Let’s start with basic container soil science. Yep, that’s really a thing. I took an entire course devoted to container soils while at UC Davis. Also, containers are the term used by the horticulture/nursery trade which we would usually call a pot or a planter.
Basically, when you buy a pre-made potting mix, you’re looking for planting mix that comes ready-made to create the right balance of air-filled and water-filled pore space for your plant and your growing environment when you water it.
The potting mix must be able to hold sufficient water and nutrients while loose enough to allow for root and water movement and gas exchange (oxygen primarily) in the root zone.
This is why a succulent mix has larger quantities and sizes of soil aggregates in it like pumice, perlite and sand to promote increased drainage over say the ideal mix for a low-land carnivorous bog plant.
Note: I sometimes use the term soil but it’s really a misnomer. Potting mixes contain no actual “soil” or “dirt” taken from the ground or field. They are made from a combination of organic and inorganic materials and are often referred to in the nursery trade as soilless mixes or soilless media for that reason. We aren’t going to split hairs here though.
For more information Grow Plants in Plastic Pots, plastic flower hanging basket, please get in touch with us!