Best Potting Soil for Indoor Plants

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Indoor plants add vibrancy to our homes, but they need the right potting soil to thrive. Unlike garden soil, potting soil is lightweight, helping indoor plants absorb water and nutrients effectively while allowing essential air to reach their roots. Different types of potting soil cater to various plants—some are designed for cacti and succulents, others for tropical varieties. The ideal potting soil depends on your plant type and indoor environment, including light and water conditions. When selecting potting soil, check for ingredients like peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention, perlite or vermiculite for drainage, and any added fertilizers. We tested several potting soils to find the best options for common indoor plants.

  • Back to the Roots Organic Mix

    10

    We think this organic potting mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a sustainable and pet-safe option.

    10

    We think this organic potting mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a sustainable and pet-safe option.

    Pros

    • Moisture-retaining organic yucca extract
    • Root-boosting mycorrhizae
    • Pet and people-safe formula

    Cons

    • Only available in 6-quart size
    • May be pricier than some alternatives
    • Some users may prefer a mix with bark

    We recently tried the Back to the Roots Organic Indoor Potting Mix, and we were impressed by its quality. The mix felt light and airy in our hands, which is great for root growth. We noticed it held moisture well, likely due to the yucca extract.

    When we repotted some of our houseplants, we saw a difference in their health within weeks. The leaves looked greener and new growth appeared faster than usual. We think this is thanks to the mycorrhizae, which helps plants absorb nutrients better.

    We love that this mix is peat-free and organic. It’s a good pick for eco-conscious gardeners. The lack of bark or compost also means fewer gnats, which is a big plus for indoor use. While it might cost more than basic potting soils, we feel the quality and peace of mind are worth it.

  • Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Mix

    9.7

    We recommend this potting mix for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a reliable, nutrient-rich soil that’s less prone to gnats.

    9.7

    We recommend this potting mix for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a reliable, nutrient-rich soil that’s less prone to gnats.

    Pros

    • Rich in nutrients for healthy plant growth
    • Designed to reduce gnat problems
    • Suitable for a wide range of indoor plants

    Cons

    • May be too moist for some succulents
    • Slightly pricier than basic potting soils
    • Might need extra perlite for better drainage

    We tried this Miracle-Gro mix with our indoor plants and were happy with the results. The soil feels light and airy, making it easy to work with when repotting. Our plants seemed to take to it well, showing new growth within weeks.

    One thing we liked was how the mix kept our plants moist without being waterlogged. We didn’t need to water as often as with other soils we’ve used. The built-in fertilizer is a nice touch, saving us the trouble of adding plant food right away.

    We were glad to see fewer gnats buzzing around our plants after switching to this mix. While it’s not totally gnat-proof, it’s a big step up from regular potting soil. The 4-quart bag was enough to fill a few medium-sized pots, but we wished it came in larger sizes for bigger jobs.

  • FoxFarm Ocean Forest Soil

    9.5

    We highly recommend this potting mix for indoor plants due to its excellent moisture retention and nutrient-rich composition.

    9.5

    We highly recommend this potting mix for indoor plants due to its excellent moisture retention and nutrient-rich composition.

    Pros

    • Rich in organic matter
    • Retains moisture well
    • Suitable for many plant types

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • May be too heavy for some plants
    • Can attract fungus gnats if overwatered

    We’ve used FoxFarm Ocean Forest Soil for our indoor plants, and the results have been great. The mix feels light and airy, making it easy to work with when potting or repotting. Our plants seem to love it, showing noticeable growth and vibrant foliage.

    The soil’s ability to hold moisture is a big plus. We don’t have to water as often, which is helpful for busy plant parents. It’s also pH-adjusted, so our plants can take up nutrients more easily. We’ve noticed fewer issues with root rot since switching to this soil.

    One thing to keep in mind is that this soil is quite rich. For some sensitive plants, it might be too strong right out of the bag. We sometimes mix it with perlite for plants that need extra drainage. While it’s more expensive than basic potting mixes, we think the quality justifies the cost for healthy, happy indoor plants.

  • Burpee Organic Potting Mix

    9.4

    We think this premium organic mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a nutrient-rich, moisture-retaining soil.

    9.4

    We think this premium organic mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a nutrient-rich, moisture-retaining soil.

    Pros

    • Organic and OMRI listed
    • Releases nutrients for up to 3 months
    • Contains coconut coir for moisture retention

    Cons

    • Pricier than some non-organic options
    • May be too rich for some sensitive plants
    • Can attract gnats if overwatered

    We tried this Burpee Organic Potting Mix in our indoor containers, and we were impressed with its performance. The soil felt light and airy, making it easy to work with when potting our plants. We noticed that it held moisture well, which meant we didn’t have to water as often.

    Our herbs and small indoor plants thrived in this mix. The organic nutrients gave them a noticeable boost, and we saw faster growth compared to standard potting soils. We liked that it’s OMRI listed for organic use, giving us peace of mind about what we’re bringing into our homes.

    One thing to watch out for is overwatering. The coconut coir retains moisture so well that it’s easy to give plants too much water. We found it’s best to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. While it’s pricier than some options, we think the quality and plant health benefits make it worth the extra cost for indoor gardeners.

  • Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Mix

    9.3

    We think this potting mix is a great choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a reliable and effective soil solution.

    9.3

    We think this potting mix is a great choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a reliable and effective soil solution.

    Pros

    • Promotes rapid plant growth
    • Long-lasting plant food
    • Versatile for indoor and outdoor use

    Cons

    • May be too nutrient-rich for some plants
    • Can attract fungus gnats if overwatered
    • Slightly pricier than basic potting soil

    We’ve been using Miracle-Gro Potting Mix for our indoor plants, and we’re really happy with the results. Our plants have shown noticeable growth in just a few weeks. The mix feels light and airy, which helps with good root development and water drainage.

    One thing we really like is how it feeds plants for up to 6 months. This means we don’t have to worry about fertilizing as often, which is great for busy plant parents. We’ve seen more blooms on our flowering plants and richer, greener leaves on our foliage plants.

    The versatility of this mix is a big plus. We’ve used it for repotting our houseplants and for starting new outdoor container gardens. It works well in both settings. Just remember, because it’s so nutrient-rich, it might be too much for some sensitive plants. We found it’s best to research each plant’s needs before using this mix.

  • Miracle-Gro Indoor Mix

    9.1

    We think this potting mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a reliable, gnat-resistant option.

    9.1

    We think this potting mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a reliable, gnat-resistant option.

    Pros

    • Feeds plants for up to 6 months
    • Less prone to gnats
    • Works for a variety of indoor plants

    Cons

    • May be pricier than basic options
    • Can dry out quickly in some conditions
    • Might be too rich for some sensitive plants

    We tried this Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix on several of our houseplants, and we were impressed with the results. The soil felt light and airy, making it easy to work with when repotting our plants. We noticed that our plants seemed to perk up within a few weeks of using this mix.

    One thing we really liked was how it helped with moisture retention. The coconut coir in the mix did a great job of holding water without making the soil too soggy. This was especially helpful for some of our thirstier plants that needed frequent watering.

    We found the gnat-resistant feature to be mostly true. While we still saw a few gnats here and there, it was much less of an issue compared to other potting soils we’ve used in the past. The lack of compost and bark really seemed to make a difference in keeping these pesky insects at bay.

  • Michigan Peat Garden Magic Soil

    9

    We think this versatile potting mix is a solid choice for indoor and outdoor plants alike, offering good moisture retention and ready-to-use convenience.

    9

    We think this versatile potting mix is a solid choice for indoor and outdoor plants alike, offering good moisture retention and ready-to-use convenience.

    Pros

    • Works for many plant types
    • Retains moisture well
    • Ready to use out of the bag

    Cons

    • May be pricier than some alternatives
    • Some users report inconsistent quality
    • Might be too dense for certain plants

    We tested the Michigan Peat Garden Magic soil with various indoor plants and were happy with the results. The mix felt rich and moist right out of the bag. We didn’t need to add anything before potting our plants, which saved us time and effort.

    Our snake plants and pothos seemed to thrive in this soil. The moisture retention was good – we didn’t have to water as often as with other mixes we’ve tried. This is great for busy plant parents or those who sometimes forget to water.

    We liked that this soil works for both indoor and outdoor use. We used it in some small outdoor containers too. The 20-pound bag went further than we expected, thanks to its density. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we found the quality and versatility made it worth the price for our needs.

  • Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Mix

    8.7

    We believe this potting mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts seeking hassle-free care and robust growth.

    8.7

    We believe this potting mix is a top choice for indoor plant enthusiasts seeking hassle-free care and robust growth.

    Pros

    • Regulates soil moisture
    • Feeds plants for 6 months
    • Promotes significant plant growth

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic potting soil
    • May be too rich for some plants
    • Can be heavy when wet

    We’ve tested numerous potting mixes, and this Miracle-Gro blend stands out. Its moisture control feature is a game-changer for busy plant parents. We found it absorbed water well, keeping our plants happy between waterings.

    The built-in fertilizer is a nice touch. Our plants looked lush and grew noticeably faster compared to those in regular soil. We didn’t need to worry about feeding for months, which was a big plus.

    While using this mix, we noticed our plants were less prone to wilting. The soil stayed moist without becoming waterlogged. It’s great for those who tend to overwater or forget to water their plants. The 2-pack is handy for filling multiple pots or one large container.

  • Wonder Soil Organic Mix

    8.7

    We recommend this potting soil for indoor plants due to its nutrient-rich formula and space-saving design.

    8.7

    We recommend this potting soil for indoor plants due to its nutrient-rich formula and space-saving design.

    Pros

    • Expands to 4 times its size when water is added
    • Contains worm castings and mycorrhizae for plant health
    • Comes in a resealable bag for easy storage

    Cons

    • May retain too much moisture for some plants
    • Dust can spread when handling dry mix
    • Some plants may need additional amendments

    We tested the Wonder Soil Organic Mix and were impressed by how compact it was before use. When we added water, it expanded quickly to four times its original size. This feature makes it great for small apartments or homes with limited storage space.

    The soil felt light and airy in our hands, which is good for root growth. We noticed it held water well, maybe too well for some plants that prefer drier conditions. We had to be careful not to overwater our succulents when using this mix.

    We liked the added nutrients in this soil. The worm castings gave our plants a boost, and we saw strong root development, likely thanks to the mycorrhizae. For most of our indoor plants, we didn’t need to add extra fertilizer for several months after potting.

  • Miracle-Gro Potting Mix

    8.6

    We think this Miracle-Gro mix is a solid choice for most indoor plants, offering good value and reliable performance.

    8.6

    We think this Miracle-Gro mix is a solid choice for most indoor plants, offering good value and reliable performance.

    Pros

    • Feeds plants for up to 6 months
    • Promotes bigger plant growth
    • Versatile for many plant types

    Cons

    • May compact over time
    • Some bags contain wood pieces
    • Might be overkill for low-maintenance plants

    We tested this Miracle-Gro Potting Mix in our indoor container gardens. The soil felt light and fluffy right out of the bag. It was easy to work with and didn’t clump up when we added water.

    Our plants seemed to love this mix. We noticed faster growth compared to regular potting soil. The added fertilizer meant we didn’t need to feed our plants as often. This was great for busy plant owners or those who tend to forget.

    The mix worked well for a variety of our indoor plants. We used it for flowering plants, leafy houseplants, and even some small vegetables. It held moisture nicely without getting soggy. Just be careful not to overwater, as the soil can stay damp for a while.

Buying Guide

When shopping for potting soil for indoor plants, we recommend looking at a few key factors:

Texture and Drainage

The soil should have a light, fluffy texture that allows for good drainage. It shouldn’t be too dense or heavy.

Water Retention

Look for a mix that can hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. Ingredients like peat moss or coconut coir help with water retention.

Nutrient Content

A good potting mix will have some starter nutrients. Check the label for information on included fertilizers or organic materials.

pH Level

Most houseplants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. The mix should support this range.

Sterility

Choose a sterile potting mix to avoid introducing pests or diseases to your plants.

Ingredients to Look For

  • Peat moss or coconut coir
  • Perlite or vermiculite
  • Composted bark
  • Sand (for succulents and cacti)

Avoid:

  • Garden soil or topsoil
  • Mixes with large chunks of bark or wood
  • Overly dense or clay-like textures

We suggest feeling the soil before buying. It should be light and crumbly. A good mix will have visible perlite or vermiculite for aeration.

Remember, different plants may need different soil types. Succulents and orchids, for example, require special mixes. Always check your plant’s specific needs before choosing a potting soil.