Comparison: Best Inch Plant Soil Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
In this guide, we’ll break down the best soil mixes that keep inch plants happy, healthy, and spreading their vibrant foliage. No fluff, just real talk from fellow plant lovers who’ve been in the trenches. Let’s find the perfect blend together.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for gnat-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for cactus-ready soil: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for organic outdoor feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for moisture guard formula: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for indoor water balance: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for six-month growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for gnat-resistant indoor: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for breathable all-plant: TOYPOPOR Potting Soil for All Indoor Houseplants
Product Comparison: Best Inch Plant Soil Mix
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
Cactus-Ready Soil
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)
Organic Outdoor Feed
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Moisture Guard Formula
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)
Peat-Free Organic
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Back to the Roots
- 100% Organic and Peat-Free: Our potting mix is 100% organic and peat-free—made from upcycled plant matter and wood fines from across the U.S. No imported peat, just better soil with a lighter carbon footprint.
- All-Purpose: Our premium potting mix is versatile and well-suited for herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers. It caters to all your gardening needs, and is proudly made in the USA.
- Better Moisture Control and pH Balance: Our premium soil blend incorporates yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balancing.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Not satisfied? Let us know. Our support team will get you growing with a replacement or refund—no questions asked.
- GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden and we’ll donate a Kids Grow Kit and STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice.
Indoor Water Balance
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)
Six-Month Growth
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16. qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Gnat-Resistant Indoor
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)
All-Purpose Growth
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)
Breathable All-Plant
TOYPOPOR Potting Soil for All Indoor Houseplants, Contains Perlite, Peat Moss, Coco Coir and Rice Charcoal, Well Draining Potting Mix Light, Aerated Texture for Healthy Plant Roots and Fast Growth 1qt
TOYPOPOR
- All-In-One Potting Soil Solution: TOYPOPOR potting soil is a blend designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive. This organic potting soil is packed with perlite, sphagnum peat moss, coco coir and rice husk charcoal. Great for all indoor outdoor plants.
- Keeps Soil Loose and Breathable: Our soil mix contains premium perlite that ensures excess water drains quickly to prevent root rot. The specially processed lightweight medium keeps the soil loose and breathable, ensuring roots have access to oxygen.
- Water Retention: While promoting good drainage, the potting soil also retains ample moisture, keeping plants hydrated between watering sessions. This is particularly important in dry or hot climates, assisting plants in surviving dry periods and reducing the frequency of watering.
- Professionally Formulated: Professionally formulated for fast root development, PH balanced plant soil mix increase nutrient and water uptake. The pre-mixed blend can improve your plants by building a strong root growth system, promoting plants get access to the nutrients they need.
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our potting soil is perfect for indoor potting or outdoor gardening, used for cactus, succulents, aloe vera, palm, vegetables, flowers, herbs, to help plants grow larger, healthier and quicker.
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 consider when choosing a potting mix for 8‑inch containers?
Look at drainage, nutrient content, and moisture retention. For indoor houseplants, a blend with perlite and peat helps prevent gnats, while cactus mixes prioritize fast drainage. Also compare the feed duration—some mixes feed for up to six months, which can add value.
How does Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix differ from the Indoor Potting Mix?
The Houseplant mix is formulated with perlite, sphagnum, and peat to reduce fungus gnats and is ideal for foliage plants like Monstera. The Indoor mix adds coconut coir for water release and feeds for six months, making it a good all‑purpose option for a wider range of houseplants.
Is the Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix a good choice for regular houseplants?
It’s designed for fast‑draining conditions, which benefits succulents and palms but may be too dry for moisture‑loving foliage plants. If you grow a mix of houseplants, you might prefer a more balanced blend like the Moisture Control mix that retains extra water.
Which mix offers the best long‑term value for larger containers?
Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix feeds plants for up to six months and absorbs 33% more water, reducing watering frequency. Its two‑bag bundle can fill four 8‑inch pots, providing both performance and cost efficiency.
What are the environmental benefits of the Back to the Roots organic potting mix?
It’s 100% organic, peat‑free, and made from upcycled plant material, lowering carbon footprint. The blend also includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, offering a sustainable yet effective option.
Should I use an indoor‑specific mix or an outdoor organic mix for indoor herbs?
Indoor mixes like Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix include coir and quick‑start fertilizer, which support indoor herb growth and protect against over‑watering. Outdoor organic mixes are formulated for harsher conditions and may retain too much moisture for indoor herb containers.
How important is the bag size when planning my garden projects?
Bag size determines how many pots you can fill; a 16‑qt bag typically fills one 12‑inch container, while an 8‑qt bag covers two 8‑inch pots. Buying larger bundles can reduce per‑bag cost and ensure you have enough mix for multiple projects.
Can I mix different Miracle‑Gro products to customize soil performance?
Yes, combining a fast‑draining cactus mix with a moisture‑retaining indoor mix can create a balanced medium for mixed plant collections. Just blend in small increments and test drainage to avoid over‑ or under‑watering issues.