Best DIY Philodendron Soil Mix Recipe (Boosts Growth)

Have you already had negative experiences with ready-made potting soil from the hardware store or garden center? I do: Apart from the fact that even relatively expensive substrates are often infested with fungus gnats, the permeability of the soil is usually a disaster. You can tell this by the fact that the water collects on the soil when watering and does not “settle” in immediately.

For our plant-loving friends, this is anything but good: the soil is compacting, which is why the roots are not sufficiently aerated. The result is often significantly slower growth. For this reason, I have decided to only use my specially assembled soil mix for all my Philodendron plants if it is possible. The result is — bigger leaves, stronger roots, and overall healthier plants.

You can find out exactly which components I use for my Philodendron soil mix recipe below. Note that even though I mention “soil mix”, it is actually a soil-less mixture.

Philodendron Soil Mix Recipe For Healthier Growth

It only takes five products in total so that you can mix the perfect substrate yourself. “Only” is admittedly easy to say in this case, as not all ingredients are easy to obtain and they are not particularly cheap.

Nevertheless, in my opinion, it is worthwhile because you can produce a large amount of Philodendron soil mix with it. If you don’t have the appropriate storage options, simply ask your friends or family members if they would like to repot their plants in the near future. Sharing is definitely a good idea here.

I discovered the soil mix recipe from a fellow plant lover and modified it a bit because her proportions didn’t match my situation and my watering behavior 100 percent.

This is also the most important information in advance: The recipe, which I will tell you about in a moment, is not set in stone. For example, if you water less, you need less of the ingredients that ensure faster drying of the soil. Of course, the situation is different for people who tend to water far too much.

Question your care behavior and, above all, pay attention to the environment your plant is in: Is it warm/cold, is there high/low humidity?

1. Pine Back: Promotes Good Ventilation and Robust Growth

Pine bark accounts for the largest proportion of the substrate at 30 percent. Due to its coarse structure, pine bark ensures better aeration of the soil (roots must be able to breathe!) and stronger roots. Remember that roots always adapt to their environment: If this is fine, your roots will be correspondingly thin.

You can also substitute pine bark with coco chips or orchid bark.

Here’s where I got my pine bark on Amazon:

Bonsai Jack 1/4 inch Bonsai Pine Bark Fines

• ¼ inch pine bark. Dye-free.
• Gritty mix ingredient for plants and/or to increase drainage and acidity in your potting soil.
• The cleanest and safest soil additive is guaranteed.
• Consistent sizes, ready to use, no sifting required.
• Amazing water retention

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2. Coco coir: Fluffy and slightly drier than ordinary potting soil

Also at 30 percent, coconut coir is just as important a part of the mix as pine bark. Coco coir is a little drier than ordinary potting soil and is significantly fluffier. You will not have the problem of the water “floating” on the soil when you water your plants.

As a result of its light texture, coco coir creates air pockets in the soil that allow plants to absorb oxygen. Coconut fiber also enhances soil structure. The coco coir also allows water to be retained and discharged as needed by plants. Root rot is less likely to occur and plants require less watering.

The coco coir has often served me well, which is why I will only use this one. By the way, coco coir can usually be purchased as a large, hard block that has to be dissolved in water at home.

You can also substitute coco coir with peat moss.

Here’s where I got my coco coir on Amazon:

Plantonix Coco Bliss - Premium Coconut Coir Pith for Plants and Gardening

• Perfect for seedling & microgreens
• Premium coco coir growing medium
• Increase soil drainage & aeration
• Compressed for ease of use

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3. Perlite: The miracle cure for over-waterers!

Perlite is also occasionally contained in ready-made potting soil, but in much too small quantities! They ensure that the substrate is not constantly too wet. This is a great way to counteract root rot and fungus gnats. Especially if you’re prone to over-watering, you might want to set the amount of perlite even a little higher than I did at 20 percent.

You can also substitute perlite with rice hulls, pumice, horticultural grit, or granite gravel.

Here’s where I got my perlite on Amazon:

Miracle-Gro Perlite, 8 qt., 2-Pack

• Helps prevent soil compaction and promote strong root development
• Enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
• Lightweight media helps start root cuttings
• Improves drainage and aeration in potting mixes
• Use only with container plants

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4. Activated carbon: For filter and cleaning function

Activated carbon in the soil mix? It also sounded strange to me at first, as I initially only associated them with aquariums. And I first found mine exactly from the aquaristic area! Only 10 percent activated carbon is added to the mixture and ensures that pollutants and impurities are filtered out and ensures a good pH value.

Here’s where I got my activated carbon on Amazon:

Horticultural Charcoal for Indoor Plants

• Perfect for terrariums, bonsai trees, air plants, and orchids; indoor/outdoor container gardening
• Captures carbon, cleans the air, drainage assistance
• No chemicals, no colorings, no additives, 100% hardwood
• Ingredients: Horticultural charcoal

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5. Vermicompost: As a natural fertilizer

Who needs artificial fertilizer when you can do it naturally? You can also add 10 percent of vermicompost to your substrate. Vermicompost is nothing more than what comes out of the back of worms. But don’t worry: when you see it, you won’t even think about it.

Here’s where I got my vermicompost on Amazon:

VermisTerra Earthworm Castings

• Improves soil structure: better aeration and water retention.
• Non-toxic and natural. Safe for children, pets, and pollinators.
• Comes in a resealable bag.
• Builds living soil and supports regenerative gardening.
• No odor.
• Naturally improves plant health: growth, fertility, yield, and fruit taste.
• Natural plant auxins - hormones help promote root growth and fertility.

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Here is an overview of the ingredients including the proportions:

• 30% pine bark/coco chips/orchid bark
• 30% coco coir/peat moss
• 20% perlite/rice hulls/pumice/horticultural grit/granite gravel
• 10% activated carbon
• 10% vermicompost

If you also have a problem with humidity, you can add a layer of sphagnum moss (view it here on Amazon) over your soil. Similar to the coco coir, this is delivered in a solid form that you have to dissolve in water. Since this is not as firm as the coco coir, you can also break it in half if you only require half. I would really recommend doing that, especially with moss, because it has to be stored constantly dry, otherwise you will have a risk of mold.

And that was all!

What about you? Do you use ready-made potting soil or do you mix your own substrate?

I look forward to hearing about your experiences and wish you the best if you decide to try my Philodendron soil mix recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What soil to use for heartleaf Philodendron?

For your heartleaf Philodendron, you can use 30% pine bark, 30% coco coir, 20% perlite, 10% activated carbon, and 10% vermicompost. This proportion will encourage faster growth and bigger leaves, as well as boost healthier root growth. You can also add a layer of sphagnum moss to the top of the soil if you have a problem with humidity as well.

Do Philodendrons like perlite?

Perlite provides the ideal airy and well-draining soil mix for Philodendrons. Due to its expanded nature, perlite is extremely porous, meaning it can absorb water, but it also improves drainage, making it ideal for mixing with compost to ensure water runs freely. Adding perlite to soilless mixes improves drainage and aeration, which gives plant roots more oxygen.

Can I use regular potting soil for Philodendron?

Philodendrons can be grown in regular potting soil, but you should seriously consider amending it with other items such as pine bark, coco coir, and perlite. This helps prevent root rot and other harmful fungal diseases by giving the plants chunky-like soil that is loose and airy. In addition, Philodendrons won’t grow big, healthy leaves if they are planted in regular potting soil.

What fertilizer is best for Philodendrons?

For Philodendrons, Osmocote is an excellent fertilizer. It contains essential trace elements in addition to NPK. If not, any balanced slow-release fertilizer will be suitable. Add vermicompost twice a month to this. As well as enriching your soil, vermicompost repels many pests that feed on your plants. Its microbes allow nutrients and fertilizers to be better absorbed. They work hand in hand. But I do not stop there. Every time I water the plants, I mix in HB101 plant vitaliser.

How can I speed up my Philodendron growth?

The key to speeding up your Philodendron growth is to give it rainwater, direct sunlight, and fertilize it. Let’s take a closer look.

Make it a habit to give some rainwater to your Philodendron occasionally. Rainwater contains nitrogen, which is necessary for the plant’s growth. Philodendron also needs about two to three hours of direct sunlight during the cold months. These plants grow faster if they are exposed to some morning or evening sunlight. In spring and summer, feed your Philodendrons once a month with a balanced N-P-K fertilizer. In winter, feed them once every two months to see better growth.

What kind of pots do Philodendrons like?

Philodendrons are best grown in small pots. In nature, they grow on or around larger trees, so they have limited space for soil. Philodendron roots often spill over pots and aerial roots occur as a way to climb and find resources. This is normal and does not mean you should repot your plant. The size of your pot depends on the type of Philodendron you are growing.

In general, you should use pots that drain well. These include pots made of clay or terracotta or pots made from plastic hidden inside ceramic pots. If planting directly into a regular decorative pot (which must have a drainage hole), ensure the soil drains well.

Do Philodendrons like moist or dry soil?

Philodendrons grow best in moist but porous, well-draining soil such as found in their natural environment and do not tolerate compacted soil or soil lacking an aerated structure, which interferes with root growth. It is best to keep the soil evenly moist, letting the top few inches dry out between waterings.

Do Philodendrons like sphagnum moss?

For rooting Philodendrons, sphagnum moss is the best medium, as the roots are kept moist, but also receive air, and they are not exposed to soil bacteria, so rot is less likely to develop. Sphagnum moss poles also work well for philodendrons, as they encourage aerial roots to adhere and climb up. Sphagnum moss also has this fantastic ability to hold water 18 times its weight.

How can I make my Philodendron grow thicker?

You can make a Philodendron grow thicker at the top by cutting the stems that are growing out and falling downward. By directing the new growth toward the top, this will create a plant that appears thicker and bushier. Also, fertilizing at least once a month will cause a major change in your plant as it will promote growth and make it look healthier and fuller in appearance. Last but not least, Philodendrons need ample indirect sunlight to grow thick and lush.

Can I use Orchid potting mix for Philodendron?

It is possible to use Orchid potting mix for Philodendrons, as most commercial orchid planting mediums contain peat moss, perlite or fir bark as ingredients. In orchid potting mix, chunky ingredients are incorporated rather than actual soil to simulate the environment used by orchids in nature. Philodendrons require aeration and drainage in their soil, and Orchid potting mix provides these attributes.