Unless you’re growing hydroponically, the soil is essential to growing plants on the ground. One interesting plant we will discuss in this post is Pothos and their need for soil. Many know that Pothos is one of the simplest and easiest plants to grow. It thrives in low light and is perfect for beginners because it is also neglect-tolerant.
However, Pothos requires one thing; good soil. The right soil is essential in giving nutrients, support, and moisture for their growth and overall health. But do you know what is the best soil for Pothos?
If you’re interested in growing pothos and want to ensure they’re getting the right amount of nutrients, stick with us as we discuss the best soil for pothos and some tips on maintaining this plant.
What are the needs of Pothos plants?
Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a famous houseplant that can grow up to 10 feet long. It has heart-shaped leaves and attractive foliage. You wouldn’t believe that it also has air-purifying properties, which makes it really perfect indoors. But what does this trailing vine need to grow and thrive?
One good thing about pothos is that they require relatively low nutrient requirements. You only need to ensure that they’re getting a balanced fertilizer for their healthy growth. They primarily need nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Make sure you do not overfertilize them.
In terms of lighting, this plant prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. Do not put them in direct sunlight because it’ll burn their leaves. They also thrive in warm temperatures ranging from 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity levels.
The big deal about Pothos is their soil requirement. They need well-draining soil with consistent moisture for them to survive. Over or underwatering is also prohibited. But what’s the best soil for Pothos that you can use?
What are the types of soil for Pothos plants?
There are different potting soil that you can use on plants, and these include the following.
Standard potting soil
This soil type is a common choice for Pothos plants as it is widely available and easy to use. One advantage of standard potting soil is its affordability and convenience. However, some advantage of using this type of soil for Pothos is that it can become compacted over time, which can impede drainage and prevent air from reaching the roots.
Peat-based soil
Aside from standard potting soil, this is another well-known choice for Pothos plants as it is highly absorbent and retains moisture well. One advantage of peat-based soil is its ability to maintain consistent moisture levels and provide good aeration to the roots. However, some disadvantages of using peat-based soil include that it can be difficult to re-wet if it dries out completely and is not a renewable resource.
Perlite and vermiculite mix
This mix is an excellent well-draining soil option suitable for Pothos plants. One advantage of using perlite and vermiculite mix includes its ability to improve soil aeration and drainage, which can help prevent root rot. Meanwhile, its disadvantages include its higher price than other soil options, and it may not provide as many nutrients as other soil types.
Coco coir-based soil
If you prefer an eco-friendly and sustainable soil option for your Pothos plants, we recommend coco-coir-based soil. One advantage of using coco-coir-based soil is its excellent moisture-holding capacity and good aeration. Additionally, coco-coir-based soil is renewable and biodegradable, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
However, some disadvantages include its inability to provide as many nutrients as other types of soil, and it can be more expensive than standard potting soil.
What are the factors to consider when choosing the best soil for Pothos plants?
As you can see, each soil type has its pros and cons, and it might be even harder to choose. So, the only thing you need to decide is to know all the factors and align these factors to the soil types where it fits.
Water retention
Water retention is important to consider when choosing soil for Pothos plants. Each soil type has varying levels of water retention, which can impact the frequency and amount of watering required for your plant.
For example, soil with high water retention can keep moisture for longer, which can benefit plants in dry or arid conditions. However, it can also lead to overwatering and root rot when it comes to Pothos plants. Meanwhile, soil with low water retention can dry out quickly and may require more frequent watering.
Nutrient content
The nutrient content is another important factor to consider. This factor can impact the overall health and growth of your Pothos. Those soil with high nutrient content can give the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development of the plant. However, too much of certain nutrients can lead to fertilizer burn and other issues. Likewise, soil with low nutrient content may require supplemental fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant.
pH level
You might have heard pH level several times before, and yes, it is also a crucial factor to note when it comes to growing Pothos. Soil pH can impact the availability of certain nutrients for the plant and its overall health and growth. Regarding Pothos plants, they prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline can impact the availability of certain nutrients and lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities in the plant.
Aeration
Good soil aeration allows for proper root development and helps prevent root rot. Each soil has different aeration levels, with some soils being more compact than others. Soil with low aeration can lead to root suffocation and impede plant water and nutrient uptake. On the other hand, soil with good aeration allows for proper air circulation and water drainage, which can help promote healthy root development and overall plant health.
What are the top 3 best soil for Pothos plants?
Many soil types are suitable for Pothos plants, and choosing the right one can depend on individual needs and preferences. Here are three of the best soil for Pothos plants we found on the market.
1. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
This product is a well-known potting mix and is an excellent choice for Pothos plants. It combines sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and fertilizer, providing good water retention, drainage, and nutrients for plant growth.
Pros
- Provides excellent drainage
- Contains a variety of nutrients
- Easy to use
- Good for a variety of plants
Cons
- Contains synthetic ingredients
- Can be too heavy
- Expensive
- Not suitable for all plants
2. Espoma Organic Perlite
This is another great option if you prefer a soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage and aeration. It is natural, lightweight, and contains porous material that can help prevent root rot and provide ample air circulation for the roots.
Pros
- Improves soil structure
- Provides good drainage
- Organic
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can be dusty
- Can be expensive
- Doesn’t add nutrients
- May not be necessary for all plants
3. FoxFarm Coco Loco Potting Mix
If you love coco coir-base solid, this product is an excellent choice because it’s an eco-friendly and sustainable soil mix you can use for your Pothos. It is made of coconut coir, which is renewable and biodegradable and provides good water retention, aeration, and nutrient content for plants.
Pros
- Excellent water retention
- Organic
- Contains beneficial microbesContains a variety of nutrients
- Contains a variety of nutrients
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May require additional fertilization
- May require additional drainage
- May not be suitable for all plants
Ultimately, the choice of soil for Pothos plants depends on individual preferences, as well as the specific needs of the plants. It’s important to choose soil that provides good water retention and drainage, adequate nutrients, a proper pH level, and good aeration to ensure healthy growth and development of the plant.
Tips for maintaining healthy soil for Pothos plants
After learning the best soil for Pothos, it’s time to learn how to properly maintain healthy soil for your plant. Here’s what we recommend!
- Make sure to fertilize once a month during the growing season using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Water the plant thoroughly and then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Ensure that it has slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Test the soil pH regularly and adjust if necessary.
- Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes, and use soil with good drainage and aeration.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely or become too wet. Regularly check the soil moisture level and adjust watering as needed.
By following these tips, you can maintain healthy soil for your Pothos plants and help them thrive.
Reward your Pothos with the right soil!
There are lots of soil options available in the market, and this might confuse you and other beginner gardeners who want to grow Pothos. This is why it’s important to take note of the different soil types we’ve discussed above and, from there, align them with your budget and preferences.
Note that all soil types have their advantages and disadvantages, and one thing you can do to find the best soil for Pothos is to consider factors such as water aeration, nutrient content, pH level, and aeration. You can also rely on the products we mentioned and see where you are most comfortable.
Growing Pothos is easy and beginner-friendly, so do not be anxious about growing this type of plant!