This premium Chunky Potting Soil is expertly formulated for aroids and jungle plants that demand exceptional drainage and airflow. Ideal for Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, Anthurium, Orchids, and Hoyas, this mix promotes healthier root development and lush foliage.
Designed to prevent root rot and compaction, this peat-free blend features a nutrient-rich, airy composition that meets the needs of both novice and expert plant parents. It's pet-safe, ready to use, and perfect for both propagation and large houseplants.
Features
• 100% peat-free and pet-friendly formula
• Improves aeration and prevents overwatering
• Contains premium ingredients: pine bark chips, coco coir chips, perlite, zeolite, and worm castings
• Gentle nutrition from microbe-rich worm castings
• Perfect for low-light and high-humidity environments
• Excellent for self-watering pots (with modifications)
• Suitable for orchids, bromeliads, and other epiphytes
• Supports healthy foliage and vigorous growth
• Available in 8L and 27L bag sizes
• Won’t compact over time – structure stays loose for root oxygenation
Why You Should Buy
If you're struggling with root rot or poor plant performance, this chunky mix transforms your indoor jungle. Designed to mimic the loose, airy soils of tropical habitats, it keeps roots healthy and breathing. Whether you're repotting a mature Monstera or propagating a Philodendron, this soil blend offers the drainage, nutrition, and ease of use plant lovers dream of.
FAQs:
What is Chunky Potting Soil actually made of?
A premium, super-airy blend of horticultural pine bark chips, coco coir chips, perlite, zeolite, and worm castings. Average chunk size is 5–15 mm.
Does Chunky Potting Soil contain peat moss?
No. If you see “peat” on some older packaging, that’s a print error—this mix is peat-free.
What plants is Chunky Potting Soil best for?
Aroids and other jungle/tropicals that hate soggy feet—Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, Anthurium, Epipremnum, Syngonium, plus bromeliads, orchids and hoyas.
Can I use Chunky Potting Soil for succulents and cacti?
Yep—it's free-draining enough. If your space is very humid, you can cut in more chunky perlite or pumice to make it even sharper.
Is Chunky Potting Soil safe for pets and kids?
Yes—100% pet-friendly and safe to handle. Still, store it out of reach like any garden product.
Is the Chunky Potting Soil mix fertilised?
It has gentle nutrition from worm castings but no heavy slow-release charge. Feed plants as normal (liquid or slow-release) once they’re settled.
What bag sizes does Chunky Potting Soil come in?
8 L and 27 L.
How much potting can I do with one bag?
As a rough guide: 8 L fills ~1 x 20 cm pot; 27 L fills ~3–4 x 20 cm pots. Use the volume calculator on the product page for exact numbers.
Why is it called “chunky”?
The 5–15 mm particles keep big air pockets through the root zone—better oxygen, faster dry-downs, happier aroids.
How does zeolite help?
It acts like a nutrient “magnet,” holding onto fertiliser and making it available to roots instead of it flushing straight out.
Will Chunky Potting Soil help prevent root rot?
It won’t fix bad watering, but the high aeration and fast drainage massively reduce the conditions that cause rot.
Does Chunky Potting Soil attract fungus gnats?
Chunky, peat-free mixes dry faster on top, so they’re less gnat-friendly than dense soils. It’s not gnat-proof—avoid overwatering and consider a dry top-dress or sticky traps if gnats visit.
Is Chunky Potting Soil sterile or “living”?
It’s a living mix (thanks to worm castings). You might see harmless white mycelium—totally normal and beneficial.
What if I see a bit of white fuzz on top after a week?
That’s usually friendly fungal mycelium. Break it up and increase airflow. It’s a sign the biology is active.
Can I bottom-water with the Chunky Potting Soil mix?
Yes—works great. Let the pot wick water for 10–20 minutes, then drain. Because it’s chunky, it won’t clog.
Good for self-watering pots?
It can work, but keep the reservoir modest. If the top never dries, add extra bark/perlite or mix in 20–40% standard potting mix to tune moisture.
How often should I water?
Only when the top 3–5 cm are dry. In chunky mixes that can be more frequent in summer, less in winter. Lift the pot—if it feels light, water.
Do I need to add perlite or bark?
No—it's ready to use. You can tweak it for your climate: add more bark/perlite for very humid homes, or 20–30% standard potting mix for very dry homes.
Can I use Chunky Potting Soil straight for propagation?
Yes—cuttings that prefer airier media (aroids, hoyas) root well in this mix.
Is Chunky Potting Soil okay for orchids and bromeliads?
Yep—the chunkiness suits epiphytes. For orchids that like it extra open, mix in a bit more bark.
Will Chunky Potting Soil compact over time?
Much less than regular soils. Bark and coco chips hold structure, so roots stay oxygenated longer.
What pH is the Chunky Potting Soil?
Neutral-leaning and plant-friendly. No need to adjust out of the bag.
Does Chunky Potting Soil include coco coir “fines” that get muddy?
No—this is chip-forward (chunky) coco for structure, not mush.
Can I mix Chunky Potting Soil 50/50 with a normal potting mix?
Absolutely. Great way to “open up” a dense mix while keeping a bit more water retention for thirsty plants like Calathea.
Any tips for first repot?
Knock off old, soggy soil, trim dead roots, pot in Chunky, water through once, then let it breathe—don’t re-water until the top dries.
What pot type works best?
Terracotta gives faster dry-downs; plastic holds moisture longer. Choose based on how you water and your room’s humidity.
Does Chunky Potting Soil stain hands or floors?
Minimal mess versus peat/MG-style mixes. Lay down paper or a mat if you’re repotting indoors.
How do I feed plants in the Chunky Potting Soil mix?
Light liquid feed during active growth or a gentle slow-release top-dress. Zeolite helps hold nutrients where roots can use them.
Is Chunky Potting Soil okay for LECA-style growers switching back to soil?
Yes—chunky structure gives LECA-like airflow with the simplicity of a potting mix.
What’s the difference between Chunky Potting Soil vs. our regular Premium Potting Soil?
This one’s much more open and fast-draining for aroids/epiphytes. Premium Potting Soil suits general indoor plants that like more moisture.
Does Chunky Potting Soil play nice with moss poles?
Perfect match—roots will happily explore the open structure and climb. It also packs well into Glory Poles.
Will the bark attract bugs?
No more than any other organic medium. Good hygiene and sensible watering are what matter.
Is Chunky Potting Soil okay for seedlings?
Use something finer for germination. As soon as seedlings have a root system, up-pot into this for airflow.
How long does an opened bag keep?
Months. Reseal, keep dry and out of sun. If it dries out completely, just moisten evenly before use.
Can I reuse the Chunky Potting Soil mix?
Yes—shake out old root matter, add a handful of fresh worm castings and a splash of chunky perlite/bark to refresh structure.
My plant still wilts—why?
Likely underwatering (mix drains fast) or a root issue from before the repot. Check roots, water thoroughly, and adjust frequency.
Will Chunky Potting Soil work outdoors?
Yes for containers—especially for plants that demand drainage. In hot/windy positions, monitor moisture more closely.
Can I use Chunky Potting Soil with slow-release AND liquid feed?
Yes—just go light with each. Over-fert isn’t helpful in an airy mix.
Can I top-dress with bark or sand to block gnats?
Definitely. A dry top layer plus sensible watering is a simple gnat deterrent.
Is there anything I shouldn’t mix into the Chunky Potting Soil?
Avoid fine, muddy composts or heavy garden soil—they kill the airflow this mix is designed to provide.
What if my home is very dry and plants droop between waters?
Blend in ~20–30% standard potting mix or add a bit of coco fibre to hold moisture longer.
What if my home is very humid and pots stay wet?
Open it further: add extra bark/perlite (10–30%) and use terracotta pots.
Any warning for self-watering reservoirs?
Keep the wick light and let the top dry. If it feels constantly damp up top, open the mix or reduce the reservoir level.
What’s the simplest care routine with the Chunky Potting Soil mix?
Bright, indirect light; water deeply, then wait until the top few cm are dry; feed lightly in spring/summer; repot when roots fill the pot.
Final checks before repotting?
Choose a pot only 2–3 cm wider than the root ball, pre-moisten the mix slightly, and don’t bury stems—just the roots.
Please note - we have been advised of some incorrect information which has been printed on our packaging. This mix does not contain peat moss like the packaging indicates, this was printed in error and we are working on correcting this misprint.
