The main difference between Molly’s Aroid Mix and traditional soil mixes sold at big-box retailers is how each handles water drainage and general aeration. Traditional soil mixes tend to compact quickly since they’re made up of very small particles. As a result, they retain a lot of water which is not ideal for indoor container-based plants which are highly susceptible to root rot and other pitfalls associated with over-watering. Molly’s Aroid Mix is designed to address the primary needs of plants growing in containers, including;

• Proper levels of moisture retention
• Space for free root, water, gas, and nutrient movement
• pH levels that support nutrient uptake
• Free of soil-borne diseases and pathogens 
• Enough support to anchor the roots and the plant itself 

No - Molly's Aroid Mix is a complete standalone potting mix. It contains a wide range of organic (alive) and mineral (inert) ingredients that plants require. It does not require the addition of anything else in order to meet the needs of your plants. If you want to mix it with other mixes or additives you can but please note that doing so is not required. 

Molly's Aroid Mix is made for any indoor plant that prefers an airy, chunky mix that drains quickly and allows plenty of air flow around the roots while resisting compaction which can restrict the flow of air and hinder root development and overall plant health. The mix is well-suited for most indoor plants including tropical plants. If you're unsure as to whether the mix will work for a specific plant just ask us and we'll be quick to respond with a recommendation. 

We recommend changing the mix once per year, which often coincides with repotting the plant to accommodate new growth. The mix takes a long time to fully break down and can remain unchanged for longer if needed. If you are repotting or changing the mix, don't worry about the parts of the mix that cling to the root ball - they can be transferred into the new pot and/or mix. 

Molly’s Aroid Mix generally requires watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on the plant and local environment. The mix is formulated to drain quickly since over-watering a plant is harder to recover from than under-watering a plant, and potted plants are susceptible to root rot. As the mix drains quickly it's important to properly distribute the water throughout the mix. For best results, we recommend making sure that the water pools on top of the mix in the pot and drains uniformly, vs. e.g. finding a small route through the mix and not spreading out. We also recommend bottom-watering the plant once in a while by placing the pot in a small cup/bowl/saucer with an inch or two of water and letting that soak up through the hole in the pot for 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the plant. Doing so will completely rehydrate your plant and potting mix while encouraging strong downward root growth. 

One 5 dry quart (5.5 liters) bag fills approximately 10 to 12 4-inch pots, or, 6 to 8 5" pots, or, 4-6 6" pots. The mix breaks down very slowly and as such is a premium yet economical solution for your indoor plants.