I seem to be finding all sort of differing opinions on what is best to use. I would think something that drains well so it doesn't drown in dense wet soil. I have one that needs repotting soon, and I want to split it up a bit as well.

Would a sandier mix with rock work well? Like from a rocky beach (about 1/4" rocks)

I grow most everything in what works for my African Violets.
Here is the recipe:
1 part Pearlite
1 part Vermiculite
1 part Canadian Sphagnum moss
1 part Houseplant soil

This gives moisture and drainage. I have 6 growing in this (and 2 growing in plain old general potting soil. I added them to an old pot with some vacant spots.) Fortunately, this plant is very easy to grow and cleans the air!
Hope this helps.
Leda

A chunky, airy mix with no tiny particles is good, that's what all of my plants are in. Roots need oxygen and moisture at the same time to function (and to not rot.)

Leda, vermiculite in pots can cause problems, it collapses.

Tiffany, @purpleinopp
Thank you for the tip on Vermiculite. I do notice the soil mark goes down after I water it, is that what you mean? What does this do to the plant?

I love friends who help me understand more about soil and plants.

Thanks,
Leda

Zorki: to All Things Plants from me too!

I use a light, fast draining, chunky potting mix which is a combination of potting soil and orchid bark mix. I'd be wary of using sand from the beach because of the salt content.

By the way, we have a lot of Sansevieria listings in the database: http://garden.org/plants/searc...

Good point, Lin!

Leda, yes when particles collapse into each other, it fills any tiny spaces that previously had air, essentially suffocating the roots. For a while, things will be OK, then a decline as roots can't get any air except at the very outer edge of the root ball, along the sides and bottom of the pot. That's not a normal root structure, but often found when repotting plants - a hollow sphere.

I'm not much of a seed starter except to scatter them on the ground, but vermiculite has a large following from the seed-starting crowd. It's usually cautioned to not pack it down, and to moisten it carefully, not pouring water which can also cause it to compact/collapse (which is also advice I'd give for potting/repotting plants even if the mix has no vermiculite in it.)

When roots have plenty of oxygen *while* they are moist, theoretically they can't rot, and in practice, this holds true unless you are really pouring water on there constantly, and usually with the aid of a usually-full drip saucer.

I agree, a well-draining mix is the important aspect. For most of my tropical plants I use a mix of 1/3 potting mix, 1/3 'Black Kow', and 1/3 coarse perlite. IF the potting mix does not have slow-release fertilizer, I will add a handful of Osmocote 14-14-14 per 2-3 gallon of mix. If I have some old Douglas fir bark mixture, I will add a handful per gallon. The fir bark mix will open up the potting soil so that it won't be quite as dense. I find that none of the available potting mixes have enough perlite, thus the addition of the coarse perlite.

Tiffany @purpleinopp,

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I am learning more and more, just when I thought my brain was full! (I have a birthday coming up so trying to keep all this new stuff in my brain.)

Lin, what ratio do you use of orchid bark? That seems like the best option for my budget right now Unfortunately, my only source for anything right now is Lowes (I can't seem to find any kind of local nursery or garden store that is still in business!).

Any suggestions on slow release fertilizers? Or are they sort of general use?

Joe: I'm "older" and lazy LOL and I don't measure anything, I have a big 5 gal bucket and I just dump in some potting soil and then orchid bark mix and with gloved hands just fold and mix it up to whatever consistency looks good to my eyes. I used to add perlite to my mix but I don't bother anymore as the orchid bark mix is fairly chunky allowing for good drainage ... and I also live in an area with fairly high humidity year round which keeps things moist.

Lowe's will have orchid mix, if you go that route. Like Lin, I don't measure too much, just look for the mix I feel is right. Potting mixes at Lowe's will have some perlite and most orchid mixes you will find there will also have some perlite, perhaps some coconut fiber, and Douglas fir bark. The orchid mix will be a pretty small bag, so just get a bag of potting soil that is perhaps 3x as large and you should be fine. Get a small bag of Osmacote (they probably won't have but the one, general purpose kind), to save yourself from fertilizing often with water soluble fertilizer.

Would I just mix the osmacote into the mix?

Yep, just mix it in and then plant. You can use this same mix for practically any houseplant except plants such as succulents, though even those can be grown successfully in it so long as water is curtailed.

Lin, we're pretty humid here as well. Surrounded by the Atlantic, Chesapeake, and a couple rivers. I hate the dry air winter brings! And that sounds like most of my cooking! Just add until the nose or eyes agree :)

Ken, good to know Thanks!

Happy birthday, Leda! ...and happy Val' day!

Tiffany @purpleinopp,

My birthday is next week, but thank you! How did you know? I probably need to check my profile. On the other hand I did mention my head being full at my age. I don't feel 61 until I move.

Happy Valentines Day to you too.

Thanks for the tips. Going to give the orchid bark a go when I get a chance to hit Lowe's again.

Leda, you're only as old as your mind

The mind is not the problem, it is the wear and tear on the body. I'm 70+ and feel it!

Mind over body! I worked for a retirement home for a while, gave me a whole different perspective on aging. Though, some days, my body feels 80... and I'm only 24! Arthritis is a nightmare!