Soil & Fertiliser Guide
Choosing potting mix and feeding plants through the year.
Healthy soil holds enough water for the roots while letting excess water drain away.
Potting mix
- Foliage houseplants: a light mix of garden soil or cocopeat, compost and perlite or sand.
- Succulents and cacti: a gritty, fast-draining mix with extra sand or perlite.
- Flowering and fruit plants: a richer mix with more compost.
Feeding
- Feed during the growing season (spring to early autumn), usually once a month.
- Use well-rotted compost or vermicompost, or a balanced liquid fertiliser at the strength on the pack.
- Do not feed a dry plant: water first, then feed.
- Reduce or stop feeding in winter when growth slows.
Too much fertiliser can burn roots and leaf tips. When in doubt, use less.