The Ultimate Aroid Substrate: Why Our Rooted Aroid Mix is a Game-Changer for Houseplant Lovers

Welcome to Beth’s Roots & Shoots, where rare plants, plant care essentials, and expert knowledge come together to help your plant collection not just survive — but thrive. Today, we’re diving into the very heart of plant health: the soil.

Specifically, our hand-crafted Rooted Aroid Mix — a premium substrate that’s been designed from the ground up to meet the needs of aroid plants like Monstera, Philodendron, Anthurium, Alocasia, and Syngonium.

If you’ve ever wondered why your plant isn't growing, looks droopy, or just doesn’t seem “happy,” chances are the issue lies in the roots — and in the medium they're growing in. Most standard potting mixes just don’t cut it when it comes to aroids, which crave air, drainage, and nutrients all at once.

That’s where Rooted Aroid Mix comes in.

What Is Rooted Aroid Mix?

Rooted Aroid Mix is a specialty soil blend, mixed by hand right here at Beth’s Roots & Shoots. Each batch is curated by real plant lovers with years of experience growing, repotting, and troubleshooting aroids. This isn’t a mass-produced bag of dirt — it’s a thoughtfully developed blend, made in small batches with quality ingredients we trust.

Our goal? A substrate that mimics the loose, nutrient-rich forest floor where aroids naturally thrive. The result? Happier plants, stronger roots, and faster growth.

The Ingredients: A Closer Look

Let’s break down what’s inside Rooted Aroid Mix and why it works so well:

1. Coco Coir

Coco coir is a fibrous material derived from coconut husks. It acts as a base for the mix and provides excellent water retention without becoming soggy. Unlike peat moss, which is not sustainable and breaks down quickly, coco coir is eco-friendly, renewable, and holds its structure over time.

Benefits for your aroids:

• Maintains consistent moisture without drowning roots

• Provides a stable, spongy medium for root growth

• Neutral pH that won’t disrupt nutrient availability

  
  

2. Coco Chips

Think of coco chips as the chunky version of coco coir. They add texture and airflow, creating essential pockets of oxygen within the soil. This mimics the natural debris layer aroids grow in outdoors.

Benefits for your aroids:

• Improves aeration and drainage

• Prevents soil compaction

• Reduces the risk of root rot

  
  

3. Perlite

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that has been super-heated to expand into ultra-lightweight, porous white particles. It’s a staple in any well-draining potting mix and offers exceptional oxygenation for the root zone.

Benefits for your aroids:

• Prevents overwatering issues by improving drainage

• Adds air pockets for root health

• Lightweight and clean

  
  

4. Vermiculite

While perlite promotes drainage, vermiculite helps with moisture retention and nutrient storage. It holds onto water and slowly releases it, ensuring your aroids don’t dry out between waterings.

Benefits for your aroids:

• Helps maintain even moisture levels

• Absorbs and stores nutrients

• Reduces watering frequency without risking root rot

  
  

5. Organic Horticultural Charcoal

Charcoal plays a dual role in our mix. It acts as a natural detoxifier, absorbing impurities and odors in the soil, and it supports healthy microbial activity. It also helps regulate pH and improves soil longevity.

Benefits for your aroids:

• Prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and toxins

• Keeps substrate fresh and sweet-smelling

• Boosts root health over time

  
  

6. Worm Castings

Known as “black gold” in the gardening world, worm castings are the nutrient-dense byproduct of composting worms. They’re rich in beneficial microbes, trace minerals, and organic nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

Benefits for your aroids:

• Naturally fertilizes without burning roots

• Boosts growth, root development, and leaf vibrancy

• Improves soil structure and microbial life

  
  

7. Mycorrhizal Fungi

This is the magic ingredient that sets Rooted Aroid Mix apart from store-bought substrates. Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. They extend the root system, increasing nutrient and water absorption exponentially.

Benefits for your aroids:

• Strengthens root systems and boosts growth rates

• Improves resistance to transplant shock, disease, and drought

• Helps plants absorb phosphorus and other critical nutrients more efficiently

  
  

Why Aroids Need Specialized Soil

Aroids aren’t like your average houseplant. They evolved in the tropics, climbing trees or growing in leaf litter and decaying matter. They’re used to light, chunky, breathable soil, not dense, wet potting mixes that smother their roots.

Using a generic soil blend can lead to:

• 🧪 Fungal infections and root rot

• 🚫 Stalled growth or yellowing leaves

• 🪨 Compacted soil that limits oxygen

• 💧 Overwatering disasters

  
  

Rooted Aroid Mix solves these issues by offering the perfect balance of:

• Drainage

• Aeration

• Moisture retention

• Nutrition

  
  

Who Should Use Rooted Aroid Mix?

If you have any of the following plants, you need a specialized aroid mix like ours:

• Monstera deliciosa, Thai Constellation, or Albo

• Philodendron Pink Princess, White Princess, or Micans

• Anthuriums (Clarinervium, Crystallinum, Veitchii)

• Alocasia (Polly, Frydek, Maharani, etc.)

• Syngonium varieties

• Pothos and Epipremnum

Whether you’re potting up cuttings, upgrading a root-bound plant, or starting your propagation journey, this mix is your best ally.

Hand-Crafted With Care — In-Store, Not in a Factory

At Beth’s Roots & Shoots, we don’t just talk the plant talk — we live it. Each batch of Rooted Aroid Mix is measured, mixed, and bagged by hand, right in our shop.

We’re a small, plant-loving team obsessed with helping our customers succeed. We’ve spent months testing and refining this formula to get the perfect balance for aroids, and we use this mix in our own personal and shop collection every day.

How to Use Rooted Aroid Mix

Using it is simple — and no extra ingredients are needed.

For Potting or Repotting:

1. Choose a well-draining pot with drainage holes.

2. Gently remove your plant from its old pot and loosen the roots.

3. Fill the bottom of the new pot with Rooted Aroid Mix.

4. Place your plant, fill in around the sides, and lightly press down.

5. Water thoroughly and enjoy watching it thrive.

For Propagation:

You can even use this mix to root cuttings by keeping it lightly moist and placing cuttings with nodes directly into the mix. Mycorrhizae and worm castings support early root development beautifully.

Where to Get It

You can pick up our Rooted Aroid Mix in-store at Beth’s Roots & Shoots or order online through our website www.bethshomegrown.com

Rooted Aroid Mix - 1 Gallon

Buy Now

Shipping is fast, and every order comes with a tip sheet on how to repot your aroids like a pro.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Roots

When it comes to plant care, what you can’t see matters most. The right soil can mean the difference between a plant that barely survives and one that flourishes with lush leaves and strong stems.

With Rooted Aroid Mix, you’re not just buying a bag of soil — you’re investing in:

• Better root health

• Longer-lasting substrate

• Faster, more vigorous growth

• Peace of mind knowing your plants are thriving underground

  
  

So give your aroids the foundation they deserve. Visit Beth’s Roots & Shoots and grab your bag of Rooted Aroid Mix today — because healthy roots equal happy plants.