To us, soil is our entire world. It is our anchor, our pantry, and our water source. Therefore, its physical structure is paramount. We demand a mix that allows our roots to breathe, spread, and access water without ever being suffocated or waterlogged. A dense, compacted soil is a death sentence, leading to root rot which you will see manifested in our wilting leaves and lack of vibrant color. The perfect mix for us is one that is light, airy, and offers exceptional drainage. A blend of two parts high-quality potting soil, one part coarse perlite or pumice, and one part peat moss or coconut coir is ideal. The perlite creates vital air pockets, the organic matter holds just enough moisture and nutrients, and the combination ensures water flows through freely, hydrating our roots before quickly draining away, leaving them perfectly moist but never drowned.
You often hear "we love to dry out between waterings," and this is the absolute truth. Our Mediterranean heritage means we are built for periods of drought. The single greatest threat to our health is "wet feet." This is why drainage isn't just a tip; it is the non-negotiable foundation of our soil mix. Beyond the soil recipe itself, the container you choose must contribute to this. A pot with multiple, large drainage holes is essential. We also appreciate a layer of coarse material, like broken pottery or large gravel, at the bottom of the pot to prevent those holes from becoming blocked. This entire system—the right soil mix in a well-draining pot—recreates the well-drained, gritty hillsides we naturally thrive on, encouraging a deep and robust root system that supports explosive growth and prolific flowering.
While drainage is our primary concern, the chemical environment of the soil, specifically its pH level, dictates how well we can access the nutrients you provide. We perform best in a slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5 being optimal. In this range, essential micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc remain soluble and available for our root systems to absorb. If the soil becomes too alkaline (pH above 7.0), these nutrients become "locked up," unavailable to us even if they are present in the soil. You will see this as chlorosis—a yellowing of our leaves while the veins remain green. To maintain our preferred pH, the peat moss or coconut coir in the mix helps naturally lower it. You can also monitor it with a simple test kit and, if needed, amend the soil with a small amount of soil sulfur or use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants to keep conditions perfect.
Our soil mix provides the physical and chemical foundation, but we are vigorous growers and heavy bloomers, which requires significant energy. The lean, fast-draining mix we prefer does not hold onto nutrients for long. Therefore, consistent feeding during our active growing season is crucial to fuel our spectacular displays. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or one high in phosphate (the middle number on the package) applied regularly will promote continuous flowering. However, this feeding is only effective if the soil pH is correct, allowing us to actually uptake those nutrients. Think of the soil mix as the stage and the fertilizer as the actors; both are needed for a successful performance.
