Aroids are a diverse group of plants known for their stunning foliage and ease of care. However, one of the most important factors for their success is having the right potting soil. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect Aroid potting soil that drains freely and won't rot your plants. We will focus on key ingredients, including coco coir chips, orchid pine bark, perlite, pumice, and organic potting soil, and explain their benefits and unique properties. We will also highlight promoted products that can help your Aroids thrive.
Understanding the Key Ingredients
Coco Coir Chips
Coco coir chips are made from the fibrous outer shell of coconuts and are an excellent alternative to peat moss. They are highly porous, allowing air and water to flow freely through the soil, which is critical for Aroids that require well-draining soil. Coco coir chips are also pH-neutral, providing a stable environment for your plants to grow. Additionally, they are sustainable and eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for conscientious gardeners.
Orchid Pine Bark
Orchid pine bark, or Orchiata, is a premium-grade bark that has been stabilized to prevent it from breaking down quickly and drawing down nitrogen from the soil. This makes it an ideal ingredient for Aroid potting soil, as it allows for consistent and long-lasting drainage. It is also highly porous and retains moisture well, providing an optimal environment for Aroids to grow.
Perlite
Perlite is a type of volcanic glass that is expanded by heat, creating lightweight and porous granules. It is a popular ingredient in potting soil, as it improves soil drainage, aeration, and moisture retention. Perlite is also sterile, preventing the growth of harmful pathogens that can harm your plants.
Pumice
Pumice is a volcanic rock that is highly porous and lightweight. It is an excellent ingredient for Aroid potting soil, as it provides optimal drainage and aeration while retaining moisture. Pumice is also pH-neutral and does not decompose, making it a long-lasting ingredient that will provide consistent performance over time.
Organic Potting Soil
Organic potting soil is a mix of peat moss, compost, and other organic materials that provide nutrients and support for your Aroids. It is important to choose a high-quality organic potting soil that is free from harmful chemicals and additives.
Responsibly Sourced Mixes That Still Perform
Sustainability matters — especially when you’re building soil from the ground up. Wherever possible:
Choose peat-free options like coco coir over peat moss to reduce environmental impact. Coconut coir rests lightly in your mix and still holds moisture without bogging roots down.
Opt for quality bark and charcoal from reputable nurseries or growers — cheap bark often breaks down too fast, robbing soil of nitrogen and structure. A premium orchid bark or horticultural charcoal will pay dividends in drainage and longevity.
By thinking about where ingredients come from and what they actually do in the soil, you’re gardening smarter and greener.
Why Each Ingredient Does More Than You Think
Now that we’ve covered what goes into a great aroid mix, let’s unpack what each ingredient actually does - not just what it is. This helps you make smarter swaps or tweaks depending on your conditions:
🌿 Horticultural Charcoal: Think of this as a tiny filter in your soil. It adsorbs toxins and excess moisture while providing extra air spaces for roots — perfect in humid homes or heavier mixes.
🐛 Worm Castings: These little nutrient powerhouses don’t just feed your plants slowly and gently — they also bring beneficial microbes that support soil life and root health. That means stronger, happier aroids that push growth naturally.
🪨 Pumice vs Perlite: Both lighten the mix and boost drainage, but pumice hangs around longer in the soil and holds trace minerals too. Perlite moves air quickly and dries fast. Use more pumice if you water less often, more perlite if you’re chasing airflow around roots.
Adding these with purpose — not just volume — is what separates good soil from great soil.
Preparing the Perfect Potting Soil Mix
Preparing the perfect potting soil mix for Aroids is a critical step in ensuring their success:
- Combine 2 parts Orchiata bark with 1 part coco coir chips, 1 part perlite, and 1 part pumice in a large container.
- Mix the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.
- Add in 1 part organic potting soil and mix well.
- Use a pH meter to ensure that the soil mix has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, which is optimal for Aroids.
- Store the potting soil mix in an airtight container until ready to use.
- It is important to avoid common mistakes when preparing Aroid potting soil, such as using regular potting soil, not mixing the ingredients thoroughly, or using low-quality ingredients.
Tailoring Your Mix: Ratios for Real-World Growing
Not all homes and climates are the same, so the “perfect” mix isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are a few go-to ratio ideas you can try — and tweak — based on your environment and plant size:
Standard Aroid Mix (great all round):
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5 parts orchid bark
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2 parts coco coir
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2 parts perlite or pumice
Wetter Homes / Lower Light:
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4 parts orchid bark
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3 parts coco coir
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2 parts perlite
Dry Homes / Frequent Waterers:
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6 parts bark
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1 part coir
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3 parts pumice/perlite
Seedlings & Juveniles:
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A slightly finer texture (more coir, less bark) helps delicate roots access moisture while still breathing.
These ratios aren’t strict rules — they’re starting points. If your soil feels too light and dries quickly, add a little more coir. If it slumps and sticks, up the chunky stuff.
Usage & Best Soil Practices
Don’t Compress Your Mix: Aroids love air around their roots — if you pack soil down like a garden bed, you rob that airflow. Gently firm the mix around roots instead of squishing it.
When to Water: Rather than a schedule, feel the soil. If the top couple of centimetres are dry, it’s time to water. Aroid soil should be moist, not soggy.
Roots Tell All: If roots inch out through drainage holes, your mix might be drying out too fast or the plant is ready to repot. Healthy roots should be crisp and light-coloured — mushy or dark roots mean too wet.
Repotting Rhythm: You’ll find most aroids enjoy fresh soil and a slightly larger home every 2–3 years — especially as their root ball fills out.
Mix Tips for Your Favourite Aroids
Not all aroids drink and breathe the same, so here’s how to tailor your substrate:
Monstera & Philodendrons – These leafy champs appreciate a mix that holds a touch of moisture but still breathes. A balance of bark and coir does just that.
Alocasias & Calatheas – With finer roots and a love of humidity, add a bit more coco coir and pumice to hold moisture without waterlogging.
Anthuriums & Rare Foliage – These tend to prefer a chunkier blend with larger bark pieces and charcoal to encourage oxygen flow deep into the mix.
Signs You Need Fresh Soil: Slowed growth, soil that smells sour, or water that sits on the surface all point to a tired mix.
Maintenance of Aroid potting soil
How to maintain the potting soil mix
Maintaining your Aroid potting soil is crucial for ensuring your plants stay healthy and vibrant. The good news is that it's not difficult to maintain the perfect potting mix. Begin by checking the moisture level of the soil once a week. If the soil feels dry, water your plants until the water drains from the bottom of the pot. If the soil feels wet, hold off on watering until it feels slightly dry.
Signs that your potting soil needs maintenance
It's important to keep an eye out for signs that your potting soil needs maintenance. Signs that your potting soil needs maintenance include a decrease in plant growth, yellowing leaves, and a sour or musty smell emanating from the soil (root rot). If you notice any of these signs, it's time to repot your Aroids.
Tips for regular maintenance of the potting soil
Regular maintenance of your potting soil can help prevent common issues like over-watering and under-watering. To maintain your potting soil, check the moisture level once a week and water as needed. Avoid over-fertilizing your Aroids as this can cause root burn and other problems. Additionally, remove any dead or yellowing leaves as they can attract pests and disease.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake to avoid is using too much fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm your Aroids. Another mistake to avoid is using soil that is too heavy or compacted, as this can prevent proper drainage and lead to root rot. Finally, avoid using pots without drainage holes, as this can cause water to pool in the bottom of the pot and lead to over-watering.
Benefits of using our products
Dr. Greenthumbs Root Roids
Dr. Greenthumbs Root Roids is an all-natural root stimulator designed to promote healthy root growth in your Aroids. Its unique blend of ingredients includes humic acid, seaweed extract, and beneficial bacteria that work together to improve soil health and plant growth. Simply mix a small amount into your potting soil to provide your Aroids with the nutrients they need to thrive.
GreenSpace Liquid Fertilizer
GreenSpace Liquid Fertilizer is a liquid plant food designed to provide your Aroids with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Its balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is formulated to promote healthy foliage and flower growth. Simply dilute the fertilizer in water and apply it to your plants every two to three weeks during the growing season.
How these products can help your Aroids thrive
Both Dr. Greenthumbs Root Roids and GreenSpace Liquid Fertilizer are designed to provide your Aroids with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. By using these products in conjunction with the perfect potting soil mix, you can create an optimal environment for your Aroids to thrive.
FAQs about Aroid potting soil
What is the best soil mix for Aroids?
Aroid plants require a soil mix that is well-draining, yet holds enough moisture for the roots to take up. The perfect soil mix should be rich in organic matter, with good aeration and drainage. The ideal soil mix for Aroids consists of coco coir chips, orchid bark, perlite, pumice, and organic potting soil, blended in the right proportions to suit the specific needs of your Aroid plant.
Can you use regular potting soil for Aroids?
While regular potting soil may work for some indoor plants, it is not recommended for Aroids. Regular potting soil tends to hold moisture for too long, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Aroids require a soil mix that is well-draining, with good aeration and moisture-holding capacity, which can be achieved by using the right ingredients in the correct proportions.
What are the signs that your Aroid potting soil needs maintenance?
There are several signs that your Aroid potting soil needs maintenance, including yellowing or browning leaves, slow or stunted growth, lack of new growth, and soil that is consistently damp or waterlogged. These symptoms could indicate that the soil mix is too compacted or has lost its ability to hold moisture properly.
Can you reuse Aroid potting soil?
Yes, you can reuse Aroid potting soil, but it is essential to refresh and revitalize the soil before using it again. To do this, remove any debris, roots, and dead plant material from the old soil and mix it with fresh soil components in the correct proportions. Additionally, you can sterilize the soil by baking it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about an hour, which will kill any pathogens or pests.
How often should you repot your Aroids?
Aroids generally prefer to be root-bound and do not require frequent repotting. However, it is a good idea to repot your Aroids every 2-3 years to refresh the soil mix and provide room for new growth. Signs that your Aroid needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slow or stunted growth, and yellowing or browning leaves.
Can you reuse aroid potting soil?
Yes — but it’s best to refresh it. Remove old roots, break it up, then mix in fresh components to restore airflow and nutrients.
How do I sterilise old mix?
For peace of mind, spread old soil on a tray and bake in an oven at ~180 °C for about an hour. This helps kill pathogens and pests (just let it cool fully before reuse).
What soil pH do aroids like?
Aroids are happiest around pH 5.5 – 6.5 — slightly acidic. You can test with a simple soil pH tester and adjust with lime (to raise) or sulfur (to lower) if needed.
Why is my mix compacting or drying too fast?
Compact soil usually means too much fine material (like small coir or potting mix). Add chunky bark or pumice. If it dries too quickly, increase water-holding components like coir or even a dash more organic potting soil.
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