The Complete Guide to Sol Soils: What Each Product Does (and How to Use It)
At Ed’s Plant Shop, soil isn’t an afterthought — it’s the foundation. Sol Soils products are built to solve real plant problems: compacted roots, inconsistent watering, nutrient loss, and drainage issues. Below is a practical, no-fluff breakdown of the Sol Soils collection at Ed’s Plant Shop.
Shop All Sol Soils
Browse every mix, topper, and amendment in one place.
1) Houseplant Chunky Mix
Best for: Aroids, philodendrons, monsteras, pothos, anthuriums, hoyas
This is the “everyday driver” for most indoor tropicals. The chunky structure keeps roots breathing, helps prevent compaction, and makes it easier to water thoroughly without fear of soggy soil hanging around too long.
- Use it when: you want reliable drainage + healthy root oxygenation
- How to use: pot straight from the bag; water fully, then let the top portion dry before watering again
Houseplant Chunky Mix – Premium Potting Mix for Aroids & Tropicals
Airy, root-friendly texture that supports strong growth and reduces rot risk.
Recommended Setup: “Aroid Repot Refresh”
A simple, high-success combo for most tropicals (Monstera, Philodendron, Pothos).
Browse watering tools that pair perfectly with chunky mixes →
2) Succulent Gritty Mix
Best for: Succulents, drought-tolerant plants, gritty-lovers that hate wet feet
If your plant’s biggest enemy is “staying wet too long,” this mix is your insurance policy. It drains quickly and helps you avoid the slow decline that comes from overly rich, water-holding soils.
- Use it when: you want a fast-drying substrate with excellent airflow
- How to use: pot directly; choose a pot with drainage; water fully, then let it dry down
Succulent Gritty Mix – Sustainable Soil for Succulents & Dry-Weather Plants
Fast-draining texture that supports healthy roots and fewer watering mistakes.
Recommended Setup: “Succulent Safety Net”
Built for people who want thriving succulents without overthinking it.
3) Orchid Chunky Mix
Best for: Orchids and other epiphytes that demand airflow around roots
Orchids don’t want “soil” — they want structure, airflow, and a moisture rhythm that dries between waterings. This mix is lightweight and resistant to compaction, which is exactly what orchid roots need to stay happy.
Orchid Chunky Mix – Lightweight Bark Blend for Thriving Orchids
High airflow + strong structure to support orchid root health long-term.
What Is Soil Topper — and How Do You Use It?
Soil topper is the finishing layer you didn’t know you needed. It sits on top of your potting mix and helps with: moisture balance, cleaner watering (less splatter), and a surface layer that’s less inviting to pests.
How to use: After potting, add a ½–1 inch layer evenly over the surface. Water gently so it stays in place.
Recommended Setup: “Topper + Gentle Watering”
If you’re using topper, water control matters. This is the easiest way to keep the surface neat and effective.
Amendments That Level Up Any Mix
Amendments are how you fine-tune the mix to match your habits (and your plant’s preferences). If you’re chasing faster root growth, better drainage, or more forgiving moisture control, these are the “secret weapons.”
Soil Health Boosters: When You Want Faster, Stronger Growth
If you’ve ever had a plant that “just stalls,” the issue is often below the surface. These are the products you reach for when you want to refresh tired soil, support healthier roots, and keep your mix working longer.
Sol Biotics Soil Salvation – Natural Soil Revitalizer
A reset button for tired soil — helps your mix perform better, longer.
Sol Biotics Bundle Pack – Complete Plant Wellness Kit
The easiest way to build a consistent “plant wellness” routine without guessing.
The Mess-Free Repotting Upgrade
If you repot even a few times a year, a good scoop is one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner” tools. It keeps your workspace cleaner and makes portioning soil faster (especially with chunkier mixes).
Granola Guy’s Scrumptious Soil Scoop – Repotting Tool
A simple upgrade that makes repotting quicker, cleaner, and less annoying.
Watering Tools That Make Premium Soil Work Even Better
Great soil performs best with controlled, consistent watering. Overwatering usually isn’t “too much water” — it’s too much water too often, or water applied too aggressively. Gentle tools help the mix saturate evenly without blasting holes through your soil (or washing away topper).
Watering Cans & Irrigation Tools
Long-spout cans, gentle sprayers, and irrigation tools that pair perfectly with airy mixes and soil topper.
Build Your Complete Sol Soils System
For the best results, think in layers: (1) choose the right base mix, (2) add topper for moisture balance, (3) boost with amendments as needed, and (4) water intentionally with gentle tools.
Explore more soil options in our Potting Soil for Indoor Plants collection and round out your routine with Plant Care Essentials.
