About Soil & Repotting

Soil & Repotting is written by Sara Linwood, a houseplant writer who believes most struggling plants have a soil problem, not a light or watering problem.

Why only soil and repotting?

Bagged potting mix is one-size-fits-all, but a snake plant and a calathea want almost opposite things from their roots. Soil & Repotting covers one subject in depth: which soil each plant needs, what every ingredient does, and how to repot without shocking the plant. Every guide gives exact ratios, pH ranges and pot sizes rather than vague advice.

How Sara tests advice

• Every recipe is mixed by volume, potted and watched through full seasons, including how many days it takes to dry.
• The soil mix calculator uses the same ratios published in the guides.
• Claims about pH, ingredients and plant science are checked against university extension services and peer-reviewed research.

Read our editorial policy for how guides are written and updated, or get in touch with a question or correction.