Peat-Free Aroid Potting Mixes That Actually Work – A Beard-Approved Breakdown

Let’s Talk About Dirt – But Make It Sustainable

If you’ve spent any time in the plant world, you’ve probably heard about peat. Magical stuff. Holds water like a sponge. Great for plants. Also: a slow-forming, non-renewable natural resource that, when harvested, releases tonnes of carbon and wrecks ecosystems.

Soil isn’t just dirt. It’s the foundation of every jungle dream — the life beneath the leaves, the underground party your roots are vibing at.

So yeah… not ideal.

That’s why I’ve ditched the peat - and no, I’m not sacrificing plant health for the planet.

You don’t need peat. You need knowledge.

In the UK alone, peatland degradation contributes over 10 million tonnes of CO₂ every year. That’s a lot of damage for a bag of compost.

So here’s my go-to peat-free mix that’s kept my jungle lush, my roots thriving, and my conscience clear.

What’s in My Beard-Approved Mix?

Here’s the recipe I live and propagate by. It’s flexible, chunky, alive - and it smells like the forest floor after good decisions.

Adds airflow, structure, and that earthy vibe.

Great for aroids and anything with chunky roots that hate sitting in wet socks.

Lightweight, volcanic, and basically the popcorn of the plant world.

It keeps things aerated and stops the dreaded compact swamp effect.

Adds a touch of water retention without drowning the roots. Think: hydration without saturation.

Organic matter = nutrients = happy roots. Go for quality stuff that doesn’t smell like a foot.

This is where the magic happens. It’s like sprinkling fairy dust in your mix—packed with beneficial microbes and nutrients. Worm castings don’t just feed your plants — they feed the soil life that feeds your plants. It’s a buffet beneath the bark.

This is what gives your soil life. Literal life.

Holds moisture, helps balance pH, and purifies. Bonus: looks dramatic in your prop box.

Keeps things fresh, filters impurities, and helps prevent rot.

Especially useful in terrariums or heavy-feeding pots.

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Other Funky Amendments (aka Soil Jazz)

LECA Balls – Use for drainage or semi-hydro projects.

Sand – For cacti and succulents that want zero drama.

Coco Coir – Good peat alternative, but not my fave in every mix.

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How to Know It’s the Right Mix?

Use my favourite test: Scrunch it tight in your hand. If it falls apart when released, it’s a good mix. If it clumps like sticky cake batter - too wet, too dense, too risky. Fix it.

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Why It Matters

Every time you skip the peat, you’re giving the planet a break. And trust me - your plants won’t miss it. They’ll thank you with bigger leaves, happier roots, and fewer fungal tantrums.

And here’s the bigger win: using peat-free soil connects you to a global movement of growers who believe beauty shouldn’t come at nature’s expense.

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Want to Try My Mix?

Keep your eye on the shop - we’ll be offering limited batches of my signature soil blend, made with love, science, and zero peat.

Or better yet? Come to a workshop. I’ll show you how to build your own mix that fits your plant collection and your vibe.

Book A Propagation Workshop