Miracle-Gro 8 qt. 0.31 cu. ft. Coarse Blend Orchid Potting Soil Mix

As someone who works with plants every day I wanted to give this mix a fair shot before I swore it off. As soon as I opened the bag not just one but multiple fungus gnats came flying out. I am constantly helping people get rid of these nuisances so I wasn’t about to let them infect each one of my plants. That tells me that the soil stays to damp even in that chunky of a mix.

The potting mix is generally good! It's well-suited to any kind of aeroid plant, and also works well when mixed with other mediums to allow for more drainage and air circulation. I mixed it with a small amount of regular potting soil for my anthurium and have had good results! There is no unpleasant odor and I didn't experience any pests within the bag. If I had to nitpick, some of the bark pieces are awkwardly shaped or sharp which can make it a bit clumsy to pot with at first, but it makes no difference in the performance. Overall good experience!

This potting mix is nice and chunky which is good for orchids (or so I am told by the orchid growers on the internet). I am able to pack it in pretty decently to give the roots good support and it drains very well so I don’t need to worry about root rot as much. I do feel like I have to water a bit more than I did with the mossy substrate my orchid came with but from what I’ve read the mix will condition over time and retain a good balance of moisture. It’s a good size bag which will last me for a long time. So far I’m pretty happy with it.

No such thing as too many plants. Orchids are very particular, but so beautiful. I always say happy roots and soil make happy plants. Very little mess and dust, highly recommend for any orchids. No dirty soil smell either! A must add to any plant collection.