Without a doubt, Aroids (Aglaonema, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia, Epipremnum, Monstera, Philodendron, Syngonium, Thaumatophyllum and many related genera) are the "it" plants of the past couple of years. Any why not? Their amazing foliage comes in almost every shade of the rainbow, they're generally hardy and easy to grow, and they run the gamut from upright varieties to trailing and climbing types--something for every taste!
But when it comes to potting these unique foliage gems, there seems to be as much variety in planting media as in the plants themselves! So, what's the best option?
In truth, experience has shown that the majority of Aroids can live happily in a range of media, so long as a single criterion is met: Aroids require a medium that retains adequate moisture while also permitting lots of air circulation around the plants' roots. Remember, like so many of our tropical favorites, many Aroids are natural epiphytes in the wild, growing not in soil, but clinging to the trunks of trees and other plants, rocks, etc. These species can't tolerate wet, compacted soil. Neither can they survive for long in very dry conditions. Picture. a flourishing Philodendron in the wild: giant leaves, supported by a thick, fleshy climbing stem with aerial roots at every node, grasping the bark of a tree or some other support. Amid the tangle of roots, moss, decaying leaves, and other organic matter accumulate, retaining the vital rainwater the plant needs to survive. So, what does that mean in practical terms? Basically, we want to pot Aroids in a medium rich in organic matter, that doesn't compact and allows plenty of air circulation. There are a number of media that can be used to achieve this goal, and we suggest experimenting with a few different ones, to find out what works best in your own collection. The key ratio is about 50% rich organic substrate (preferably a peat- or coir-based medium) with 50% aerating material(s).
Experience (much of it through trial-and-error) has helped us tweak media choice for each Aroid we grow, but our "basic" mix consists of equal proportions of soilless peat-based mix, coarse fir bark (orchid quality), long-fiber Sphagnum moss, and coarse perlite.
Here are some of the common elements included for aeration in various Aroid media:
Perlite is probably the most common and readily available product. Essentially, perlite is a volcanic rock that's "popped" like popcorn, to yield a light, porous white product that aerates and improves drainage. We use the stuff by the truckload. Seriously, it's part of our mix for virtually every plant we grow, because tropical species tend. to love both abundant rainfall and excellent drainage.
Styrofoam sounds like an unconventional ingredient for a soil mix, but it actually works well for some species, creating open air space--and we all know that it doesn't compost, so there's no worry about it compacting over time. Fir Bark is usually sold as a potting medium for Orchids, Bromeliads, and other similar plants. This is high-quality, well-cleaned, and screened for size (you'll want a fairly coarse grade for Aroid mixes.) Be warned, bark mulch or decorative bark are not acceptable substitutes!
Leca is an acroymn ("Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate") and refers to manmade clay pebbles that provide lots of air spaces in the potting medium. Leca comes dehydrated and expands when soaked in water, so it releases moisture steadily at the root zone, but provides no real nutrition. Some Aroid species can be grown solely in Leca, but it's important to know that you'll need to add an appropriate fertilizer to the plants' water. Otherwise, it's often combined with other items on the list.
Sphagnum Moss is available in many grades and sizes. For Aroids, you'll want a very high-grade Sphagnum, appropriate for Orchids and Carnivorous Plants. The very best Sphagnum comes from New Zealand and sometimes from South America. We use long-fiber Sphagnum only, which comes in rope-like strands that serve to retain moisture, but don't compact much when blended with other items on the list. ...and there are many other products in use. Check out an Aroid group on Facebook, join a local collector's society, or feel free to call or message us for help choosing the right products and ratios for your particular plants. As long as you maintain a balance between moisture retention and plenty of air circulation around the roots, there are often many different recipes that will work well for the same plant.
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