Along with light, water, and nutrients, the substrate represents one of the essential elements for plant care. In nature, healthy soil for plants often forms all by itself. A wide variety of insects, as well as fungi and bacteria, are involved in this process.
Along with light, water, and nutrients, the substrate represents one of the essential elements for plant care. In nature, healthy soil for plants often forms all by itself. A wide variety of insects, as well as fungi and bacteria, are involved in this process.
The history of the Aroid Mix
In 2005, user “tapla” (better known as Al) posted a lengthy article on what is now the forum “houzz.com” about substrates and water in plant pots. He noted that many soils are unsuitable for flower pots because they hold too much water. That creates a constant water level in the planter where the roots die.
Instead of only presenting the problem, he directly offered a solution: an airy soil mix consisting of three ingredients. In this mix, he virtually eliminated the groundwater level.
The first recipe consisted of
- 3 parts pine bark (coarse parts)
- 1 part peat (medium coarse parts)
- 1-2 parts perlite (fine parts)
In 2007, he adjusted the mix somewhat. He increased the three parts pine bark to 5 parts, and the 5-1-1 mix was born.
This mix was not originally designed specifically for arum plants. But forum members quickly found that it provided optimal conditions for plants like monsteras and philodendrons. Therefore, the names Aroid Mix and Aroid potting mix promptly became established.
For a long time, I also used this mix until I came across the refined mix by Glenn, better known as crazyplantboy. This mix goes even better with many of my plants. As a result, I found that my Monstera deliciosa grew much faster than before.
At this point, I would like to thank Glenn for permitting me to present the mix here to you!
The improved 5-1-1 mix
Glenn has added four more ingredients to the original three to refine the substrate for arum plants. To keep the mixing ratio, the mix becomes a 10-4-2 mix.
If you prefer to remix the recipe in video form, you can find crazyplantboy’s video below this recipe. In the video, you will also find tips on groundwater levels and drainage layers!
The following ingredients are needed:
- Pumice in the grain size 1/5th-3/10 inch (5-8 mm)
- Coarse pine bark
- Medium coarse pine bark
- Coconut chips
- Coco coir
- Perlite
- Worm castings
- Activated charcoal (optional)
- Mycorrhiza fungi powder (optional)
The ingredients are mixed in the following steps. For this, we use “parts.” A part refers to the volume. So I recommend you use a bowl for mixing. So one bowl full of pine bark equals one part of pine bark.
Mix the coarse parts
The first step is to mix the coarse parts of the substrate. For this, you mix:
- 2 parts coarse pine bark
- 3 parts medium coarse pine bark
- 5 parts coconut chips
Add the medium coarse parts
After mixing the coarse parts, it’s time to add the medium parts to the mix. For this, you add:
- 2 parts pumice
- 2 parts perlite
Add the fine parts
Only the two fine ingredients need to be mixed in to complete the potting mix for aroids. Add the following ingredients to the mix:
- 1 part worm castings
- 1 part coco coir
Doping for your mix
Now that the essential mix is ready, you can refine the substrate. For example, you can add 50 g of mycorrhizal fungus powder per 15 liters of the substrate.
To support the nutrient supply, you can add up to 1 part of pre-fertilized activated carbon. If you add unfertilized activated charcoal, it will absorb the nutrients in the soil. It does not lose its antibacterial effect and porous structure due to fertilization.
For more information on the effects of each ingredient, check out our great post on substrates!
Customize the mix
Of course, this mix is not set in stone. So you can adjust it to your liking. However, try to maintain the mix ratio of the ingredient size.
Of course, this mix is not set in stone. So you can adjust it to your liking. However, try to maintain the mix ratio of the ingredient size.
To learn how different ingredients affect the mix, check out our vast post on how to mix substrates for houseplants yourself.
For which plants is this mix suitable?
You can use the mix for almost all your houseplants. As the name suggests, this mix for especially good for arum plants. These plants include:
- Anthuriums
- Callas
- Dieffenbachia
- Fici
- Ivies
- Monocots
- Monsteras like the Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii
- Philodendrons
- Xanthosoma
So, generally speaking, you can use this mix for all houseplants that are sensitive to water and need to dry out between watering. They should also prefer rather loose soil with plenty of air circulation.
That is true for most of the common houseplants. Succulents and water-loving plants, for example, are an exception.
How to create other mixes
If this post has piqued your interest in how to mix substrates yourself and how the different ingredients react, it’s worth checking out our great post on substrates!
