There are a confusing amount of DIY 'recipes' for making your own potting mix. I used to have the patience, storage space and time to create my own. Ah the good old days. And it was fun. Although I'm not sure I got my ratios quite right (sorry plants), and I hated the clean-up afterwards.

But then life got busy(er). Plus I ran out of room to store multiple separate bags for all the ingredients just to pot up a few plants every so often. Not to mention the frustration of running out of one ingredient before the rest. These days, when I do find the time to repot, I just want a mix that's already made for me (and my plants), in the right ratios,  ready to go, all in one bag. SUCH a time saver. Not to mention a space saver! And way less mess too.   

Who is Wildvine?

Wildvine potting mix is freshly hand-blended in small batches by owner Kate, based in Whangarei. You might know Kate from YouTube or already be one of her 15 thousand+ followers on Instagram (if you're not, you should be).

I have a soft spot for this fellow Kiwi planty business owner and count her as one of my plant besties. When I kept hearing amazing things about her custom potting mixes, I asked the lovely Kate if I could be a stockist (no spoiler here, she said yes).

Wildvine Houseplant Blend available in: 2 litres (this size) and 6 litres

Which plants is this mix best for?

This is a soil-based mix (if you want a soil-free mix, check out the Wildvine Aroid and Hoya Blend instead). This mix is a superb 'one for everyone' all-purpose houseplant blend.

It's my pick for established houseplants that prefer lightly moist conditions and dislike fully drying out, for all baby plants while their root systems are getting established, for plants with finer or shallower root systems, and for plants prone to leaf drop, yellow leaves, brown leaf tips and wilting as a result of drying out.

Also your new best friend if you're a bit hit or miss with remembering to water, as this blend retains water longer than the much drier aroid and hoya mixes do. Think plants like Peace Lilies, Anthurium, Alocasia, Aglaonema, Begonia, Caladium, Calathea, Scindapsus, Stromanthe, Syngonium and similar.

What's in this mix (and why)?

Wildvine houseplant Blend provides a medium level of moisture-retention. Rich in natural organic nutrients thanks to the inclusion of premium-grade houseplant potting soil as the base of the mix, plus plant-besties worm castings and NZ Biochar horticultural charcoal which create a healthier, more fertile substrate to support growth.

Light, airy and free-draining thanks to the inclusion of large-grade perlite, fluffy NZ Fernwood fern fibre and chunky coconut chips.  And importantly - no fertiliser. Free of slow-release fertiliser so you're in control of the quality of what your plant gets fed, how often, and in the right amounts.

Potting mix

Premium-grade potting soil makes a perfect base. Helps retain essential nutrients for slow release when the roots need it. Rich and supportive. 

Worm castings

A polite way of saying worm poop! A nutrient-rich plant superfood. Don't worry, it doesn't smell bad, I'd describe it like the smell of wet forest soil. 

Perlite

Perlite has no odour, is sterile and non-toxic. What does have is holes! It feels like pumice and looks like polystyrene, but is naturally sourced from volcanic rock. Perlite increases space for oxygen, helps prevent soil compaction and increases drainage.

Fern fibre

Roots LOVE fern fibre. Fluffy and fibrous. Increases aeration, adds drainage and boy does it get roots growing. Wildvine uses NZ Fernwood fern fibre. I also love that fern fibre changes colour,  from the colour of dark chocolate to milk chocolate when it's time to water again. Dammit, now I want chocolate.

Coconut chips 

Coco chips hit the sweet spot between moisture retention and excellent drainage. This airy, fibrous substrate maintains a perfect balance between water and oxygen for the roots. See how 'sweet' snuck in there? Still craving chocolate.

Horticultural charcoal

Wildvine uses NZ Biochar charcoal, made from organic, untreated wood. It creates a healthier, more fertile soil to strengthen and boost root health, and has been found to help plants resist and fight off fungal disease (one reason it's added to potting mixes is to reduce the risk of root rot).

Storage

I prefer to buy only what I need and use it fresh, but if you have potting mix leftover, shift it into a sealed container to extend the life and retain all that natural organic goodness for as long a possible. Best stored inside at room temperature in low'ish humidity and out of direct sun.