How to make homemade potting mix for indoor plants?

[BronteJackson]

I want to start mixing my own potting mix’s but can’t seem to crack it. What are the main components of indoor potting mix but also what components make up succulent/ cactus mix. 

[EricL]

Hello @BronteJackson 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about making your own potting mix.

My wife has a fair collection of succulents (let's just say a lot) and my gardening specialist at the store gave me a tip on how to mix soil for succulents.

The ingredients are Garden Basics 25L All Purpose Potting Mix, specifically the one that does not have any additives or moisture retainers in it. You want the soil to freely drain and not hold water as this will not benefit the succulent. Next is Ki-Carma 20kg Coarse Landscape Sand. Again, you want sand that lets water drain out. The last piece is Brunnings 5L Perlite Potting Mix, when it's mixed in with the soil mix, this Perlite potting mix forms spaces to allow water to freely move through the root system.

The formula passed on to me for succulent potting soil consists of the following proportions:

• 3 parts potting soil
   
• 2 parts sand 
   
• 1 part perlite 
   

What does "part" mean in this context? A "part" serves as a general unit of measurement to establish the ratio of ingredients in the potting mix. You have the flexibility to choose any measuring tool you prefer for defining your "part." It's essential to maintain consistency in the measuring tool you use for each "part."

To illustrate, if you opt for a 1-cup measure as your unit, the recipe can be translated into 3 cups of potting soil, 2 cups of sand, and 1 cup of perlite. This ensures the same proportional mixture, regardless of the quantity you intend to create. Make sure to mix well

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Recipe for my best homemade potting mix by @doubleaitch. 

Here are some links to handy soil guides:

• How to determine soil health by @Noelle 
   
• How to choose the right soil for your plants by @Noelle 

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

That's the right proportions for a well aerated and free draining cactus mix, @EricL and @BronteJackson 

[mich1972]

Good morning @BronteJackson I agree with @EricL Succulent mix, drainage is the key and definitely No added wetting agents with this mix. Eric, I’m sure everyone would love to see your collection of succulents 😃 I love them ! Seriously, they are the best plants for Waterwise gardening ( besides Australian Natives ) 

You also asked about Indoor Plant potting mix. Look I’m sure there are plenty of different  “recipes” out there that indoor plant enthusiasts have up their sleeve. I personally like to mix 50 / 50 mix of Premium Potting Mix and Perlite. 
Perlite is brilliant and lightens up the soil to aerate it so the root system doesn’t get too wet. I also like to add a thin layer of Horticultural Charcoal on the bottom of the pot to act as a filter. The main thing is NOT to overwater your indoor plants 🪴 🌿😃