Comparison: Best Soilless Potting Mix For Indoor Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
But with so many options out there, how do you know which mix truly delivers? We’ve tested the top contenders to find the best soilless potting mixes that promote strong roots, proper drainage, and healthy growth—so you can stop guessing and start growing with confidence.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for chunky root mix: Forbidden Cereal Soilless Houseplant Potting Mix – Chunky Soil for Aroid Tropical Plants & Flowers – 8 Ingredients
- Best for gnat-resistant blend: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for lightweight propagation: Planting Mix for Plant Propagation (4 Quarts)
- Best for fast-drain aroid: Molly’s Aroid Mix – Premium Soilless Potting Mix for Houseplants – Fast Draining
- Best for organic water guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for eco chunky blend: Imperial Roots Chunky Potting Mix for Indoor
- Best for pet-safe organic: Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia
- Best for yucca moisture boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for 6-month feed: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for moisture control pro: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Soilless Potting Mix For Indoor Plants
Chunky Root Mix
Forbidden Cereal Soilless Houseplant Potting Mix – Chunky Soil for Aroid Tropical Plants & Flowers – 8 Ingredients, No More Overwatering, Versatile Moisture Retention, Peat Free & Organic – 6.5QT Bag
HydraGarden
- Compatible with your Favourite Plants: Our potting mix is optimized to grow and support all indoor & outdoor potted plants. Popular plants include Monstera, Pothos, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Philodendron, Peace Lily, Alocasia, Anthurium, Dracaena, Hoya, Orchids, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, Rubber Plants, Diffenbachia and more!
- Professional Grade Ingredients: Forbidden Cereal is made with 8 Organic Premium Grade amendments. We use hand sorted, heat treated Douglas Fir bark, also called Orchid Bark. Fine & Coarse Perlite, Triple Washed Coco Coir, Coconut Fiber and Coco Chips. Horticultural Charcoal also known as Biochar. Ultra rich Earth Worms Castings, Natural looking LECA Expanded Clay Balls and New Zealand Sphagnum Moss.
- Overwatering is Forbidden: We formulated our mix to be Earth’s Chunkiest Potting mix! Not only does it look like a delicious bowl of cereal, the super chunkiness serves an important purpose. It allows water to flow freely through your container garden and does not restrict root growth which increases the amount of air your roots have access to. Thus preventing root rot, yellow leaves, plant deficiencies and slow plant growth.
- Separated Sphagnum Moss: We blend the mix for even distribution of all components except the moss, which we thoughtfully layer on top. This allows you to customize its use, whether as a moisture-retaining topper, moisture retention at the root level, a propagation aid, or something else entirely, delivering unmatched functionality and consistency that’s one-of-a-kind.
- No Dirt Bags Allowed: We replaced all Soils and Peat Moss with ingredients that are renewable. Peat and Soil retain substantial moisture, often worsening the common challenges gardeners face. Our unique formulation buffers water to a neutral Ph maximizing nutrient absorption from all fertilizers and plant food.
Gnat-Resistant Blend
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
Lightweight Propagation
Planting Mix for Plant Propagation (4 Quarts), Hand Blended Soilless Mix for Propagating Plants, House Plants, and More
Rio Hamza Trading
- Lightweight Composition: The blend’s lightweight nature ensures ease of use and handling during the delicate stages of plant propagation.
Fast-Drain Aroid
Molly’s Aroid Mix – Premium Soilless Potting Mix for Houseplants – Fast Draining, Chunky & Easier to Water vs. Soil for Indoor Plants – with Bark, Coco Chips, Worm Castings, Mycorrhizae 10 Dry Quarts
veryplants
- HELPS PREVENT YELLOWING LEAVES, BROWN SPOTS & OVER-WATERING: A chunky, well-aerated mix that drains quickly, won’t compact, and is nearly impossible to over-water.
- A CLEANER ALTERNATIVE TO SOIL-BASED MIXES: Unlike traditional potting soil, Molly’s Potting Mixes are soil-free and gnat-resistant, providing a cleaner, healthier way to grow indoor plants.
- ORGANIC, MINERAL, & pH-BALANCED: Molly’s Aroid Mix is perfectly balanced for container plants, ensuring strong root development, optimal nutrient absorption, and long-term plant health.
- ENHANCED WITH BENEFICIAL MYCORRHIZAE: Super-powered mycorrhizae strengthen the plant’s root systems and help with nutrient and water absorption and the promotion of natural defense systems.
- LONG-LASTING & EASY TO USE: Molly’s Aroid Mix lasts longer than traditional potting soils, reducing the need for frequent repotting. Made from responsibly sourced ingredients, it comes in a heat-sealed, resealable, recyclable bag to stay fresh between uses.
Organic Water Guard
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)
Eco Chunky Blend
Imperial Roots Chunky Potting Mix for Indoor, Aroids and Tropical Plants (soilless) Premium & Well Draining Blend for Houseplants Contains Coco Coir, Biochar, Pumice, Mychorrhizal Fungi, Worm Castings
Imperial Roots
- 🪴 NO MORE DEAD PLANTS FROM BAD SOIL – Your favorite houseplants deserve better than dense, waterlogged potting soil that suffocates their roots ❌ Nothing’s more heartbreaking than watching a healthy plant slowly wilt and die despite all your careful watering and care. Our chunky, aerated blend keeps roots healthy and thriving, resulting in more lush, green growth.
- 💦 PERFECT DRAINAGE FOR HEALTHY ROOTS – Cheap soil holds too much water and can rot your plant’s roots before you even realize there’s a problem. Nothing’s more frustrating than losing your prized monstera to preventable overwatering. That’s why we structured our mix to be fast draining but not overly drying. Your plants stay happy, and you stay worry-free.
- 😌 READY TO USE, NO MESS, NO MIXING – DIY soil recipes are messy and time-consuming, leaving you surrounded by half full bags and dusty countertops. Nothing’s more off-putting than your kitchen feeling like a potting shed. Our blend comes perfectly balanced and ready to go — just open the bag and repot. Save time, save clean-up, and feel like a pro in minutes.
- 🔋 POWERED BY BENEFICIAL MICROBES – Give your plant an unparalleled microbiome experience. Our mix is fortified with natural nutrients like worm castings🪱, rich compost, and mycorrhizae, offering a natural boost that supports vigorous plant growth. We’ve formulated this tropical potting mix for alocasia, anthurium, monstera, pothos, snake plant and more!
- 🌏 ECO-FRIENDLY & PEAT FREE BY DESIGN – More and more brands hide cheap fillers like peat or don’t explain what’s in their mix. Nothing’s worse than feeling tricked into buying soil that’s bad for the environment. We list every ingredient because we believe you deserve to know. Peat-free, sustainable, and responsibly sourced, so you can grow a beautiful green space and do right by the planet too.
Pet-Safe Organic
Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia, Philodendron, Monstera Soil Mix, Chunky, Well Draining Potting Soil for Indoor Plants, All Tropical Plants & Houseplants, Perlite & Peat Free 2QT
Grow Queen
- NUTRIENT RICH & PLANT FOOD COMPATIBLE: Our tropical plant soil is full of living beneficial microbes. Enriched with essential nutrients, organic matter, and worm castings, this tropical potting soil works perfectly with Grow Queen Organic All-Purpose Plant Food for robust and healthy growth.
- READY TO USE AND PET FRIENDLY: Pre-mixed and moist, this monstera potting mix is ready to use straight out of the bag, offering convenience for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Plus, this houseplant potting soil is safe for homes with pets, ensuring a non-toxic environment for your furry friends.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC COCO COIR: Our coco coir is certified organic and sourced from a farm using sustainable farming strategies. It’s washed more times for salt than the competition, making it some of the cleanest, highest-grade coco coir on the market.
- PEAT- FREE AND PERLITE- FREE: Harvesting peat releases significant carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change, and depletes biodiverse habitats. Perlite production is energy-intensive, involving heating volcanic glass to high temperatures. Instead, we use eco-friendly pumice and lava rock—natural volcanic rocks requiring no additional processing—which enhance soil structure and drainage in this indoor potting soil for house plants.
- OPTIMAL DRAINAGE, ENHANCED AERATION, and ROOT HEALTH: This chunky aroid mix features large Douglas fir bark fines, lava rock, and pumice, which enhance aeration for instant drainage and consistent airflow. This makes it almost impossible to overwater, preventing root rot and ensuring your Monstera, Hoya, Pothos, ZZ plant, and Thai Constellation Monstera thrive.
- MADE WITH NEW ZEALAND TREE FERN FIBER: New Zealand Tree Fern Fiber is especially beneficial to Alocasias, Anthuriums, and all tropical plants, this house plant soil acts as a soil conditioner and neutralizes pH down to 6.0, mimicking the natural pH of native tropical plant soil.
- OPTIMAL WITH ALL PLANTS: Built for Tropicals but optimal for all popular houseplants including, Pothos, Hoyas, African Violets, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plants, String of Pearls, Palms, Begonias and Even Drought Friendly Plants like Succulents and Cactus.
Yucca Moisture Boost
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
6-Month Feed
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Blended for a Variety of Houseplants, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16 qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Moisture Control Pro
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Protects against Over- and Under-Watering, 8 qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
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 key attributes should I prioritize when choosing a soilless potting mix for indoor plants?
Look for a mix that is chunky and well‑aerated to promote fast drainage and ample root‑air exchange. A balanced pH, presence of organic amendments like coco coir or bark, and added beneficial microbes can boost nutrient uptake. Finally, consider whether the mix is pet‑friendly and resistant to fungus gnats.
How does the chunkiness of a mix affect watering and root health?
Chunky mixes create air pockets that let excess water flow through, reducing the risk of root rot and yellowing leaves. They also prevent the medium from compacting over time, ensuring roots can expand freely. This structure is especially valuable for moisture‑sensitive aroids and tropicals.
Which product gives the best value for larger containers or multiple plants?
Imperial Roots Chunky Potting Mix and Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control both come in larger bag sizes (16 qt. or two 8 qt. bags) and are priced competitively for the volume. They offer fast drainage, added microbes, and a peat‑free formula, making them cost‑effective for filling several pots. Their ready‑to‑use blends also save time on mixing.
How do organic mixes compare to synthetic‑fertilized options for overall plant health?
Organic mixes such as Molly’s Aroid Mix and Craft Aroid Potting Mix rely on natural amendments, mycorrhizae, and worm castings, which improve soil biology and long‑term nutrient availability. Synthetic‑fertilized mixes like Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix provide an immediate nutrient boost but may require regular feeding to maintain vigor. For most indoor growers, the organic approach offers healthier root ecosystems with less risk of fertilizer burn.
Are any of these mixes specifically pet‑friendly or resistant to fungus gnats?
Craft Aroid Potting Mix and Back to the Roots 100 % Organic Indoor Potting Mix are formulated without bark or compost, making them less attractive to gnats and safe for pets. Molly’s Aroid Mix also advertises a gnat‑resistant, soil‑free composition. These features help keep indoor spaces cleaner and safer for animals.
Which mix is best suited for aroids and other tropical houseplants?
Molly’s Aroid Mix, Imperial Roots Chunky Potting Mix, and Craft Aroid Potting Mix all emphasize fast drainage, large bark pieces, and added mycorrhizae, which are ideal for aroids like Monstera, Philodendron, and Alocasia. Forbidden Cereal Soilless Mix also highlights a “chunky” texture and separate sphagnum moss layer for extra moisture control, making it another strong contender.
How important is pH balance in a soilless mix, and which products address it?
Maintaining a near‑neutral pH ensures nutrients remain available to plant roots and prevents nutrient lockout. Forbidden Cereal Soilless Mix mentions a neutral‑pH buffer, while Back to the Roots includes dolomitic limestone to stabilize acidity and alkalinity. Choosing a mix with pH‑balancing ingredients reduces the need for supplemental adjustments.
Do any mixes include added nutrients or microbial inoculants, and is the extra cost justified?
Molly’s Aroid Mix adds mycorrhizae, while Imperial Roots and Craft Aroid Potting Mix incorporate worm castings, compost, and beneficial microbes that enhance nutrient uptake and disease resistance. These biological boosts can lead to faster, healthier growth, often offsetting the higher price by reducing the frequency of fertilizer applications and preventing plant stress.