Is Your Potting Mix Holding You Back? What to Use Instead

If you are using standard potting soil indoors, your roots might be suffocating. A better mix can mean better growth.

Why Regular Soil Fails Indoors

Cheap mixes compact, hold too much moisture, and block airflow. That means slow growth, yellowing leaves, and sometimes root rot.

The Fix: Better Aeration and Drainage

Choose a medium that matches your plant and your care routine.

  • Molly’s Aroid Mix – for tropical plants that love chunky, breathable soil
  • LECA – for semi hydro setups with easier watering schedules
  • Lechuza Pon – for steady, consistent moisture with low risk of rot when used correctly

How to Switch Without Shocking Your Plant

A sudden change in environment can stress roots, especially when moving from soil to LECA or Pon. Transition slowly to give your plant time to adapt.

For LECA or Pon:

  1. Remove as much old soil as you can without damaging healthy roots.
  2. Place the plant in the new medium with the water level just touching the bottom of the LECA/Pon — about 1 cm (½ inch) below the root ball.
  3. Keep this low level for the first 1–2 weeks so roots get plenty of oxygen while still wicking moisture.
  4. Once you see new white semi-hydro roots forming, raise the water level to about ¼–⅓ of the pot height.
  5. Maintain that range going forward, always allowing the reservoir to empty before refilling to prevent stagnation.
  6. Start with diluted nutrients and increase to full strength once the plant is actively growing again.

For Aroid Mix:

  1. Gently loosen old soil from the roots.
  2. Pot into the new mix, but keep your watering schedule consistent for the first week or two.
  3. Once the plant shows signs of new growth, adjust your watering to match the improved drainage.

How to Keep Pon From Causing Root Rot

Even though Pon is low risk, root rot can still happen if water and oxygen are out of balance. To prevent problems:

  • Keep the water reservoir at or below the minimum indicator line until semi-hydro roots develop.
  • Allow a dry phase by letting the reservoir empty before refilling.
  • Rinse and refresh Pon every few months to prevent salt buildup.
  • Always start with healthy, trimmed roots before planting.

Your plant’s roots are the foundation. Treat them right, and the rest will follow.

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