Comparison: Best Soil For Potted Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
But with so many options out there—from peat-based mixes to gritty succulent blends—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve dug into the dirt so you don’t have to, testing and comparing top soil choices for drainage, nutrient retention, and root health.
- Best for gnat-resistant soil: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for aquacoir moisture: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for growth boost mix: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic outdoor blend: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for six-month growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for fast-drain succulents: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for coir gnat-resistant: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for living soil blend: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
- Best for compressed coco boost: WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings
Product Comparison: Best Soil For Potted 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 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 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 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 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 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)
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 4qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 4 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 2-3 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings, Perlite
- NUTRIENT RICH & INDOOR/OUTDOOR FAST GERMINATION… Wonder Soil Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix is the only dry compressed coco coir mix with added amendments of worm castings, mycorrhizae, kelp, perlite and more! Grow your plants faster with stronger roots! Peat free, all natural, family and pet safe!
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT… your little BIG bag of compressed indoor potting soil & garden soil for outdoor plants expands to 4 TIMES THE SIZE when mixed with water; easy to carry & saves vital shed space.
- PRE-MIXED & READY TO USE ORGANIC POTTING MIX … Pre-mixed and ready to use organic potting soil and garden soil mix to help make your gardening or hobby growing a breeze. Simply transplant your desired plants into their new container and add our soil mix or pour our soil mix and plant your seeds.
- WATER RETENTION & DRAINAGE… Coco coir has excellent water retention with dependable drainage and aeration in the root zone. Save up to 50% of water, fertilizer, and seed!
- HEAVY DUTY RESEALABLE BAG… Use what you need and save the rest for later! Keeping your planting soil dry and safe!
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 factors should I consider when choosing a potting mix for indoor houseplants?
Look for a blend that balances moisture retention with good drainage, such as mixes containing perlite or coconut coir. A formulation that reduces fungus gnats, like those without compost or bark, can keep your home healthier. Also check if the mix includes a slow‑release fertilizer to feed plants for several months.
How does Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix differ from the Indoor Potting Mix?
The Houseplant Mix combines peat moss, sphagnum, and perlite, offering a classic, slightly heavier texture that’s less prone to gnats. The Indoor Mix replaces peat with coconut coir and adds bio‑char, providing a lighter, more aerated medium that also resists gnats. Both feed for up to six months, but the Indoor Mix is peat‑free for eco‑conscious gardeners.
Is the Moisture Control Potting Mix worth the extra cost for container gardening?
Yes, if you often struggle with over‑ or under‑watering, its AquaCoir formula holds 33% more water and releases nutrients gradually for up to six months. The mix is peat‑free and includes a wetting agent, which can reduce watering frequency and improve plant growth. The two‑bag bundle also offers good value for larger garden projects.
Which product is best for growing succulents, cacti, or citrus trees?
The Miracle‑Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix features a fast‑draining blend with added plant food, ideal for plants that hate soggy roots. Its coarse texture prevents water buildup while still providing enough nutrients for healthy growth. This mix works well both indoors and outdoors for drought‑tolerant species.
How do organic options like the Organic Outdoor Potting Mix compare to standard mixes?
Organic Outdoor Mix uses responsibly sourced peat and a quick‑release natural fertilizer, feeding plants for about two months without synthetic chemicals. Standard mixes often contain synthetic nutrients that last longer but may not appeal to eco‑focused gardeners. Choose organic if you prefer a peat‑based, lower‑chemical approach for outdoor containers.
What size bag should I buy for my 8‑inch pots?
A 4‑quart bag of the Houseplant Potting Mix fills an 8‑inch container, while an 8‑quart bag of Moisture Control or Cactus Mix typically fills two such pots. For larger 12‑inch pots, 16‑quart bags of the Indoor or standard Miracle‑Gro mixes are recommended. Buying in bundles can lower the per‑bag price if you have multiple containers.
Are there any advantages to using Rosy Soil’s living‑soil blend over conventional mixes?
Rosy Soil adds biochar, pine bark fines, and beneficial microbes, creating a living soil environment that promotes stronger root systems and healthier foliage. It’s peat‑free and packaged in an eco‑friendly resealable bag, appealing to sustainable gardeners. The mix is especially good for a wide range of houseplants, from ferns to tropicals.
What value does Wonder Soil’s compressed coco‑coir mix provide?
Wonder Soil expands up to four times its dry volume, giving you more soil for less storage space, and it’s enriched with worm castings, kelp, and mycorrhizae for rapid plant development. Being peat‑free and pet‑safe makes it a safe choice for indoor environments. The pre‑mixed, resealable bag allows you to use only what you need while keeping the rest fresh.