Comparison: Best Potted Plants Soil Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s best? In this guide, we’ll break down the top soil mixes for potted plants, comparing ingredients, drainage, and value so you can give your green friends the perfect home—no guesswork needed.
- Best for gnat-resistant soil: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for all-plant booster: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for moisture master mix: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for big growth bundle: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic outdoor boost: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for coconut coir comfort: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for fast-drain succulent mix: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for pet-safe organic mix: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for water balance organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Potted Plants Soil Mix
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 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 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 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 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)
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- 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
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)
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 indoor houseplants?
Look for a blend that balances water retention and drainage, contains nutrients for sustained feeding, and minimizes pest issues like fungus gnats. mixes with perlite, peat moss, or coconut coir provide good aeration, while added fertilizer extends feeding periods up to six months. Also check if the product is certified organic or pet‑safe if those factors matter to you.
How does Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix differ from the Indoor Potting Mix?
The Houseplant Mix (4‑qt) emphasizes a perlite‑sphagnum‑peat blend that reduces gnats and is ideal for smaller containers, while the Indoor Mix (two 16‑qt bags) uses coconut coir for water holding capacity and feeds plants for up to six months. Both are formulated for a wide range of foliage plants, but the Indoor Mix offers a larger volume and longer‑term nutrition.
Is the Moisture Control Potting Mix worth the extra cost?
Moisture Control adds an AquaCoir formula that can absorb up to 33% more water than standard mixes, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. This can be valuable for busy gardeners or those with fluctuating indoor climates, though the price premium is mainly for the water‑management technology rather than added fertilizer.
Which product is best for growing succulents, cacti, or citrus trees?
The Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix is specifically designed with fast‑draining ingredients and extra plant food to suit drought‑tolerant species. Its coarse texture prevents waterlogging, making it the top choice for succulents, palms, and citrus, whereas general‑purpose mixes may retain too much moisture for these plants.
How do the organic mixes compare to the conventional ones?
Organic options like the Outdoor Organic Potting Mix and Indoor Organic Potting Mix use naturally derived fertilizers and responsibly sourced peat, offering a more environmentally friendly profile. They typically feed plants for a shorter period (about two months) compared to the six‑month feeding window of conventional Miracle‑Gro blends, so you may need to re‑fertilize more often.
What value does the Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Mix provide?
Back to the Roots offers a peat‑free, pet‑safe formula with mycorrhizal fungi and yucca extract, which enhances root development and moisture retention. While it may lack the built‑in synthetic fertilizer of Miracle‑Gro, its organic credentials and lower environmental impact can justify the price for eco‑conscious growers.
Can I use the same potting mix for both indoor and outdoor containers?
While many Miracle‑Gro mixes are versatile, outdoor conditions often demand greater drainage and weather resistance. The Outdoor Organic Mix is formulated for external use with a quick‑release natural fertilizer, whereas indoor mixes prioritize gnat resistance and moisture balance; using an indoor mix outdoors may lead to excess moisture retention.
How do I determine the right bag size for my planting needs?
A 4‑qt bag typically fills an 8‑inch pot, while an 8‑qt bag covers two 8‑inch containers, and a 16‑qt bag fills one 12‑inch pot. Estimate the number and size of containers you plan to use, then match the bag volume to avoid waste; larger bags often provide a better per‑unit price but require more storage space.