Post by @shoptansy

🧱 Base Soil 3 parts Premium organic compost or worm castings 2 parts orchid bark 2 parts coco coir 1 part Rice hulls or coarse perlite Use this as your heavy foundation ingredient when you need a nutrient-rich base, then cut it with extra bark, pumice, or sand depending on your specific plant family! 🌴 Tropical Houseplants 2 parts Premium organic potting soil or coco coir 1 part chunky orchid bark (1/4 to 1/2 inch) 1 part Perlite or pumice 0.5 part Horticultural charcoal Add a handful of worm castings for a natural nutrient boost. 🌵 Succulents & Cacti 2 parts Horticultural pumice or perlite 2 parts Expanded shale or coarse turface 1 part coco coir Top-dress with gravel or akadama to keep the root crown completely dry 🌸 Epiphytic Orchids 3 parts sphagnum moss 5 parts orchid bark (fir or pine) 1 part Medium-grade horticultural charcoal Soak the bark overnight before repotting to help it retain moisture. 🪴 Carnivorous Plants 1 part Pure, unfertilized long-fiber sphagnum moss or cococoir 1 part Horticultural perlite or coarse sand (strictly no chemical fertilizers or Miracle Gro) Always hydrate this mix using only distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater 🌿 Ferns 2 parts Premium peat moss or coco coir 1 part Fine orchid bark or shredded tree fern fiber 1 part Perlite 1 part Worm castings Keep this mix consistently damp and never let it completely dry out 🏙️ Rooftop & Heavy Container Gardens 2 parts Expanded clay pebbles or LECA 2 parts pine bark fines 1 part Heavy duty landscape compost 1 part Coarse vermiculite Incorporate slow-release organic fertilizer granules since rooftop containers leach nutrients quickly 🪵 Aroids & Epiphytic Climbers 3 parts Chunky orchid bark (1/2 to 1 inch) 2 parts Horticultural pumice or coarse perlite 2 parts Coco husk chips 1 part Horticultural charcoal 1 part Worm castings or slow release organic fertilizer This ultra chunky mix requires zero compaction by you the potter, just gently tap the pot to let pieces settle around roots 🟣 African Violets & Gesneriads 2 parts Fine peat moss or coco coir 1 part perlite 1 part Vermiculite 0.5 part Horticultural charcoal Use a lightweight, shallow pot since these plants have compact, sensitive root systems 🌲 Bonsai Trees 2 parts Akadama 2 parts Pumice 1 part Lava rock Sift out all fine dust particles using a mesh screen before mixing to prevent root suffocation 🍋 Citrus & Mediterranean Trees 3 parts Composted pine bark fines 2 parts Coarse horticultural 1 part Quality organic potting soil or compost 1 part Perlite Ensure your container has massive drainage holes and never sits in a saucer of standing water! #plantcare #gardening #soilmatters