Find your perfect potting mix
Not sure what soil your plant needs? Take our free 60-second quiz. We diagnose what is going wrong, then match the exact Molly's mix and amount for your Monstera, succulents, orchids and more, with a free repotting guide and 10% off your first order.
How the soil finder works
1. Tell us what is going on
Pick the symptoms you are seeing, such as yellowing leaves, mushy stems or soil that stays wet, or just tell us you are repotting.
2. Choose your plant
Search 80+ houseplants by name, or pick by look if you are not sure, then add your pot size and how many plants you have.
3. Get your match
We diagnose the likely issue and recommend the right Molly's potting mix and exact amount, with your 10% welcome code applied.
Why the right potting mix matters
Most houseplant problems start in the soil. Dense, water-logged potting soil starves roots of oxygen and causes root rot, the most common reason houseplants die. The fix is a chunky, airy, fast-draining mix matched to each plant type. Molly's soilless potting mixes are pre-blended from bark, perlite, charcoal and other premium ingredients, and are always free of fertilizer, soil-borne pests and disease.
- Tropicals and aroids (Monstera, Pothos, Philodendron) want a chunky, fast-draining Aroid Mix so roots get air and never sit in water.
- Succulents, cactus and bonsai rot in regular soil; a gritty Succulent Mix keeps roots dry between waterings.
- Orchids are epiphytes whose roots need air, not soil; a chunky bark Orchid Mix drains fast and prevents rot.
New to repotting? Our soil and substrate basics, orchid care and succulent and cactus care guides walk you through it step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Monstera leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing Monstera leaves are most often a sign of overwatering and the early stages of root rot, usually caused by a dense mix that holds too much water. Move the plant to a chunky, fast-draining aroid mix, make sure the pot has drainage, and let the top two inches of mix dry out between waterings.
What is the best soil for a Monstera or other aroid?
Aroids like Monstera, Pothos and Philodendron want a chunky, airy, fast-draining mix rather than standard potting soil. A bark, perlite and charcoal blend such as Molly's Aroid Mix gives roots oxygen and drains quickly, which prevents the soggy conditions that cause root rot.
How do I fix root rot?
Remove the plant, trim away any soft brown roots, and repot into fresh, fast-draining mix in a pot with drainage holes. The long-term fix is a chunky mix that does not stay wet, plus letting the soil dry between waterings. The quiz recommends the right mix and amount for your specific plant.
What soil should I use for succulents and cacti?
Succulents, cacti and bonsai need a gritty, fast-draining mix that dries quickly, because regular potting soil holds far too much water and causes rot. A gritty succulent and cactus mix keeps roots dry and healthy between waterings.
What is the best potting mix for orchids?
Orchids are epiphytes, so their roots need air rather than soil. A chunky, bark-based orchid mix drains fast and lets the roots breathe, which prevents the root rot that kills most orchids. Avoid packing orchids into standard soil.
How often should I repot or refresh my potting mix?
Most houseplants benefit from fresh mix every 12 to 18 months, because chunky mixes break down and lose their air over time. Repotting with fresh, fast-draining mix keeps roots healthy and is one of the simplest ways to keep plants thriving.
How much potting mix do I need?
It depends on your pot size and how many plants you are repotting. The quiz calculates the volume you need from your pot size and plant count, then suggests the most economical bag combination so you do not overbuy. Orders over CAD $100 ship free.
