Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Water Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all potting mixes are created equal, especially when it comes to aquatic life. The right mix can mean lush lilies, happy hyacinths, and a balanced pond ecosystem. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s best?
- Best for aquacoir moisture: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for six-month growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for gnat-resistant indoor: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for organic indoor guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for organic outdoor boost: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for six-month indoor: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-season growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for fast-drain succulents: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for bulk organic outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Water Plants
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Protects against Over- and Under-Watering, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix feeds plants for up to 6 months and Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs unfed plants)
- This potting medium protects against over and under watering; also absorbs up to 33% more water than basic potting soil* with exclusive AquaCoir Formula (*soil that does not contain sphagnum peat moss, coir, and wetting agent)
- Use this gardening product with all types of container plants, including flowers, vegetables, annuals, perennials, and shrubs
- To use this potting soil, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; place your plant in the pot and cover with more mix
- This bundle comes with two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix; each fills two 8-inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16. qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds container plants for up to 6 months so you get more blooms for more color (vs. unfed plants)
- How to use: To use 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
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch container (exact amounts may vary based on root ball size)
- Where to Use: Use this home gardening product with all types of container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- This potting soil mix Grows Plants Twice As Big (vs. unfed plants)
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
- 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
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 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)
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
- Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix contains a quick-release natural fertilizer and also feeds plants for up to 2 months
- This potting mix is made with responsibly sourced peat (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers)
- Use this organic potting mix with all types of outdoor container plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials
- To plant in pots, fill the container partially full with potting mix, place the plant in the pot after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix and water thoroughly
- One 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Blended for a Variety of Houseplants, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix feeds houseplants for up to 6 months and is designed to be less prone to gnats (contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
- This potting mix contains coconut coir, which holds and releases water and helps soil re-wet
- Where to use: Blended for a wide variety of indoor container plants, including climbing, foliage, flowering, and tropical plants
- How to use: To use, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; add more mix after placing your plant in the pot
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch containers (exact amount may vary based on the root ball size)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Shrubs, Annuals, and Perennials, Feeds Up to 6 Months, 8 qt.
- 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)
Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm and Citrus Potting Mix, for Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Great for Succulents, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- 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)
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 qt.
- Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix contains a quick-release natural fertilizer and also feeds plants for up to 2 months
- This potting mix is made with responsibly sourced peat (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers)
- Use this organic potting mix with all types of outdoor container plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials
- To plant in pots, fill the container partially full with potting mix, place the plant in the pot after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix and water thoroughly
- One 25 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10-inch containers (amount may vary based on the size of the root ball)
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
Which potting mix is best for indoor plants that need a lot of water, such as pothos or philodendron?
For water‑loving houseplants, the Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix is ideal because its AquaCoir formula holds up to 33% more water than standard mixes. It also includes a built‑in fertilizer that feeds plants for up to six months, reducing the risk of under‑watering. If you prefer an organic option, the Organic Indoor Potting Mix provides good moisture retention with peat and coir while delivering a natural fertilizer.
How does the Moisture Control mix differ from the regular Indoor Potting Mix in terms of water retention and feeding?
Moisture Control uses the exclusive AquaCoir blend, which absorbs more water and releases it slowly, whereas the standard Indoor Mix relies on coconut coir and perlite for moderate moisture balance. Both mixes feed plants for up to six months, but Moisture Control also claims to protect against both over‑ and under‑watering, making it a safer choice for beginners. The regular Indoor Mix is slightly less expensive per quart but may require more frequent watering checks.
Are organic potting mixes a good choice for high‑water‑demand plants compared to synthetic blends?
Organic mixes like the Organic Indoor and Organic Outdoor Potting Mixes contain peat, coir, and natural fertilizers that provide steady nutrient release while holding moisture well. They are especially appealing if you prefer environmentally friendly ingredients, but they may not have the same rapid water‑absorption technology as the Moisture Control formula. For most water‑loving houseplants, the organic options perform adequately, though you might need to monitor moisture levels a bit more closely.
What bag size should I purchase for a 12‑inch pot of a water‑heavy plant?
A 16‑quart bag of either the Organic Indoor Potting Mix or the standard Indoor Mix is designed to fill one 12‑inch container, making it a convenient size for a single large pot. If you have multiple 12‑inch pots, consider the 25‑quart bag of the Organic Outdoor Mix, which can fill up to three 10‑inch containers and provides extra volume for larger projects. The 8‑quart Moisture Control bags each fill two 8‑inch pots, so you would need several of them for a 12‑inch pot.
How do the fertilizer release periods compare across the different mixes?
Most Miracle‑Gro blends, including Moisture Control, Indoor, and the standard Potting Mix, contain a built‑in fertilizer that feeds plants for up to six months. The Organic Indoor and Organic Outdoor mixes provide a natural, quick‑release fertilizer that lasts about two months, after which supplemental feeding may be needed. The Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix also includes plant food but is formulated for fast‑draining soils, so its nutrient longevity is similar to the standard mixes.
Can I use the Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix for water‑loving houseplants?
The Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix is engineered for fast drainage, which is the opposite of what water‑heavy houseplants require. While it will work technically, the rapid drying may lead to frequent watering and stress for moisture‑sensitive plants. For best results, choose a mix specifically designed to retain moisture, such as Moisture Control or the Indoor Potting Mix.
Which mixes are least prone to fungus gnats, a common issue with moist soils?
The Indoor Potting Mix and the Houseplant Potting Mix both avoid compost or bark, ingredients that often harbor fungus gnats, making them less attractive to these pests. Moisture Control also includes a formulation that reduces gnat breeding by maintaining a more balanced moisture level. Organic mixes can sometimes be more gnat‑friendly due to higher organic content, so you may need to monitor and use preventative measures if you choose them.