From our perspective, the single most critical factor in a potting medium is its ability to manage water and air around our roots. We are susceptible to root rot, a condition caused by suffocation and fungal pathogens that thrive in waterlogged, anaerobic conditions. A dense, moisture-retentive soil acts like a tomb for our root system. Therefore, the ideal soil must be extremely well-draining and porous. It should allow water to flow through it freely, hydrating the roots without pooling, while simultaneously creating countless air pockets. This ensures our roots have constant access to the oxygen they need for respiration, which is just as vital to our health as water and nutrients.
While we are not massive trees in a pot, we can grow quite tall and top-heavy with our large, violin-shaped leaves. The potting medium must provide adequate physical support to anchor our root ball securely. This prevents us from becoming unstable and toppling over, which can cause severe stem damage or break roots. The soil components should create a stable structure that holds us upright, allowing our roots to grip and establish a firm foundation. A mix that is too light and fluffy, like pure peat, may compact over time or fail to provide the necessary weight and structure for our vertical growth habit.
Despite our need for excellent drainage, we still require consistent moisture. Our large leaves lose a significant amount of water through transpiration, and our roots need a reliable, though not constant, source of hydration. The perfect soil achieves a delicate balance: it retains enough moisture to keep the root zone slightly damp between waterings but never wet or soggy. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist to the touch but releasing no free water. This balance allows us to uptake water and dissolved nutrients as needed without the risk of our cells drowning and dying.
A suitable potting medium for us is not a single ingredient but a carefully crafted blend. A high-quality, well-aerated potting mix serves as a good base. To this, a substantial amount of chunky amendments must be added. Coarse orchid bark or pine chips are essential; their large pieces create vital air spaces and improve drainage. Horticultural perlite, those white lightweight granules, further prevents soil compaction and enhances aeration. A smaller amount of coconut coir can be included for its ability to retain moisture in a more forgiving way than peat moss, which can become hydrophobic when dry. A handful of horticultural charcoal can help keep the soil fresh by filtering impurities and inhibiting bacterial growth. While some mixes include a small amount of peat for moisture retention, it should never be the dominant component.
We prefer a potting medium that is slightly acidic to neutral, generally within a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. This pH level optimizes the availability of essential macro and micronutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, and Manganese. If the soil becomes too alkaline, these nutrients become "locked up" and unavailable for our roots to absorb, leading to deficiencies that manifest as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor overall health. The organic components like bark and coir in a well-designed mix naturally tend toward a slightly acidic pH, which is perfectly suited to our needs.
