Our Expertly Crafted Planting Mix for Optimal Results

Here at Tropical Plant Haven, our plants are thriving in either LECA or our own custom made soilless potting mix. We make the determination of which medium we'll use based upon several factors to include the type of plant, the size of the plant and lastly, the plants root system.

Using a custom soilless amendment mix allows us to precisely tailor the soil composition to the specific needs of our plants, ensuring optimal growth by providing the right balance of drainage, moisture retention, and nutrients, unlike a generic store-bought mix which might not be ideal for every plant type; this is particularly beneficial for plants with unique requirements like Aglaonema's needing excellent drainage or acid-loving plants requiring a lower pH level.

Our mix includes:

• 50% Rice Hull
• 20% Coco Cubes
• 10% Cocopeat
• 10% Perlite
• 10% Carbonized Rice Hull
• Mycorrhizal Fungi

Let's break down each one of these ingredients and why we use them:

Benefits of Rice Hulls

Improved drainage: Rice hulls create air pockets in the soil, allowing excess water to drain quickly, preventing root rot, especially in heavy clay soils.

Better aeration: The porous structure of rice hulls increases oxygen availability to plant roots, promoting healthy root growth.

Moisture retention: While providing good drainage, rice hulls can also absorb and hold moisture, helping to maintain soil moisture levels during dry periods.

pH regulation: Rice hulls are naturally close to neutral pH, making them suitable for a wide range of plants.

 

Benefits of Carbonized Rice Hulls

Enhanced soil structure: The porous nature of carbonized rice hull helps to improve soil aeration and drainage, especially in heavy clay soils, by creating spaces for air and water to circulate more freely.

Increased water holding capacity: Carbonized rice hull can absorb and retain water, helping to prevent soil from drying out too quickly, especially in arid conditions.

Nutrient source: While not a complete fertilizer, carbonized rice hull contains some essential nutrients like potassium and calcium, which can be beneficial for plant growth.

pH regulation: Carbonized rice hull tends to have a slightly alkaline pH, which can help to neutralize acidic soils.

Microbial activity: The porous structure of carbonized rice hull provides a habitat for beneficial soil microbes, which can improve nutrient cycling and overall soil health.

Pest control: When added to the soil, carbonized rice hull can help deter certain pests like fungus gnats due to its texture.

 

Benefits of Coco Cubes

High water holding capacity: Coco cubes can absorb a large amount of water, providing consistent moisture to plant roots and reducing the need for frequent watering.

Good drainage: Despite their high water retention, coco cubes also allow for proper drainage, preventing root rot caused by waterlogging.

Aeration: The spongy structure of coco coir promotes good air circulation around the roots, enhancing root development.

pH regulation: Coco coir has a near-neutral pH level, which is ideal for most plants and allows for precise nutrient adjustments.

Nutrient retention: Coco cubes can hold onto nutrients well, ensuring plants have access to necessary minerals.

Benefits of Coco Peat

Water retention: Coco peat can hold up to 10 times its weight in water, which helps plants that need consistent moisture.

Aeration: Coco peat's porous structure allows air to circulate, which helps roots develop and prevents soil compaction.

pH regulation: Coco peat has a near-neutral pH, which makes it suitable for many different plants.

Nutrient retention: Coco peat gradually releases nutrients into the plant as needed.

Natural pest and disease resistance: Coco peat has natural resistance to pests and diseases.

Benefits of Perlite

Enhanced aeration: The porous structure of perlite creates air pockets in the soil, allowing roots to breathe and access oxygen more efficiently.

Improved drainage: Perlite helps excess water drain quickly, preventing root rot caused by waterlogged soil.

Reduced soil compaction: By adding air pockets, perlite prevents soil from becoming too dense, allowing roots to spread easily.

Moisture retention: While improving drainage, perlite can still hold a small amount of moisture, helping to maintain even soil moisture levels.

pH regulation: Perlite has a neutral pH, so it won't alter the soil's acidity level and can be used with various plants.

Temperature regulation: Perlite can help insulate the soil, protecting roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.

 

Benefits of Mycorrhizal Fungi

Nutrient retention: Mycorrhizal fungi help plants by improving their access to nutrients and water, and by increasing their tolerance to stress and disease. Mycorrhizal fungi also increase the surface area of plant roots, allowing them to absorb more nutrients and water. Further, they help break down rock, making nutrients like potassium, calcium, zinc, and magnesium more available.

Increased stress and disease tolerance: Mycorrhizal fungi help plants tolerate drought, salinity, high temperatures, and acidity. Mycorrhizal fungi help protect plants from soil-borne diseases

Improved overall health: Mycorrhizal fungi can improve the overall soil structure, increase crop yield and enhance flowering.