Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Native Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
The right mix can mean the difference between a struggling shrub and a flourishing native garden. In this article, we’ll break down the best potting mixes tailored for native plants, so you can give your greener friends the home they truly deserve—no guesswork needed.
- Best for indoor growth boost: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for organic outdoor feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for pet-safe organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for moisture retention boost: Miracle-Gro Sphagnum Peat Moss
- Best for peat-free tropical: Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia
- Best for six-month moisture: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for fast-drain succulents: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for balanced indoor organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for gnat-resistant blend: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Native 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 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)
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 Sphagnum Peat Moss, Enriched with Plant Food, Add to Potting Mixes and Native Soil, 8 qt., 3-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Sphagnum Peat Moss retains moisture and nutrients, and helps promote strong root development
- This growing media is enriched with Miracle-Gro plant food
- Use this gardening product with all types of plants, including container and in-ground plants
- Sphagnum Peat Moss can be used as an ingredient to blend your own potting mix or seed starting mix, or to improve native garden soil
- Bundle includes three 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Sphagnum Peat Moss
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
- 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.
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 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 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 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 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)
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 potting mix should I choose for native plants in my garden?
Native plants usually prefer a well‑draining, low‑fertility mix that mimics their natural soil. The Craft Aroid Potting Mix is peat‑free, uses pumice and lava rock for excellent drainage, and is organic, making it a strong candidate. If you need a more traditional blend, Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix provides a balanced mix with natural fertilizer but includes peat, which may alter soil pH.
How does an organic mix compare to a synthetic‑fertilized mix for indoor plants?
Organic mixes like Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix use yucca extract and mycorrhizae to improve moisture retention and root health without added chemicals. Synthetic options such as Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix contain quick‑release fertilizers and perlite for immediate nutrient availability. Choose organic for long‑term soil health and pet safety, or synthetic if you want faster growth and less frequent feeding.
Which product offers the best value for large container planting?
Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix comes in two 16‑qt bags and feeds plants for up to six months, providing a cost‑effective solution for multiple containers. The Craft Aroid Potting Mix, while premium and peat‑free, is sold in smaller quantities and may cost more per volume. For sheer volume and feed duration, the standard Miracle‑Gro mix offers the best bang for your buck.
Can I blend these mixes to improve soil structure for native shrubs?
Yes, blending is a practical approach. Adding Miracle‑Gro Sphagnum Peat Moss to any mix increases moisture retention, while the pumice and lava rock from the Craft Aroid Mix boost aeration and drainage. A 70/30 blend of organic mix with peat moss often yields a balanced medium for native shrubs that need both moisture and airflow.
What should I look for to avoid fungus gnats in indoor pots?
Fungus gnats thrive in organic matter like bark or compost. Products formulated without these ingredients—such as Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix and Back to the Roots Organic Indoor Mix—are less prone to gnats. Additionally, mixes that contain perlite or coco coir improve drainage, further discouraging gnat breeding.
Is the moisture‑control feature of Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix useful for native plants?
The Moisture Control mix absorbs up to 33% more water and feeds plants for six months, which can be beneficial for drought‑tolerant native species that prefer consistent moisture levels. However, many native plants thrive in well‑drained soils, so pairing this mix with coarse amendments like pumice can prevent over‑watering. Evaluate your watering routine before selecting this product.
How do the nutrient levels differ between the cactus mix and the indoor houseplant mix?
Miracle‑Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix is formulated for fast‑draining conditions and contains a modest amount of fertilizer suited for low‑nutrient succulents. In contrast, Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix includes a richer blend of perlite, sphagnum, and peat with higher fertilizer content for foliage plants. Choose the cactus mix for drought‑loving natives and the houseplant mix for leafy natives that benefit from more nutrients.