The main difference between Molly's Potting Mixes and traditional soil mixes sold at big-box retailers is in how each handles water drainage and general aeration. Traditional soil mixes tend to compact quickly when watered because they consist of very small particles. As a result, they retain a lot of water, which is not ideal for indoor container plants that are highly susceptible to root rot and other issues related to overwatering. Molly's Potting Mixes are designed to address the primary needs of plants growing in containers, including:

• Reduced risk of overwatering
• Proper levels of moisture retention
• Space for free root, water, gas, and nutrient movement
• pH levels that support nutrient uptake
• Freedom from soil-borne diseases and pathogens
• Sufficient support to anchor the roots and the plant itself

Molly's soil-free potting mixes are specifically crafted for potted plants, preventing compaction after watering and greatly reducing the risk of overwatering and root rot, the leading causes of houseplant issues. They are guaranteed to be free of pests, commercial fertilizers, and harsh chemicals, and are not attractive to fungus gnats, which prefer to lay their eggs in soil. Molly's Potting Mixes are ideal for nearly any indoor plant, including tropical/leafy plants, succulents and cacti, and orchids. If you're unsure whether our mixes are suitable for a specific plant, just reach out to us, and we'll quickly provide a recommendation.

Molly’s Potting Mixes are completely soil-free, resist compaction after watering, and are guaranteed to be free of pests, harsh chemicals, and commercial fertilizers. Being soil-free, they also repel fungus gnats, which prefer to lay their eggs in soil. 

One 5 dry quart (5.5 liter) bag fills approximately ten to twelve 4" pots, or, six to eight 5" pots, or, four to six 6" pots. 

This question requires a brief discussion about the differences between a 'potting mix' and 'fertilizer.'

A potting mix for indoor plants is a substrate or growing medium in which the plant is placed. It is generally not a source of nutrients for the plant and mainly serves as a structural and water-holding medium. Its primary purpose is to provide a stable environment for plant roots, facilitate proper aeration and drainage, prevent root rot and overwatering issues, support root development, and anchor the plant in its container. Potting mixes typically contain little to no nutrients, acting as a neutral substrate. Any nutrients the plants require must come from other sources, primarily fertilizer.

Fertilizer for indoor plants is a product specifically designed to provide essential nutrients to plants. These nutrients include macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc, etc.). Fertilizers come in various forms, such as liquid, granular, or slow-release pellets. They supplement the nutrient needs of indoor plants, which may not receive sufficient nutrients from the potting mix alone. Fertilizers promote healthy growth, flowering, and overall plant vitality. Since indoor plants in containers have limited access to nutrients in their environment, regular fertilization is important.

Molly’s Potting Mixes, unlike most traditional soil-based standalone potting mixes, do contain nutrients as part of their ingredients but not in the same quantities as a dedicated fertilizer product. When you repot your plants using fresh Molly’s Potting Mix, your plants will receive a good dose of nutrients. However, this is not a replacement for adding a standard fertilizer (liquid, granular, or slow-release pellets), which we recommend for optimum plant health.