Comparison: Best Dirt For Potted Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
But with so many options on the shelf, how do you know which one’s truly best? We’ve dug into the details—literally—to compare top soil mixes, from moisture-loving peat blends to airy, well-draining alternatives. Whether you’re growing succulents, herbs, or lush ferns, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. Let’s uncover the dirt on the best potting soils that actually deliver results.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for fast-drain cactus mix: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for all-purpose growth boost: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic indoor blend: Omitgoter Potting Soil Mix 1qt for Indoor Plants
- Best for mess-free repot mat: 39.5″ X 31.5″ Large Repotting Mat for Indoor Plants Transplanting and Dirt Control Portable Potting Tray Plant Gifts for Plant Lovers Gardening Gifts for Women & Men
- Best for realistic faux moss: USMOLA Fake Green Moss for Potted Plants
- Best for certified organic superfood: Houseplant Superfood and Fertilizer | Makes 20 Gallons | Organic Premium Concentrate
- Best for long-lasting succulent feed: The Grow Co Succulents & Cactus Plant Food – Gentle Long Lasting Formula
- Best for coco-based pothos soil: Perfect Plants Organic Pothos Soil | Horticultural Potting Mix for All Indoor Potted Pothos | Grow Healthy houseplants Indoors (8qts.)
- Best for worm castings fertilizer: Elm Dirt Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer for All Plants – Indoor or Outdoor (1 Bottle)
- Best for hand-picked forest moss: DUSPRO Dried Moss for Potted Plants
Product Comparison: Best Dirt For Potted Plants
Fast-Drain Cactus Mix
Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm and Citrus Potting Mix, for Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Great for Succulents, 8 qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix features a fast-draining formula and is enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- This fast-draining formula is blended to help promote successful growing of cacti, potted palms, citrus, and other succulents
- This cactus potting mix is designed for indoor and outdoor container plants, including cacti, palm plants, citrus trees, and succulents
- To use this succulent soil mix, fill a pot with a drainage hole 1/3 full of mix, top with more mix after placing plant, and press lightly
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, each able to fill two 8-inch containers (amounts may vary based on root ball size)
All-Purpose Growth Boost
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Shrubs, Annuals, and Perennials, Feeds Up to 6 Months, 8 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- Feeds all potted plants: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds all types of potted plants, including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, annuals, and perennials for up to 6 months
- Promotes growth: This potting soil Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs. unfed plants)
- Boosts color: Get more blooms for more color (vs unfed plants)
- Application: To apply this potting medium, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix, place your plant in the soil, and fill the rest of the pot, pressing lightly; water thoroughly
- Coverage: Each 8 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix fills two 8 inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending on the size of the root ball)
Organic Indoor Blend
Omitgoter Potting Soil Mix 1qt for Indoor Plants, Organic Houseplant Soil Well Draining Dirt Ready to Use, Fit for House Plant Like Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, African Violet
Omitgoter
- 【Optimal Nutrient Balance】 Specially formulated with a balanced blend of essential nutrients to support healthy indoor plant growth, ensuring vibrant foliage and strong development.
- 【Enhanced Drainage and Aeration】 Provides excellent drainage and aeration, preventing root rot and promoting robust root health, crucial for thriving indoor plants.
- 【pH Adjusted for Indoor Plants】 Precisely pH adjusted to suit the needs of indoor plants, creating an ideal growing environment that supports optimal nutrient uptake.
- 【Moisture Retention Technology】 Incorporates advanced moisture retention technology to maintain consistent soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering and care.
- 【Pre-Mixed and Ready to Use】 Comes pre-mixed and ready to use right out of the bag, making it convenient for immediate planting and saving you time and effort.
Mess-Free Repot Mat
39.5″ X 31.5″ Large Repotting Mat for Indoor Plants Transplanting and Dirt Control Portable Potting Tray Plant Gifts for Plant Lovers Gardening Gifts for Women & Men
Onlysuki
- ✅ What You Get – 1* 39.5″x31.5″ Plant potting mat 1* Fixed strap
- ✅ Material Features: Made of thick high-density PE waterproof fabric, waterproof on both sides. The surface is smooth and does not stick to dirt. Very easy to clean, quick dry, reusable, foldable, easy to store, stain resistant, wear resistant and long life.
- ✅ Great Ideas: The copper buckles on the 4 corners are very useful to prevent water and dirt from spilling and avoid staining the floor or tabletop. Cleanup is a breeze with this repotting mat! No more putting off needed plant care because of messes on the kitchen counters and floors! Great concept!
- ✅ Easy to Use & Store: It was easy to assemble, just by snapping the 4 corners together. Pour the potting soil back into the container when the transplanting job is complete. Easily wipes clean with a damp paper towel or cloth. The attached velcro can perfectly fix the transplanting mat, making it easier to store.
- ✅ Uses: Suitable for early spring sowing, transplanting, seedling raising, potting plants, soil replacement, plant pruning, plant watering and other projects in the kitchen, lawn, and terrace. Keeping your desktop tidy helps you control clutter.
- ✅ Save you more time, save potting soil, keep your desktop tidy, easy to clean and fold, making potted plant transplanting no longer a chore!
Realistic Faux Moss
USMOLA Fake Green Moss for Potted Plants, 4OZ Artificial Moss for DIY Crafts, Faux Moss for Table Centerpieces Fairy Garden Decor (Fresh Green 140gr)
USMOLA
- Fake Moss for Potted Plants: You will receive 1 x 4OZ artificial moss (113g), providing you with a generous amount of moss for your crafting needs. Elevate your home or office decor with our artificial moss, a perfect natural touch for any holiday or occasion. No need for water, soil, and fertilizer – this indoor & outdoor moss will stay vibrant and green for years.
- Natural Look and Feel Craft Moss: Our faux moss boasts a completely natural look and durable texture, perfect for weddings, home decor, DIY projects, special events, woodland parties, basket fillers, and fall decor. It’s great for wedding bouquets, wedding flower walls, and interior decor for any occasion.
- High-Quality Craft Moss: Our stunning artificial moss is crafted from fake preserved moss, ensuring a soft, realistic, and vivid color appearance.It’s perfect for model making and decorating, table settings or weddings, and more. It is an ideal choice for those seeking green moss, decorative moss, dried moss, craft moss bulk, artificial moss, and moss for potted plants.
- Easy to Use: No water needed and evergreen. Just enjoy the calming beauty of our real-looking moss. It’s perfect for DIY floral arrangements, shadowbox decoration, giveaways, and more. Add a beautiful natural element to your floral creations with our artificial dried moss.
- Wide Application of Artificial Moss: Our decorative green moss is perfect for seasonal centerpieces, floral arrangements, orchid decor, potted plants, and even mini garden centerpieces for a smashing garden party. It’s ideal for all kinds of floral design projects, wreaths, arts and crafts, terrariums, aquariums, and more.
Certified Organic Superfood
Houseplant Superfood and Fertilizer | Makes 20 Gallons | Organic Premium Concentrate
Joyful Dirt
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC PLANT FOOD: Concentrated, premium plant food and fertilizer specifically formulated for indoor and outdoor plants. Joyful Dirt comes in a convenient shaker bottle for easy application.
- EASY TO USE: One simple shake of Joyful Dirt plant food onto the soil on each side of the plant and then water normally. Or, you can mix Joyful Dirt directly into your favorite watering can. Use once a month or as often as every watering.
- CONTAINS: We cracked the code on caring for your plants using only the highest quality nutrients and superfoods.
- RESULTS: Joyful Dirt produces noticeably more healthy and vibrant plants. We are incredibly proud of our certified organic formula.
- SAFE: Peace of mind. Joyful Dirt is safe for pets and kids.
Long-Lasting Succulent Feed
The Grow Co Succulents & Cactus Plant Food – Gentle Long Lasting Formula, Slow Release Fertilizer (Liquid Alternative) for All Potted Succulent, Cacti & Aloe Vera Plants (5 oz)
The Grow Co
- LIGHT APPLICATIONS – A balanced mix of essential nutrients with low NPK rates to gently feed your live cacti and succulents. It help enhance root development, color vibrancy, beautiful bloom, and stem growth in both plant types.
- LASTS LONGER, FOR LESS – Easy, ready to use granular formula feeds your plants consistently for 9 months! Simply poke holes or sprinkle around your pot mix, water, and watch your succulent/cactus thrive! Perfect for pots with pumice, pebbles, gravel, perlite, and other organic potting soil mixes.
- LIQUID ALTERNATIVE – Excellent alternative to liquid fertilizer in a spray bottle. Great for houseplants that need consistent nutrition year round but less watering.
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE – Conveniently packaged and ideal to use indoors or around the whole house. Plant food made especially for succulents and cacti in different pots and containers – can be applied even in a terrarium kit!
- PERFECT FOR ALL TYPES – Expertly formulated to be a long term nutrient booster for your potted air plants, aloe vera, string of pearls, desert rose, jade, plumeria, christmas cactus, burros tail, dragon fruit, echeveria, sempervivum, crassula, aeonium, haworthia, and more!
Coco-Based Pothos Soil
Perfect Plants Organic Pothos Soil | Horticultural Potting Mix for All Indoor Potted Pothos | Grow Healthy houseplants Indoors (8qts.)
PERFECT PLANTS
- BEST SOIL FOR ANY POTHOS VARIETY- Growing Green and Gold Pothos is a breeze with this coco based soil blend
- WATER MANAGEMENT- Drain away excess moisture and protect roots, makes each watering more efficient especially if delivering a liquid plant food
- CREATE AN INDOOR PARADISE- Plant your live pothos vines in this top-grade organic medium to create a lush home garden oasis
- FARMER GRADE INGREDIENTS- Indoor gardening made easy with this all-natural planting mix rich in nutrients, without the use of fertilizer. Materials include pine bark, perlite, coconut coir, sand, and garden lime.
- MIXED FRESH IN THE USA- Professionally mixed by the growers on the Perfect Plants farm. Amazing in clay pots or in a raised garden planter
Worm Castings Fertilizer
Elm Dirt Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer for All Plants – Indoor or Outdoor (1 Bottle)
Elm Dirt
- Organic Plant Food: Elm Dirt Plant Food is a premium organic fertilizer crafted with utmost care and dedication. It harnesses the power of premium worm castings and high-quality organic nutrients, making it an ideal choice for nourishing a wide range of plants. From house plants to gardens, shrubs, roses, and even hydrangeas.
- Custom-Cultivated Blend: Enriched with over 250 plant probiotics and more than 50 micronutrients, Experience the benefits of our organic fertilizer as it enriches your plants with essential nutrients, promoting lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and improved overall health. This natural and organic formula promotes robust growth, strengthens plants, and enhances their resilience to environmental stressors like drought conditions and soil imbalances.
- Powerful Organic Ingredients: Our plant food is made from high-quality organic ingredients, carefully selected to provide a balanced and potent nutrient profile. It includes a blend of vital elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace minerals, all crucial for optimal plant growth and flowering.
- Easy Application for Happy Plants: Using Elm Dirt Plant fertilizer is simple and effective. Just dilute the fertilizer with water according to the recommended dosage and apply it to the soil or as a foliar spray. Feed your indoor plants and outdoor garden regularly at the scheduled times and apply the same amount as you do during your regular watering cycle.
- Our story: At Elm Dirt, we take pride in crafting exceptional organic fertilizers that prioritize both plant health and environmental responsibility. Our Plant fertilizers are carefully developed, keeping in mind the diverse needs of various plants. We are committed to sustainability and supporting local production. That’s why Elm Dirt is proudly made in the US, adhering to strict quality standards and eco-friendly practices.
Hand-Picked Forest Moss
DUSPRO Dried Moss for Potted Plants, Forest Orchid Moss for Potting Mix, Sphagnum Potting Moss for Plants Indoor, Real Moss Soil Cover for Houseplant (5 OZ)
Duspro
- 🌎🍀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐔𝐌 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃-𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐒: Made from 100% hand-picked and sun-dried forest moss. Our long-fibered moss is distinct from typical sphagnum or Spanish moss, which ensures a natural and efficient solution. EACH PACK CONTAINS 140 GRAMS (APPROXIMATELY 5 OZ) OF DRIED MOSS, WHICH CAN EXPAND UP TO 4.5 QUARTS IN VOLUME WHEN SOAKED IN WATER.
- 🌎🍀 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐈𝐗 & 𝐒𝐎𝐈𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑: Our Moss is the perfect choice for moisture-loving plants like orchids, retaining essential nutrients, and holding moisture while ensuring effective drainage to prevent waterlogging, creating the ideal environment for healthy root growth. It’s also a versatile cover for indoor plants like monstera, bonsai, climbing plants, venus carnivorous, and succulents, enhancing their appearance while maintaining balanced moisture.
- 🌎🍀 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒: DUSPRO Natural moss says no to artificial dyes and completely keeps to the natural green color of real moss. That provides your reptiles feel comfortable to sleep, craw, breed, hide & hibernation.
- 🌎🍀 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄: Moss for potted plants can also used for decoration like DIY crafts, planting propagation, plant topper decor, outdoor moss liner, kokedama, terrariums, vivarium, moss wreaths… Especially for Christmas, Noel, Birthday, Thanksgiving, New Year, Wedding, Easter Day…
- 🌎🍀 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒: Please wear gloves when handling the moss and soak it in a container of warm water, preferably outdoors. To decompress, either spray gently with water or soak quickly; the moss will expand to its full size. After soaking, squeeze out the excess water and let it dry completely before use. Though compressed for quality preservation and waste reduction, it will naturally fluff up once hydrated, adding natural beauty to your indoor space.
- 🌎🍀 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄: For all customers, whether sensitive to strong scents or not, I recommend handling the moss outdoors and waiting till it dries before bringing it inside. Since it’s made from natural forest moss, it has a distinct smell, especially when soaked. Our moss is naturally sourced, so its green color may vary with the weather and season, which may cause slight color differences from the listing images.
- 🌎🍀 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐃: We ensure that our premium potting moss undergoes strict quality control procedures and meets our high-quality requirements. But for any reason you are not fully satisfied, please feel free to contact us, our professional customer service team will be happy to provide you a choice of replacement or refund immediately.
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 should I look for in a potting mix for succulents and cacti?
Choose a mix that drains quickly and has a gritty texture to prevent root rot; ingredients like perlite, pumice, or sand are ideal. Miracle‑Gro’s Cactus, Palm & Citrus mix emphasizes fast drainage, while Omitgoter’s organic blend offers enhanced aeration and moisture‑retention technology. A pH balanced for indoor plants also helps nutrients stay available.
How does the Miracle‑Gro Cactus mix differ from the regular Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix?
The Cactus mix is formulated specifically for drought‑tolerant plants, featuring a fast‑draining formula and added plant food for succulents, palms, and citrus. The regular Potting Mix feeds a broader range of flowers, vegetables, and perennials and promotes larger growth overall. If you grow moisture‑loving foliage, the standard mix is more suitable; for desert‑type plants, the cactus blend is safer.
Is an organic soil like Omitgoter worth the extra cost compared to synthetic mixes?
Organic soils provide balanced nutrients, superior aeration, and a pH tuned for indoor plants, which can reduce the need for frequent fertilizing. Omitgoter’s 1‑qt bag includes moisture‑retention technology that keeps soil damp longer, saving water and time. While synthetic mixes work well, the long‑term health benefits of organic blends often justify the higher price for sensitive indoor plants.
Do I need to add fertilizer if I buy a pre‑enriched potting mix?
Pre‑enriched mixes like Miracle‑Gro Cactus and the regular Potting Mix contain built‑in plant food that can sustain plants for several months, but supplemental fertilizer can boost bloom and foliage color. Products such as Joyful Dirt, The Grow Co Succulent Food, and Elm Dirt provide organic nutrients that extend growth and improve vigor. Use them monthly or as directed to complement the mix’s base nutrition.
What accessories can improve my repotting experience and keep my space clean?
A large repotting mat, like the 39.5″ × 31.5″ waterproof PE mat, catches excess soil and water, protecting countertops and floors. Artificial moss (USMOLA) or dried forest moss (DUSPRO) adds a decorative finish while also helping retain moisture around roots. These tools are inexpensive but add convenience and aesthetic value to any indoor gardening setup.
How do I decide between liquid and granular fertilizer for my potted plants?
Liquid fertilizers, such as Joyful Dirt, are quick to absorb and ideal for a fast nutrient boost during watering. Granular options like The Grow Co’s long‑lasting formula feed plants slowly over nine months, reducing the frequency of applications. Choose liquid for rapid results or when you water often, and granular for a set‑and‑forget approach.
Is it better to use a specialized mix for pothos or a general indoor soil?
Pothos thrive in a well‑draining, coco‑based blend that balances moisture retention with aeration, as found in Perfect Plants Organic Pothos Soil. General indoor mixes work, but they may retain too much water, leading to root issues. Selecting a mix tailored to pothos ensures healthier vines and fewer watering mishaps.