There are many components in potting soil that create different media for indoor plants to grow in. They type of plant is essential knowledge to have when choosing a potting media.
Desert Plants
Succulents and Cacti require soil that drains easily. If they are planted in regular potting mixtures, the roots will be too wet and eventually will rot away, killing the plant. To plant desert species it is best to mix potting soil with sand or gravel.
For more information about succulents and cacti: http://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/
Orchids
The growth habit of orchid plants are slightly different than most. In the wild, orchids grow on other plants and trees instead of creating their own large root system. Orchids are accustomed to having roots exposed to air instead of soil. Since orchids gain their nutrients and water from the air around them they should be grown in bark rather than soil. Orchids will send out aerial roots to get what they need and will never deeply root into a potting soil.
For more information about orchid plants: http://www.aos.org/
Other Flowering Plants
Most Flowering plants will be most happy in a potting soil that is a mix of organic material, peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Each of these components does different things for the plant.
Peat moss provides acidity to the soil pH and holds on to moisture.
Perlite and vermiculite help create air space for the root systems and also help retain moisture in the soil.
There are many other components available in the industry so research is essential when deciding what potting media to use for your plants. The materials mentioned are the basic ingredients for a standard house plant potting media.
Sources: http://www.aos.org/. www.succulentsandsunshine.com.
http://www.healthyhouseplants.com/. http://www.ourhouseplants.com/.
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