$ 26.99
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AROID POTTING MIX #117: INDONESIA BLEND
Mix #117 is one of the most unusual formulas in our collection. Nearly two-thirds of the mix is rice hulls, creating an exceptionally light, open substrate with tremendous air space around the roots.
Tree fern fiber provides the moisture-holding counterbalance, while worm castings and biochar complete this remarkably simple four-component formula.
The result: exceptional aeration, rapid drainage and surprising moisture retention without the density of a conventional potting mix.
Drainage: ★★★★★
Aeration: ★★★★★
Moisture Retention: ★★★☆☆
Natural Capillary Wicking / Bottom Watering: ★★½☆☆
Physical Wick / Self-Watering Compatibility: ★★★★☆
📦 COMPONENTS SHIP SEPARATELY
Effective July 15, 2026, Mix #117 ships with its ingredients packaged separately for maximum freshness and extended storage life if not being used immediately.
We know... "Ugh, more work!" 😄
Simply combine everything before use. It takes about a minute.
🌿 THE STORY BEHIND #117
Back in 2020, while everyone else seemed to be scrambling for rare imports from Indonesia, I became obsessed with something considerably less glamorous:
What were they growing them in?
The plants coming out of those nurseries were spectacular. After connecting with growers there, rice hulls kept appearing in their growing media.
That fascinated us. Rice hulls are naturally silica-rich while their physical structure creates something tropical roots particularly appreciate: a lot of air.
We took inspiration from those Indonesian growing practices and eventually handed the concept to Dr. Y.
As usual, she couldn't leave it alone.
Tree fern fiber was incorporated for moisture retention and root contact, biochar for additional porous structure and nutrient buffering, and worm castings for a modest organic component.
The result became Mix #117, our Indonesia Blend.
🔬 WHY RICE HULLS?
Rice hulls make up the majority of this mix and forms its structural backbone. They create substantial pore space, allowing water to drain rapidly while maintaining air around the roots.
Tree Fern Fiber: Moisture retention and root contact
Worm Castings: Organic and nutritional component
Biochar: Porous structure and nutrient buffering
It's the relationship between these four ingredients that makes #117 work.
💧 HOW IT BEHAVES
This is an extremely airy, fast-draining substrate that retains pockets of moisture within its open structure.
The tradeoff is simple: in warm, dry conditions, you may need to water more frequently than with a finer, more moisture-retentive mix.
🌿 WHAT CAN I GROW IN IT?
Developed primarily for Aroids, including Philodendron, Monstera, Anthurium, Syngonium, Epipremnum and Scindapsus, but we have grown so much in it and have yet to find anything that does not like it. You should see what Alocasia do in this mix, it defies all logic!
Its open structure also makes it suitable for Hoyas and other epiphytic plants that appreciate substantial root-zone aeration.
📦 BOOSTER PACK
This mix works exceptionally well with our completely natural Booster Pack (Myco+ Essentials).
It is NOT a fertilizer. Instead, it helps bring the mix to life, supporting establishment and creating a better environment for the fertilizer you apply.
The Booster Pack is completely optional. Mix #117 is designed to perform exceptionally well on its own.
🛠️ MADE TO ORDER
Every bag is prepared by hand to order rather than mass-produced and stored as finished substrate.
