This blend is also available in 2 litres 

What does Starter Mix do?

This deceptively simple blend has more going on than it first appears. Bio Leaf Starter Mix is a unique blend that gets cuttings, seeds and seedlings off to the best start. Increasing your propagating success and encouraging faster root growth and reduced risk of rot to support the vital first stages of life.

As well as the ingredients you can see, there's also Bio Leaf's proprietary Bioactive Blend with a boost of silica, calcium and organic growth-boosting good guys that support stronger roots and stems, and stronger, larger leaf size to kickstart photosynthesis, while also naturally supporting stronger resistance to disease and pests (silica is like nature's bodyguard). 

What plants is Starter Mix best suited for?

Although I've been using it for indoor plants in general (which so far includes Hoya stem cuttings, African Violet leaf cuttings, Begonia leaf and stem cuttings, Syngonium and Monstera), it's ideal for germinating vegetable, flower and herb seeds and seedlings also. 

How does it help for propagation?

This mix has great drainage, is light and airy, yet retains the right amount of water for roots. Perfect for fine, baby roots to access the oxygen, water and nutrients they need to grow without getting water-logged. Plus I'm finding I haven't had the same risk of stem rot that I get with other mediums like spagmoss when waiting for cuttings to root, so this has been great right from the start for fresh cuttings to go straight into this mix when I might normally kick them off in water.

Although I mostly propagate from stem / node cuttings (both wet sticks and with leaves still on), I've been doing more leaf propagation lately and I'm loving this mix for both. So far that includes African Violet leaves and Rex-type Begonia, both with great results compared to my usual methods. I don't get the same leaf die-back using this mix either while waiting for them to root. Really impressed.

How to water with this blend

I've been using it both ways, but find this mix works just as well with bottom-watering or wick-watering, as it does with top watering, so you can adjust your method for the plant you're growing. Even cuttings I'd traditionally top water in other mixes I'm finding I can wick-water and bottom-water with this blend as it is both fine yet airy at the same time.

What's in the bag?

A soft, fine, airy, well-draining ratio of Perlite, Vermiculite and imported fibrous Peat Moss, plus the Bio Leaf Bioactive Blend of organic nutrients and growth-enhancing compounds, all in a carefully-balanced, consistent ratio. Produced in small batches for the freshest organic value for plants. Best used within 30 days for maximum benefit for cuttings and seedlings. Available in 2 litres and 5 litres (this size).

Bioactive Blend

As well as the ingredients you can see, Bio Leaf also includes a proprietary Bioactive Blend that promotes a healthy microbial population of miniature, beneficial soil microorganisms, creating a foundation for your plant that's closer to nature.  

The non-plant-geek version? Although too tiny to see with the naked eye, Bio Leaf creates an ideal environment for tiny soil super heroes to set up home, helping increase nutrient availability to plants, reducing the risk of deficiencies and helping detoxify soil.

Perlite

Lightweight with low water retention, natural volcanic perlite improves both aeration and texture, adding airy pockets which helps keep air circulating between roots. Won't decompose over time.

Vermiculite

Builds a stronger growing medium that holds water better and for longer. Popular, natural substrate for seed germination. Helps maintain a consistent moisture level for longer for plants sensitive to drying out such as newly rooted cuttings and seedlings. 

Peat moss

One of the best substrates for providing water, without becoming waterlogged or compacted. Peat Moss also helps create an ideal, slightly acidic pH that tropical houseplants thrive in, increasing access to all the essential minerals needed for growth.  

Calcium + Silica

Bio Leaf Starter Mix also includes 3 types of calcium and organic silica that work together to regulate pH while boosting availability of essential nutrients for building stronger plant structures. Silica is 'nature's bodyguard'. Part of our plant's natural defence system boosting protection from common pathogens such as rot and helping plants defend themselves against pest attack.