So chunky!

If you've love the original Bio Leaf Aroid and Hoya Medium blend, this has the same ingredients but in a much chunkier, larger grade. If this were ice cream I'd call it Chunky Monkey. Your plants will go bananas for this. I love it. My jungle loves it. Win win!

This is for the 2 litre size. Also available in 5 litres >

Which plants is this mix for?

This much larger grade blend was designed for the specific needs of more salt-sensitive, slower-growing, larger variegated tropical indoor plants, making them more prone to transplant stress and more at risk of root rot. Your substrate choice for variegated plants can make or break your chances of a healthy, long-term relationship together. Here's what's so special about this blend...

PS: Need LOTS of substrate / potting mix? Orders over 15 litres total sometimes get too big or heavy for standard shipping rates. If your order goes over into overweight / oversize rates I will be in touch to let you know. I won't incur any costs without your okay - Anna :)

Upsized.

Almost every ingredient in this very free-draining mix has been upsized, increasing drainage, providing more oxygen to roots and reducing the risk of root rot. This is the chunkiest, most free-draining blend in the Bio Leaf Aroid & Hoya range.

It creates a more oxygen-rich environment roots love. Airy and non-clumping to avoid compaction around roots. A more open mix that improves air and moisture movement throughout the root zone.

This coarser grade has a size range of 8mm to 20mm. Compare that to the Bio Leaf Fine/Medium at 3mm to 6mm or Bio Leaf Medium/Chunky at 3mm to 9mm.

Which plants is this mix for?

Ideal used by itself for your well established, well rooted variegated aroids, such as Monstera Thai Constellation and Monstera Albo. Also a perfect additive if you want to add drainage, increase oxygen for roots and reduce water retention by mixing it in with your standard aroid mix or DIY mix to get those benefits.

Keep in mind the water retention of this mix is very low, so for variegated plants with more delicate root systems or newly rooted cuttings or smaller plants, I'd start with one of the smaller grade aroid mixes like the Bio Leaf Aroid Fine or Bio Leaf Aroid Medium blends. and save this one for your well-established plants with more mature root systems in medium to larger pots.

Low and slow moisture release

With their reduced ability to photosynthesize, the more highly variegated the plant, the slower they grow compared to their all-green cousins. This mix holds less water and avoids becoming waterlogged by retaining plenty of air space for roots, keeping water in reserve for slower moisture release.

Closer to nature

As well as the chunky goodies you can see, Bio Leaf also includes their Bioactive Blend that promotes a healthy microbial population of miniature, beneficial soil microorganisms, creating a foundation for your plant that's closer to nature.

The non-plant-geek version? Although too tiny to see with the naked eye, Bio Leaf creates an ideal environment for tiny soil super heroes to set up home, helping increase nutrient availability to plants, reducing the risk of deficiencies and helping detoxify soil.

Safer for salt-sensitive plants

With their slower growth rate, variegated plants are more salt-sensitive. As well as careful choice of reduced salt fertiliser and treating tap water or using rain water, the right substrate can also help protect variegated plants from excess salt build-up.

The improved drainage helps reduce soil salinity, keeping water flowing freely throughout the root zone. It reduces pockets of mineral salt build-up that can cause root burn.

Also important to note is this mix is fertiliser-free. You will not find fertiliser salts added. NO slow-release synthetic fertiliser putting you in full control of the fertiliser quality, frequency and dose.

What's in the bag?

As far as the big stuff goes, here's what's in the mix (along with the Bioactive Blend).

Orchid bark

Premium, export-quality, large grade orchid bark. Clean and sterile. Harder, slow-to-decompose grade lasts years. Increases soil aeration, resists compacting and adds drainage while holding water for slow-release.

Pumice

Natural, volcanic rock. Keeps its shape even when waterlogged. Keeps soil loose to avoid compaction. Adds aeration and improves drainage. Keeps water moving. Naturally porous. Holds water roughly twice as long as bark for slow and steady release. Compared to perlite which costs less, although pumice costs more, it is also the superior choice for plants, offering better drainage and higher compact-resistance, as well as being more eco-friendly.

Fern fibre

A superb inclusions for aroids, also popular with hoyas, orchids, ferns and other epiphytes. Natural, soft, airy, fibrous and long lasting. Contains a lot of air but also holds water longer than many other free-draining substrates. Distributes moisture more evenly throughout the root zone. Sustainably harvested.

Horticultural charcoal

The over-waterers and worried-plant-parent's best friend! Helps increase aeration and adds drainage. Natural porosity holds on to necessary nutrients for roots to access. Creates a more favourable environment for good bacteria and beneficial microbes. Helps balance soil pH.

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Bio Leaf VARIEGATED Potting Mix - Chunky / Coarse - 2 litre