Comparison: Best Compost For House Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
With so many options out there, from peat-based mixes to eco-friendly alternatives, choosing the best compost for houseplants can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down together and find the perfect blend to keep your leafy friends happy, healthy, and growing strong.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for pet-safe moisture: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for rapid compost boost: Jobe’s Organics Fast Acting Granular Fertilizer Compost Starter
- Best for odor-free compost: Charlie’s Compost – Odor Free Organic Fertilizer for Home Gardens
- Best for trace mineral power: Organic Plant Magic – Truly Organic™ Fast-Acting Water Soluble Plant Food – All-Purpose Fertilizer Concentrate for Flower
- Best for premium organic blend: Organic Potting Soil for Indoor Plants. Boost House Plant Growth for Monstera
- Best for gnat-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for odor-free manure: Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost
- Best for water balance soil: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for odorless fish humus: Fishnure – Humus Fish Compost Fertilizer for Indoor Plants
- Best for instant compost tea: Organic Instant Compost Tea (5 oz) – Probiotic Plant Food Bloom Booster & Yield Booster for Hydroponics & All Gardening Types | Microbial Formula Converts Amino Acids for Enhanced Growth (5
Product Comparison: Best Compost For House Plants
Pet-Safe Moisture
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
Back to the Roots
- FORMULATED FOR INDOOR USE: Our Potting Mix contains organic yucca extract that aids in retaining moisture in the soil whichs keeps your indoor plants happy and healthy
- ROOT-BOOSTING MYCORRHIZAE: This beneficial soil component provides your plants with a natural, organic way to boost their root development and nutrient uptake
- ORGANIC AND PEAT-FREE: Our indoor potting mix helps reduce greenhouse emissions and environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for conscious consumers
- BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: Balances the alkalinity and acidity levels of the soil, which ensures that your plants receive the necessary nutrients from the potting mix to grow healthy and strong
- SAFE FOR PETS AND PEOPLE: Made without bark or compost, this potting mix is less prone to indoor gnats and pests, making it a worry-free option for your indoor gardening needs
Rapid Compost Boost
Jobe’s Organics Fast Acting Granular Fertilizer Compost Starter, Easy Plant Care Compost Accelerator, 4 lbs Bag
Jobe’s Organics
- Organic compost starter speeds up the composting process and is ideal for outdoor compost piles
- Compost accelerator is formulated with a 4-4-2 NPK to provide vegetables, plants, and flowers nutrients they need for a high yield and vibrant foliage
- Jobe’s organic compost starter contains no synthetic chemicals and is OMRI listed for organic gardening by the USDA
- Compost starter is easily applied and should be used every 4-6 weeks or as needed
- Jobe’s Organics provides a wide variety of plant fertilizer and soil amendments to give gardens the right amount of nutrients without over fertilizing
Odor-Free Compost
Charlie’s Compost – Odor Free Organic Fertilizer for Home Gardens, Raised Beds, Containers, Seed Starting Mix, Natural Soil Amendment with Biochar 10lb
Charlie’s Compost
- ENRICHED SOIL CONDITIONER: Our compost is a perfect soil amendment, adding essential nutrients and improving soil structure for healthier plant growth. Also works great for your seed starting mixes.
- ODOR-FREE COMPOST: Experience hassle-free composting with our specially formulated low-odor compost. n Perfect for urban gardeners, apartment dwellers, our compost allows you to nourish your plants without worrying about strong odors. Whether you’re using it indoors or in a compact outdoor garden, you can maintain a fresh and clean environment while enriching your soil naturally.
- ORGANIC COMPOSTER BOOST: Enhance your home composter’s efficiency with our organic compost, rich in microorganisms that break down organic matter quickly.
- VERSATILE USE: Ideal for garden beds, potted plants, and lawns, our compost is a versatile addition to any gardening regimen, ensuring robust plant health.
- COMPOST TEA READY: Create nutrient-rich compost tea with our compost; it’s the perfect liquid fertilizer for a natural, sustainable boost to your garden’s vitality.
- CONTINUOUS NUTRIENT RELEASE: Charlie’s Compost provides a slow, steady release of nutrients, ensuring your plants have a consistent supply for optimal growth.
- EASY-TO-USE: Our compost comes in a convenient 10lb bag, making it easy to apply directly to your soil or compost bin without any mess.
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA: With a specially formulated blend, our compost works quickly to enrich your soil, ensuring your plants get the benefits sooner.
- ODOR-REDUCED COMPOSTING: Enjoy a more pleasant composting experience with our low-odor compost, making it suitable for urban and small-space gardeners.
Trace Mineral Power
Organic Plant Magic – Truly Organic™ Fast-Acting Water Soluble Plant Food – All-Purpose Fertilizer Concentrate for Flower, Vegetable, Herb, Fruit Tree, Garden & Indoor Houseplants [One 1/2 lb Bag]
![Organic Plant Magic - Truly Organic™ Fast-Acting Water Soluble Plant Food - All-Purpose Fertilizer Concentrate for Flower, Vegetable, Herb, Fruit Tree, Garden & Indoor Houseplants [One 1/2 lb Bag]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510yaUo8LZL._SL500_.jpg)
Organic Plant Magic
- New Package – Same Amazing Product that Plants & Customers LOVE!
- EASY & ALL PURPOSE – Simply grow healthy plants and beautiful gardens… Just add directly to seed, soil, transplant roots, existing plants, or mix with normal watering. Works for everyone, every plant, everywhere, every time!
- A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY – 1/2 lb bag makes 32+ gallons or treats up to 1,000 sf of soil or plants. Provides benefits of compost and advanced nutrition that builds healthy nutritious living soil and feeds plants continuously on-demand.
- AMAZING GROWTH, COLOR, & FLAVOR – Empower your plants to express their full genetic potential. Get intense leaf, flower, fruit, veggie and herb production. Grow more vibrant color and flavor than ever before.
- BIOLOGY OVER CHEMICALS – This unique versatile powder is packed with every essential plant nutrient, plus 55+ trace minerals, amino acids, humic acids, kelp, and beneficial GroBiotics including mycorrhizae proven to provide everything your plants need to naturally grow their best!
Premium Organic Blend
Organic Potting Soil for Indoor Plants. Boost House Plant Growth for Monstera, Fiddle Leaf, Money Tree, Pothos, Snake Plant, Aroid, Flowers, Herbs, Veggies, & More, Smart Grower 3 LB Ready to Plant
Smart Grower
- Maximize Indoor Plant Growth Naturally– This premium organic indoor potting soil blend combines organic compost, peat, biochar, worm castings, and coco coir for a lightweight, nutrient-rich mix. Ideal for indoor herb gardens, vegetables, flowers, and house plants like Monstera, Snake Plants, and Money Trees.
- Save Time and Effort with Your Plants– No need for mixing or expanding soil—just open and plant! Smart Grower organic indoor potting soil provides a hassle-free, nutrient-packed living soil with superior drainage to prevent overwatering and root rot giving you a quick, no -fuss solution for happier indoor plants.
- USA Made, Cruelty-Free & Pet Safe – Feel good with organic indoor plant soil made in the USA without bone meal, fish byproducts, or animal-derived ingredients. This organic indoor plant soil is completely pet-safe, cruelty-free, and non-GMO—perfect for eco-conscious gardeners.
- Quickly Revive & Strengthen Indoor Plants – Supercharged with our root-enhancing blend of mycorrhizal fungi, sea kelp, molasses, yucca extract, Trichoderma, and beneficial Bacillus microbes to revive struggling plants, promote strong root growth, and maximize yields for your indoor plants.
- Made For Healthier Indoor Plants – Expertly designed for optimal indoor plant health, extended indoor plant life, and better yields for indoor vegetable plants, flowers and tropicals. Whether you need Monstera soil, Pothos soil, or an aroid potting mix, snake plant soil, fiddle leaf fig soil, tropical plant soil, this premium blend provides everything your houseplants need to thrive.
Gnat-Resistant Mix
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- Recommended for growing beautiful indoor houseplant varieties like Pothos, Spider Plants, Monstera, Philodendron, English Ivy and more
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats, thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss that’s just right
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as a quality product in compliance with industry standards
- A single 4-qt bag fills an 8-inch container; for even more spectacular results, start regular feedings with Miracle-Gro Plant Food 30 days after planting
Odor-Free Manure
Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost, Additive-Free Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens, Flowers, Lawns & Indoor Plants – 10 Quart
BRUT WORM FARMS
- NUTRIENT-RICH GROWTH: Premium cow manure compost packed with nitrogen, calcium, and iron. This organic compost fertilizer enriches soil, boosts microbial life, and supports bigger vegetables, greener lawns, and thriving flowers.
- PURE COMPOSTED COW MANURE: Made only from thoroughly composted cow manure, carefully aerated and tested for safety. No additives, just pure organic manure for plants. Finely sifted texture makes it ideal compost soil for indoor and outdoor gardening.
- NO ODOR, NO BURNS: Brut is odor-free and safe for all plants. Gentle on roots, eliminating the risk of plant burn. A trusted compost for plants, seedlings, houseplants, and delicate blooms indoors or outdoors.
- VERSATILE SOIL AMENDMENT: Perfect for potted plants, shrubs, and vegetable gardens. Use as a top dressing, mix into compost soil for outdoor plants, or enrich organic soil for garden beds. Works as garden compost and manure fertilizer for plant growth.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Our Cow Compost is OMRI listed, representing true organic excellence and bringing the power of nature’s nutrients directly to your plants’ roots. Eco sustainable resorce for your gardening enjoyment!
Water Balance Soil
Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, Protects Against Over and Under Watering, for Indoor Container Plants, Houseplants and Starter Plants, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix protects indoor plants against over and under watering
- This organic container mix is made with responsibly sourced sphagnum peat moss (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers), coir, and quick-start natural fertilizer
- Use this potting medium with all types of indoor container plants, including houseplants and herbs; also great for seed starting
- To plant seeds, fill container with potting mix, follow seed package planting directions, and water; To use with transplants, partially fill container, place plant after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix pressing lightly, and water
- One 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Odorless Fish Humus
Fishnure – Humus Fish Compost Fertilizer for Indoor Plants, Outdoor Houseplant Fertilizer Supports Natural Production of Plant Food for Houseplants, Gardening Essentials, Gardener Gifts, 8 lbs
Fishnure
- Odor & Chemical-Free Humus Fish Fertilizer for Large Areas: Our fish fertilizer for plants is a compost soil conditioner with no fishy smell. Each 8-lb bag of fertilizer for indoor plants covers up to 60 sq ft per pound, making it ideal for gardens/lawns.
- Enhances Yield and Resilience : Create a thriving environment for your plants with this dry alternative to a fish emulsion fertilizer. Our fertilizer for grass and other plants promotes resilience and better absorption of plant nutrients.
- Garden & Houseplant Fertilizer for Better Aeration: Keep your plants’ soil well-aerated with this liquid fertilizer alternative. Whether used alone or with compost worms, our slow-release garden fertilizer encourages microbial activity.
- Supports Soil Fertility & Water-Holding Capacity: An OMRI-listed fertilizer, Fishnure creates a long-lasting humus soil that won’t decompose further. This dry option for fish emulsion is an effective rose fertilizer, bonsai fertilizer, and more.
- Highly Concentrated Indoor/Outdoor Plant Growth Solution: Our compost soil fish manure fertilizer for plant pots or garden beds delivers consistent results. An ideal hormone and antibiotic-free vegetable fertilizer, it effectively supports lush growth.
Instant Compost Tea
Organic Instant Compost Tea (5 oz) – Probiotic Plant Food Bloom Booster & Yield Booster for Hydroponics & All Gardening Types | Microbial Formula Converts Amino Acids for Enhanced Growth (5, Ounces)
Mighty Plant
- NO BREWING REQUIRED: Mighty Plant Instant Compost Tea is 100% Water Soluble and requires no compost brewing. Simply add water, stir, and it’s ready for use as a root drench or foliar spray, embodying ease of use with 100% organic and high-quality natural ingredients.
- POWERFUL BIOLOGICALS: Upon activation in water, it releases potent biologicals that convert amino acids into essential organic molecules, significantly benefiting root zones, growth, and yields without any fillers.
- HIGHLY ADVANCED FORMULA: This formula is a culmination of extensive research, incorporating microbes, specific amino acids, along with Kelp and Yeast Extracts. It’s designed to enrich root zone biology sustainably.
- ECONOMICAL & EFFICIENT: One pound of this powerful formula can produce up to 160 gallons, while a 5 oz package yields up to 50 gallons of Compost Tea, making it a cost-effective solution for any gardening scale.
- ORGANIC FACTORY: A relentless producer of beneficial organic molecules, it works continuously to enhance plant vigor, health, growth, and yield, ensuring your garden thrives.
- HYDROPONICS OR CONVENTIONAL GARDENING: Whether you’re utilizing hydroponics or traditional gardening methods, this compost tea seamlessly integrates into your irrigation system without clogging emitters and is compatible with all Feeding Chart components.
- CONSISTENT RESULTS: Say goodbye to the unpredictability of compost tea brewing. Our formula guarantees uniform quality with each use, thanks to the pharmaceutical-grade brew media.
- VERSATILITY UNMATCHED: Mighty Plant Instant Compost Tea is unparalleled in its application flexibility. It’s perfectly suited for farms, gardens, landscapes, and sports turf, promoting robust growth across all plant types.
- 🇺🇲 MADE WITH PRIDE: Made in Sparta, Tennessee by family members.
- Get Stronger, Healthier Plants Now! – Your plants go to Bloom Booster. Whether you’re a beginner or expert gardener, this instant compost tea ensures explosive growth, resilient plants, and unbeatable yields—start feeding your garden today!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What factors should I consider when choosing a compost or potting mix for indoor houseplants?
Look for a blend that is organic, peat‑free, and contains beneficial microbes such as mycorrhizae to promote root health. Balance of drainage and moisture retention is key, so ingredients like perlite, coco coir, or biochar are valuable. Also check if the product is pet‑safe and odor‑free, especially for indoor environments.
How does Back to the Roots Organic Indoor Potting Mix differ from Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix?
Back to the Roots uses yucca extract and dolomitic limestone for moisture retention and pH balance, while Miracle‑Gro focuses on a peat‑based mix with added fertilizer and perlite for aeration. The former is completely bark‑free and marketed as less prone to gnats, whereas Miracle‑Gro includes a quick‑start natural fertilizer and emphasizes over‑ and under‑watering protection. Both are organic, but Back to the Roots highlights mycorrhizal fungi for root development.
Is a compost starter like Jobe’s Organics suitable for indoor plants, or should I stick to ready‑made potting soils?
Jobe’s Organics Fast Acting Granular Fertilizer is designed to accelerate outdoor compost piles and provides a 4‑4‑2 NPK boost, which can be too strong for delicate indoor pots. For indoor houseplants, a pre‑blended potting mix with balanced nutrients and microbial inoculants is generally safer and more convenient. Use a starter only if you are actively composting and plan to amend your indoor soil after it’s fully cured.
Which product offers the best value for large‑scale indoor gardening, such as multiple houseplants or a small indoor herb garden?
The Organic Plant Magic water‑soluble plant food provides a high coverage ratio—one ½‑lb bag can treat over 1,000 sq ft, making it cost‑effective for many plants. In contrast, bulk potting mixes like the 12‑quart Back to the Roots or the 16‑qt Miracle‑Gro Organic mix are priced per volume but include the growing medium itself. If you already have a suitable soil base, the water‑soluble fertilizer gives the most economical nutrient boost.
Can I use cow manure compost like Brut Cow Compost for indoor houseplants without causing odor or burns?
Brut Cow Compost is odor‑free and finely sifted, making it safe for indoor use, but it is still a high‑nitrogen amendment that can burn delicate roots if applied excessively. Mix a small amount into your existing potting mix and water well to dilute the nutrient concentration. Always monitor plant response and avoid direct contact with foliage.
What are the advantages of using a mycorrhizae‑rich mix such as the one in Back to the Roots or Smart Grower compared to a standard peat‑based mix?
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, and improving drought tolerance. Mixes that include mycorrhizae, like Back to the Roots and Smart Grower, can lead to faster root establishment and healthier growth, whereas standard peat mixes rely solely on the soil’s physical properties. For houseplants that are prone to root rot, the added microbial activity can also help suppress pathogens.
How important is the presence of organic acids like humic and kelp in a fertilizer such as Organic Plant Magic?
Humic acids improve soil structure and increase the availability of micronutrients, while kelp provides natural plant hormones that stimulate growth and stress resistance. Organic Plant Magic combines these with a full spectrum of minerals, offering a comprehensive boost that mimics the benefits of compost tea without the brewing step. This makes it a convenient option for indoor growers seeking both nutrition and soil health.
If I want a low‑maintenance solution that also reduces the risk of fungus gnats, which product should I choose?
Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix and Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix are formulated to be less attractive to fungus gnats due to their bark‑free compositions and inclusion of perlite or yucca extract for better drainage. Both products also promote a healthier root environment that discourages pest breeding. Pairing either mix with a light top‑dressing of sand can further reduce gnat problems.