Bio Leaf AROID & Hoya Potting Mix - FINE - 5 litre

Need LOTS? You can add up to 15 litres of substrates in one order and still get standard or free shipping. Over 15 litres might go over into overweight / oversize shipping but I will be clever with how I pack your order to try to get you standard shipping. I'll get in touch to arrange payment for overweight / oversize shipping only if it's really required. I will never incur any extra charges without your okay first.

Why did the name change?

ONLY the name has changed on the label, NOT the mix inside. This mix used to be called 'Indoor Fine/Medium' and is now called 'Aroid & Hoya Fine'. There's been NO change to the mix itself :) 

Why Bio Leaf?

I really disliked repotting. Until now. This mix is a joy to work with. Less mess. Easier clean-up. Also seriously good for my plants. Lucky things. Talk about spoiled. I love it. My plants love it. Win win.

Bio Leaf Aroid & Hoya FINE uses the same ingredients as Bio Leaf Aroid & Hoya MEDIUM but this is a finer blend with smaller size ingredients. An ideal blend for a 'mixed jungle' of indoor house plants who need a free-draining mix with lower water retention. 

This is for the 5 litre size, enough to pot around 8 to 15 medium size plants depending on pot size, and whether filling pots completely, or retaining soil from the previous pot.

Which plants is it best for?

This is a superb, all-purpose mix for most houseplants who need a high-drainage, plenty of air and lower water retention. Especially suited to younger, less established plants. For plants in smaller pots with shallower root systems. This is superb for potting up propagations who suit being in an aroid mix but aren't ready for the usual chunky blends until their roots get better established.

I use this for my younger, small to medium sized Monstera, Philodendron, Pothos, Epipremnum, Hoyas (especially the waxier / thicker-leafed carnosa type varieties), and many more. Compared to the Bio Leaf Aroid Medium/Chunky mix, this uses the same blend of ingredients but in a smaller size of each ingredient, so retains a bit more water than the chunkier version.

What's in the bag?

A fine, airy, free-draining mix of fine Orchid Bark, fine Pumice, Fern Fibre, Crushed Horticulture Charcoal and the Bio Leaf Bioactive Blend. NO slow-release fertiliser. You can safely use fertiliser even straight after repotting as normal.

Orchid bark

An obvious inclusion if you consider what epiphytes like to attach to and grow on. A premium, export-quality, fine grade orchid bark. Very clean and sterile. Minimal soil or dust. You can pre-soak, but it's not required at this level. Some barks break down fast. This harder, slow-to-decompose premium grade lasts years. Keeps soil aerated for oxygen to reach roots, resists compacting and provides drainage while also holding on to water for roots to take up as needed. 

Pumice

A natural, volcanic rock that keeps its shape even when soaked in water, keeping soil loose. Adds aeration and improves drainage. Keeps water moving to prevent substrate and plants becoming waterlogged. Naturally porous. Pumice holds water roughly twice as long as bark, releasing it slowly and steadily for the roots.

Fern fibre

Superb growing medium for many indoor plants. Great results reported for aroids, hoya, orchids, ferns and other epiphytes. A natural, soft, airy, fibrous, long lasting material containing a lot of air. Can retain a lot of water. As it holds water for longer than many free-draining substrates, you won't have to water as often. Ideal for indoor plants that prefer moist to lightly moist conditions, who don't like to fully dry out. Fibrous nature distributes more even moisture throughout the pot due to natural capillary action.

Horticultural charcoal

Horticultural charcoal for plants is different from activated charcoal that you might be familiar with for human health. This is the over-waterers and worried-plant-parent's best friend. Horticultural charcoal helps increase aeration and adds drainage to soil mixes for potted plants. Its natural porosity helps charcoal hold on to necessary nutrients for roots to access. Horticultural charcoal also helps create a more favourable environment for good bacteria and beneficial microbes for healthier soil, and helps balance soil pH.