Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all soils are created equal, and choosing the best one can mean the difference between a lush, vibrant plant and a sad, droopy one. In this guide, we’ll break down the top potting mixes on the market, comparing ingredients, drainage, and value so you can make the smartest choice for your leafy friends—no guesswork needed.
- Best for gnat-resistant blend: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for aquacoir moisture guard: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for six-month growth boost: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic outdoor boost: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose color grow: Miracle-Gro 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 coir gnat-resistant: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for balanced water guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhizae root boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for fast-drain succulent: Miracle-Gro Cactus
Product Comparison: Best Potting Mix For 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 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 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)
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- 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.
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 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)
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 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)
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, such as mixes with perlite, coconut coir, or peat moss. A formula that reduces fungus gnats and includes a light fertilizer can promote healthy foliage without over‑feeding. Also check if the mix is certified organic or contains added nutrients for longer‑term feeding.
How does Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix differ from the standard Indoor Potting Mix?
Moisture Control uses an AquaCoir formula that holds up to 33% more water than basic mixes and protects against both over‑ and under‑watering. The standard Indoor Mix focuses on gnat‑resistance and includes coconut coir for steady moisture release. Moisture Control is ideal for larger containers or plants that need consistent moisture, while the Indoor Mix suits smaller houseplants.
Is an organic potting mix worth the extra cost compared to conventional blends?
Organic mixes, like the Back to the Roots 100% Organic options, use peat‑free, upcycled materials and often include natural additives like yucca extract and mycorrhizae for root health. While they may be slightly pricier per quart, they provide a lower carbon footprint and reduce the risk of chemical burn. For gardeners prioritizing sustainability and long‑term soil health, the added value can outweigh the cost difference.
Which potting mix offers the best value for larger container gardening projects?
Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix bundles that include two 16‑qt. bags fill a 12‑inch container each, delivering enough soil for multiple large pots at a lower per‑quart price. The Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix also comes in two 8‑qt. bags but is specialized for fast‑draining needs, so choose based on plant type and container size.
Can I use the same potting mix for both indoor and outdoor container plants?
While many mixes work in both settings, outdoor mixes like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix are formulated with a quick‑release fertilizer suitable for harsher conditions. Indoor mixes often exclude compost or bark to limit gnats, making them better for houseplants. Using a dedicated indoor blend for indoor plants and an outdoor blend for patio containers will give the best results.
What are the key features of the Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix?
It is peat‑free, made from upcycled plant matter, and includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance. The mix also contains beneficial mycorrhizae to boost root development and is safe for pets and people. Its organic composition appeals to eco‑conscious gardeners seeking a sustainable option.
How important is the added fertilizer in a potting mix, and how long does it last?
Mixes with built‑in fertilizer, like most Miracle‑Gro products, can feed plants for up to six months, reducing the need for frequent top‑ups. This is convenient for busy gardeners but may be unnecessary for seasoned growers who prefer to control nutrient levels themselves. If you plan regular feeding, a mix without fertilizer, such as an organic or peat‑free blend, gives you more flexibility.
What makes the Miracle‑Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix suitable for succulents?
Its fast‑draining formula prevents water from lingering around roots, which is critical for cacti, palms, and citrus that are prone to rot. The mix also includes a balanced amount of plant food to support vigorous growth without over‑watering. It works well both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile choice for succulent enthusiasts.