Originally Posted By: babbittd
Originally Posted By: whip
The biggest problem with potting soil is when the peat decomposes and become hydrophobic. Most of the bags you buy will contain peat, but it's not ideal for long term plant health. If you use something like Miracle grow, add lots of perlite to help drainage.
Ideally for plants like sansaveria, you want a mix that is completely inorganic. I make my own, but this is a pretty good mix. Make some phone calls and you might be able to get it locally.
http://www.amazon.com/Hoffman-10708-Bonsai-Soil-Quarts/dp/B00147Z8S2
excellent point about the peat. Even in the short-term, it just loves to not be re-wet. You pour water onto it and just bounces off!
since this is an oil forum, I thought I'd add that I've (along with many other people) successfully used Napa 8822 (Floor Dry / Oil absorbant) and various other calcined clay products, as either a stand-alone 'potting mix' or as one part in a multi-part mix. The clay products work exceptionally well in containers with wicks. Just be sure to rinse the clay of the dust, first, before you transplant into it.
The NAPA floor dry is one of the components of my mix. I've had great success since I started making my own potting medium.
Originally Posted By: andrewg
Huh...I've never had that problem with peat unless I've let it get completely bone-dry.
Keeping peat moist will help prevent it from becoming hydrophobic. The problem is plants like the Sans and other succulents would die if kept constantly moist.