BP's Soil Guide

With so many options, choosing the perfect substrate for your houseplants can be intimidating, so we have created Birdy's Plants Soil Guide to help you. 

Using the table below, search for your houseplant with either their common or latin name, and we'll list their correct soil mix along with any personal notes. If you don't see your houseplant listed, please reach out to us through our contact form and we will be happy to assist you.

 

Search here:

 

Common Name

Latin Name Soil Mix Notes
Aeonium Haworthii Aeonium 'Kiwi' Cactus + Succulent Mix 
African Violet Streptocarpus Terrarium Mix
Aglaonema Family
Chinese Evergreen / Golden Evergreen / Philippine Evergreen / Poison Dart Plant Aglaonema Philodendron + Monstera Mix Allow to dry out completely between waterings
Painted Drop-Tongue Aglaonema Roebelinii/Aglaonema Crispum Philodendron + Monstera Mix Allow to dry out completely between waterings
Aloe Tiger Plant Gonialoe Variegata Cactus + Succulent Mix
Aloe Vera Cactus + Succulent Mix
Amydrium Medium Green / Silver Amydrium Medium Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Aralia Ming Polyscias Fruticosa Ficus Mix
Australian Chestnut Castanospermum Australe Ficus Mix
Autograph Tree Clusia Rosea Ficus Mix
Avocado Plant Persea Ficus Mix
Bamboo Bambusa Fern Mix
Banana Plant Musa Hoya Mix
Bear's Paw Cotyledon Ladismithiensis Cactus + Succulent Mix
Begonia Family
Angel Wing Begonia Cane Begonias Hoya Mix
Butterfly Begonia Amphioxus Begonia Hoya Mix
Escargot Begonia Rex Cultorum Begonia Fern Mix

Don't fertilize frequently

Prefers slightly higher humidity

Exotica Begonia Begonia Brevirimosa Terrarium Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Eyelash Begonia Bowerae Begonia Fern Mix

Or Terrarium Mix in a terrarium

Prefers slightly higher humidity

Ferox Begonia Fern Mix Or Hoya Mix
Grape Leaf Begonia Begonia Reniformise Hoya Mix
Iron Cross Begonia Begonia Masoniana Fern Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
  Kotobuki Begonia Fern Mix
Lucerna' Begonia Corallina De Lucerna Begonia Hoya Mix
Metal-Leaf Begonia Begonia Incarnata Fern Mix
Painted-leaf Begonia / King Begonia Rex Begonia Fern Mix
Palm Leaf Begonia Luxurians Begonia Fern Mix
Peacock Begonia Pavonina Begonia Hoya Mix

Add 10% perlite

Appreciates shallower pots

Polka Dot Begonia "Maculata" Wightii Begonia Hoya Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Red Ruby Begonia Begonia Conchifolia Hoya Mix
Strawberry Begonia Saxifraga Stolonifera "Tricolor" Fern Mix
Tamaya Begonia Philodendron + Monstera Mix Add 10% worm castings
The Striped Begonia Listada Begonia Terrarium Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Thurstonii Begonia Fern Mix
Venosa Begonia Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Belladonna Lily Amaryllis Fern Mix
Biophytum Sensitivum Terrarium Mix
Bird of Paradise Strelitzia Hoya Mix

Add 10% bark

Or Philodendron + Monstera Mix and add 10% worm castings

Bloodleaf Iresine Herbstii Hoya Mix
Bonsai Family
Aralia Fabian Polyscias Fabian Ficus Mix Add 15% worm castings
Baobab Bonsai / Monkey-Bread Tree / Upside-Down Tree / Cream Of Tartar Tree Adansonia digitata (Bonsai version) Ficus Mix Add 15% worm castings
Desert Bonsai Ice Plant / The African Bonsai / Mini Desert Rose Trichodiadema bulbosum Ficus Mix Add 15% worm castings
Japanese Maple Tree Acer palmatum (Bonsai version) Ficus Mix Add 20% worm castings
Olive Tree / Common Olive Olea Europaea (Bonsai version) Ficus Mix
Pussy Willow / Goat Willow Salix caprea pendula (Bonsai version) Ficus Mix
Bright Star / Angel Grass Murdannia Loriformis Hoya Mix
Bromeliad Neoregilia Bromeliad (Epiphytic) Terrarium Mix
Buddha Belly Plant Jatropha Podigrica Cactus + Succulent Mix
Burro’s Tail Sedum Morganianum Cactus + Succulent Mix
Bush Lily Clivia Miniata Anthurium Mix Add 10% worm castings
Calla Lily Zantedeschia Aethiopica Hoya Mix
Cast Iron Aspidistra Elatior Anthurium Mix

Add 15% worm castings 

Or Ficus Mix if potted outdoors

Century Plant Agave Americana Cactus + Succulent Mix
China Doll Plant Radermachera Sinica Hoya Mix Prefers warmer temperature 
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera
Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 10% worm castings
Coffee Plant Coffea Arabica Hoya Mix
Coleus Plectranthus Scutellarioides Hoya Mix
Common Herbs (Basil, Bay Leaf, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, etc.) Fern Mix

 

Cordyline Ficus Mix
Corkscrew Grass Juncus Effusus ‘Spiralis Ficus Mix
Corpse Flower Amorphophallus Titanum Alocasia Mix Prefers warmer temperature
Crotons Codiaeum Variegatum Hoya Mix Add 10% bark

Curcuma Hybrid 'Siam Shadow'

Curcuma Alismatifolia Hybrid Alocasia Mix

Add 10% worm castings 

Keep consistently moist

Curry Tree

Murraya Koenigii Ficus Mix

 

 

Dischidia Orchid Mix

Or Anthurium Mix and add 10% perlite and 10% bark

Dracaena Family
Dracaena Ficus Mix
Corn Plant Dracaena Fragrans Cactus + Succulent Mix
Dragon Tree Dracaena Marginata Ficus Mix
Gold Dust Dracaena
Dracaena Surculosa
Cactus + Succulent Mix
Lucky Bamboo Dracaena Sanderiana Cactus + Succulent Mix
Snake Plant Dracaena Trifasciata (Sanseveria) Cactus + Succulent Mix
Song of India / Pleomele Dracaena Reflexa Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia Ficus Mix
Earth Star Cryptanthus Bromeliad Terrarium Mix

Add 10% worm castings

Keep consistently moist

Easter Cactus
Rhipsalidopsis Gaertneri

Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 10% worm castings
Elephant Bush Plant Portulacaria Afra Cactus + Succulent Mix
Elephant Ear Family
Alocasia Alocasia Mix Keep consistently moist
Alocasia Variegated Frydek Alocasia Micholitziana Variegata
Alocasia Mix

Use distilled or filtered water

Or Semi-Hydro Mix

Caladiums Alocasia Mix Elephant Ear Family
Colocasia Alocasia Mix Elephant Ear Family
False Aralia Plerandra Elegantissima Ficus Mix
False Shamrock Oxalis Triangularis Alocasia Mix
Fern Family
Asparagus Fern Asparagus Setaceus Fern Mix Not considered a true fern
Bird's-Nest Fern Asplenium Nidus 75% Fern Mix and 25% Anthurium Mix Or Fern Mix and add 20% perlite and bark
Blue Star Fern Phlebodium Aureum 75% Fern Mix and 25% Anthurium Mix Or Fern Mix and add 20% perlite and bark
Boston Fern / Sword Fern Nephrolepis Exaltata Fern Mix
Brake Fern Pteris Straminea Fern Mix
Button Fern Pellaea Rotundifolia Fern Mix Appreciates shallower pots
Christmas Fern Polystichum Acrostichoides 85% Fern Mix and 15% Anthurium Mix Or Fern Mix and 10% perlite and bark
Cinnamon Fern Osmundastrum Cinnamomeum 75% Fern Mix and 25% Anthurium Mix Or Fern Mix and 20% perlite and bark
Crocodile Fern Microsorum Musifolium 75% Fern Mix and 25% Anthurium Mix Or Fern Mix and 20% perlite and bark
Delta Maidenhair Fern Adiantum Raddianum Fern Mix
Hart's Tongue Fern Asplenium Scolopendrium 50% Fern Mix and 50% Alocasia Mix
Heart Leaf Fern Hemionitis Arifolia 75% Fern Mix and 25% Anthurium Mix Or Fern Mix and 20% perlite and bark
Holly Fern / Japanese Holly Fern Cyrtomium Falcatum Fern Mix
Japanese Painted Fern

 Athyrium Niponicum

Fern Mix Add 10% worm castings
Kimberley Queen Fern
Nephrolepis Obliterata
Fern Mix
Lady Fern Athyrium Filix-Femina 50% Fern Mix and 50% Alocasia Mix Keep consistently moist
Nicholas Diamond Fern Phlebosia 75% Fern Mix and 25% Alocasia Mix Keep consistently moist
Rabbit's Foot Fern Davallia Denticulata Fern Mix
Staghorn Fern Platycerium

Mounted - Sphagnum Moss

Potted - Anthurium Mix 

Variegated Cretan Brake Fern Pteris Cretica 'Albolineata' Fern Mix
Ficus Family
Banyan / Ficus Audrey Ficus Benghalensis Ficus Mix
Common Fig Ficus Carica Ficus Mix
Creeping Fig Ficus Pumila Ficus Mix
Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus Lyrata Ficus Mix
Malayan Banyan Ficus Microcarpa Ficus Mix
Rubber Plant Ficus Elastica Ficus Mix
Fire Flash Chlorophytum Orchidastrum Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Fishbone Cactus Epiphyllum Anguliger Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 10% worm castings and coco coir
Forest Cactus  Lepismium Bolivianum Philodendron + Monstera Mix

Add 20% perlite and bark

Prefers shadier lighting conditions 

Allow to dry out completely between waterings

Frangipani Plumeria Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 10% worm castings
Frizzle Sizzle / Corkscrew Albuca Albuca Spiralis Cactus + Succulent Mix
Hibiscus  Fern Mix
Hottentot Bread Fockea Edulis Ficus Mix
Hoya Family
Hoya AH 074 Hoya Mix Or Semi-Hydro Mix
Hoya Australis Hoya Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Hoya Burmanica Hoya Mix Or Semi-Hydro Mix
Hoya Carnosa Hoya Mix

Prefers slightly higher humidity

Appreciates a trellis

Hoya Curtisii Hoya Mix Appreciates a trellis
Hoya Kerrii Hoya Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Hoya Krohniana Hoya Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Hoya Lacunosa Hoya Mix Or Semi-Hydro Mix
Hoya Linearis Hoya Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Hoya Macrophylla Hoya Mix
Hoya Mathilde Hoya Mix
Hoya Multiflora Hoya Mix
Hoya Polyneura Hoya Mix
Hoya Pubicalyx Hoya Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Hoya Retusa Hoya Mix
Hoya Wayetii Hoya Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Ivy Hedera Helix Fern Mix
Jade Plant Crassula Ovata Cactus + Succulent Mix
Jasmine Ficus Mix
Jewel Orchid Family
Ludisia Discolor Alocasia Mix
Macodes Petola Anthurium Mix

Add 10% worm castings and perlite

Or Terrarium Mix in a terrarium

Lavender Lavandula Ficus Mix
Lemon Tree Citrus Limon Ficus Mix Add 10% worm castings
Lipstick Plant Aeschynanthus Alocasia Mix Keep consistently moist
Living Stone / Butt Plants
Lithops 50% Cactus + Succulent Mix and 50% Volcanic Rock
Madagascar Jasmine / Hawaiian Wedding Vine Stephanotis Floribunda Hoya Mix Add 10% sand
Madagascar Jewel Euphorbia Leuconeura Cactus + Succulent Mix
Midnight Ginger Zingiber Malaysianum Alocasia Mix
Mistletoe Cactus
Rhipsalis
Cactus + Succulent Mix
Money Tree / 

Guiana Chestnut

Pachira aquatica
Ficus Mix
Monkey Tail Cactus
Cleistocactus Winteri
Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 10% volcanic rock
Monstera Family
Mini Monstera Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Monkey Mask Monstera Adansonii Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Monstera Albo Monstera Deliciosa 'Albo-Variegata' Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Silver Monstera Monstera Siltepecana Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Swiss Cheese Plant / Split-Leaf Philodendron Monstera Deliciosa Philodendron + Monstera Mix Allow to dry out completely between waterings
Mother of Thousands / Devil's Backbone Kalanchoe Daigremontiana Cactus + Succulent Mix
Nerve Plant Fittonia Hoya Mix Or Terrarium Mix in a terrarium
Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria Heterophylla Ficus Mix
October Daphne Hylotelephium Sieboldii Cactus + Succulent Mix
Orange Tree Citrus Sinensis Ficus Mix Add 10% worm castings
Orchid Orchidaceae Orchid Mix Or Semi-Hydro Mix
Orchid Cactus / Climbing Cacti Epiphyllum Pumilum Orchid Mix
Paddle Plant Kalanchoe Luciae Cactus + Succulent Mix
Palm Family
Areca Palm Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Cat Palm / Cascade Palm Chamaedorea Cataractarum Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Chinese Fan Palm Livistona Chinensis Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Coconut Palm Cocos Nucifera Ficus Mix Add 10% worm castings
Hawaiian Palm Brighamia Insignis Cactus + Succulent Mix
Kentia Palm Howea Forsteriana Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Majesty Palm Ravenea Rivularis Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Parlor Palm Chamaedorea Elegans Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Ponytail Palm Beaucarnea Recurvata Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Sago Palm Cycas Revoluta Ficus Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Yucca Palm

Yucca Elephantipes

Cactus + Succulent Mix
Parrot Heliconia Heliconia Psittacorum Hoya Mix Add 10% bark
Parrot Plant Impatiens Niamniamensis Hoya Mix
Party Plant Alternanthera Ficoidea Hoya Mix
Paperplant Japanese Aralia Ficus Mix
Peace Lily Spathiphyllum Hoya Mix Add 10% bark
Peperomia Family
Baby Rubberplant Peperomia Obtusifolia Ficus Mix Add 10% worm castings
Beetle Peperomia Peperomia Quadrangularis Hoya Mix Add 10% bark
Emerald Ripple Peperomia Caperata Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Happy Bean Peperomia Ferreyrae Cactus + Succulent Mix
Jade Necklace Peperomia Rotundifolia Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Peperomia Hope Peperomia Tetraphylla Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Peperomia Pixie Lime Peperomia Orba Ficus Mix
Piccolo Banda Peperomia Albovittata 75% Philodendron + Monstera Mix and 25% Cactus + Succulent Mix
Raindrop Peperomia Peperomia Polybotrya Ficus Mix Add 10% worm castings
Red Edged Radiator Plant Peperomia Clusiifolia Ficus Mix
Red Log Plant Peperomia Verticillata Cactus + Succulent Mix
Red Tree Peperomia Peperomia Metallica Terrarium Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
String of Turtles Peperomia Prostrata Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Watermelon Peperomia Peperomia Argyreia Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Pepper Plants Piper Ficus Mix Add 20% worm castings
Persian Cyclamen Cyclamen Persicum Hoya Mix
Persian Shield Strobilanthes Dyeriana Hoya Mix

Prefers slightly higher humidity

Or Terrarium Mix in a terrarium

Philodendron Family
Philodendron Birkin Philodendron + Monstera Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity 
Philodendron Gloriosum Philodendron + Monstera Mix Or Anthurium Mix
Heartleaf Philodendron Philodendron Hederaceum Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Melano Philodendron Melanochrysum Philodendron + Monstera Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Pink Princess Philodendron Philodendron Erubescens Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Tree Philodendron Philodendron Selloum Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Philodendron Verrucosum Philodendron + Monstera Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Pickle Plant Delosperma Echinatum Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 10% worm castings
Pigeon Orchid Dendrobium Crumenatum Orchid Mix
Pilea Family
Aluminum Plant Pilea Cadierei Hoya Mix
Baby Toes Pilea Depressa
Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Chinese Money Plant Pilea Peperomioides Philodendron + Monstera Mix Add 15% worm castings
Friendship Plant Pilea Involucrata Hoya Mix

Add 20% vermiculite

Keep consistently moist

Glauca Pilea Glaucophylla Hoya Mix Add 20% vermiculite
Moon Valley Pilea Crassifolia Hoya Mix Add 20% vermiculite
Silver Tree Pilea Spruceana Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Pineapple Plant Ananas Comosus Ficus Mix
Poinsettia (Christmas Flower Plant) Euphorbia Pulcherrima Cactus + Succulent Mix *****
Pothos Family
Epipremnum Amplissimum Philodendron + Monstera Mix Pothos Family
Epipremnum Aureum Philodendron + Monstera Mix Pothos Family
Epipremnum Pinnatum Philodendron + Monstera Mix  Pothos Family
Scindapsus Pictus Philodendron + Monstera Mix Pothos Family
Scindapsus Treubii Philodendron + Monstera Mix Pothos Family
Purple Passion Gynura Aurantiaca Fern Mix
Queen of Hearts / Shield Plant Homalomena Rubescens Maggy Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Red Ivy / Waffle Plant Strobilanthes Alternata Hoya Mix
Ribbon Plant Trachyandra Tortilis Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 10% worm castings
Rocktrumpet Mandevilla Fern Mix
Rose Grape Medinilla magnifica Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Schismatoglottis Wallichii Philodendron + Monstera Mix Prefers slightly higher humidity
Seedlings Herbs Fern Mix Or vermiculite
Sensitive Plant / Shameplant Mimosa Pudica Alocasia Mix Add 10% coco coir
Shoebutton Ardisia Ardisia Humilis Ficus Mix Add 10% worm castings
Slime Lillies Albuca Humilis Cactus + Succulent Mix
Slipper Orchid Paphiopedilum Orchid
Orchid Mix Or Semi-Hydro Mix
Slipper Orchid Phragmipedium Orchid
Orchid Mix Or Semi-Hydro Mix
Spiderman Monstera Amydrium Medium Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Spider Plant Chlorophytum Comosum Philodendron + Monstera Mix Or Fern Mix
Stephania Erecta & Glabra Cactus + Succulent Mix Or Fern Mix
Stonecrop Sedum Cactus + Succulent Mix Add 15% worm castings
String of Bananas Curio Radicans Cactus + Succulent Mix
String of Buttons Crassula Perforata Cactus + Succulent Mix
String of Dolphins Senecio Peregrinus Cactus + Succulent Mix
String of Hearts Ceropegia Woodii Cactus + Succuent Mix
String of Nickles Senecio Herreianus Philodendron + Monstera Mix Add 20% perlite
String of Pearls Senecio Rowleyanus Cactus + Succulent Mix
String of Pickles / String of Rubies Crassothonna Capensis Cactus + Succulent Mix
String of Raindrops

Curio Herreanus

Fern Mix Appreciates shadier light conditions
String of Tears Senecio Herreianus Cactus + Succulent Mix

String of Watermelon

Curio Herreanus

Cactus + Succulent Mix
Swedish Ivy Plectranthus Verticillatus Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Tea Plant Camellia Sinensis Ficus Mix Add 10% worm castings
Thanksgiving Cactus Schlumbergera Alocasia Mix
The Amazon Jungle Vine Cissus Amazonica Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Tradescantia
Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia Chrysophylla Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Bubble Gum / Lilac Tradescantia Blossfeldiana Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Callisia Navicularis Tradescantia Navicularis Cactus + Succulent Mix
Creeping Basketplant / Turtle Vine / Pink Panther Tradescantia Callisia Hoya Mix
Moses in the Cradle Tradescantia Spathacea Hoya Mix
Purple Heart Tradescantia Pallida Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Silver Inch Plant / Wandering Dude / Inchplant Tradescantia Zebrina Philodendron + Monstera Mix Keep consistently moist
Small-Leaf Spiderwort Tradescantia Fluminensis Philodendron + Monstera Mix
White Velvet Tradescantia Sillamontana Philodendron + Monstera Mix
Tree Aeonium Aeonium Arboreum Cactus + Succulent Mix 
Turtle Vine / Creeping Inchplant Callisia Repens Cactus + Succulent Mix  Or Terrarium Mix in a terrarium
Umbrella Tree Schefflera Arboricola Ficus Mix
Variegated Spiral Ginger Costus Arabicus ‘Variegatus' Philodendron + Monstera Mix Allow to dry out completely between waterings
Weed Cannabis Hoya Mix
Zebra Plant Aphelandra Squarrosa Hoya Mix
ZZ Plant Zamioculcas Zamiifolia Philodendron + Monstera Mix