar
Mix the ingredients together thoroughly and add to indoor plant pots and planters. You can tweak the recipe by adding more perlite for cacti and succulents or more composted bark for moisture-loving plants like ferns.
Using Compost for a Healthy, Vibrant Indoor Garden
With the right compost, your indoor plants are sure to thrive with lush, vibrant growth. Here are some tips for using compost to maximize the health of indoor plants:
- Always start plants in fresh compost, re-potting as needed to refresh nutrients.
- Add 1-2 inches of new compost when re-potting to boost nutrients.
- Lightly mix some compost into the top few inches of containers each spring.
- During the winter months, minimal nutrients are required for slowed growth.
- Check compost moisture regularly and water thoroughly when the top few inches become dry.
- Consider using compost teas and organic fertilizers to provide nutrients without disturbing plant roots.
Providing your indoor plants with the ideal growing medium gives their roots a healthy foundation. Take time to find and use a quality compost suited to your indoor garden. Your plants will reward you with vigorous, lush growth all year long.
Best Soil for Indoor Plants
What type of houseplant compost is best for indoor plants?
If you’re looking for a general purpose houseplant compost that is suitable for many indoor plants you are most likely to choose this type of growing media. This type of houseplant compost is typically known as a multi-purpose compost or indoor potting mix.
What type of compost is best for plants?
It usually contains a balanced mix of nutrients that support overall plant health. Peat-free compost: For the environmentally conscious plant owner, peat-free compost is a great alternative. This type of compost, often made from coir or wood fibres, is sustainable and provides a similar texture to traditional peat-based composts.
Which compost is best for cactus?
• Cactus compost – cacti thrive in an alkaline soil. Cactus compost is alkaline and contains plenty of nutrients for healthy plants. • Flower compost – a general purpose compost that is good for most plants. It’s a good all-round compost for indoor plants. • Organic potting mix – a general purpose compost for potted plants.
What makes a good houseplant compost?
It must be free-draining but able to retain moisture, and must not become so compacted that the roots are starved of oxygen. These are the basic requirements of any houseplant compost, but different types of houseplant will require subtly different compost mixes for optimum results.
