{"product_id":"alocasia-potting-mix-2","title":"Alocasia Mix - Moisture Retentive \u0026 Well Aerated (Mix #2)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAROID SERIES: ALOCASIA POTTING MIX #2\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsistent moisture. Essential root-zone aeration. A thoughtfully balanced mix for Alocasia.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePLEASE NOTE: While Mix #2 was formulated first and foremost for Alocasia, its combination of moisture-retentive organic materials, structured bark, and mineral components may also suit other tropical plants with similar growing requirements. Don't let the name limit your imagination!\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWHY WE CREATED THIS MIX\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlocasia often appreciate a steady supply of moisture, but their roots still need oxygen. A substrate that dries too quickly can make watering difficult to manage; one that stays saturated can restrict air around the roots. We wanted a mix that addresses both concerns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe asked a retired soil scientist with more than 60 years of professional experience to help us develop a peat-free growing medium specifically around the way Alocasia grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix #2 uses coconut coir as its moisture-holding foundation, with Orchiata Classic bark, pumice, and Perlite #2 to support structure and air space. Fluffy tree fern fiber contributes a soft, fibrous texture, while a modest amount of worm castings adds organic matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe goal isn't to keep roots constantly wet. It's to provide moisture without sacrificing access to air.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWHAT MAKES MIX #2 DIFFERENT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture-Holding Foundation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coconut coir makes up a substantial portion of the mix and helps buffer moisture between waterings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo Mineral Components:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pumice (3–6 mm) and Perlite #2 help maintain air-filled spaces and support drainage. Pumice adds a more substantial mineral framework; perlite keeps the blend lighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark and Fiber:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orchiata Classic provides bark structure, while fluffy tree fern fiber adds a softer, fibrous component.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall Organic Amendment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Worm castings contribute organic matter and some nutrients without replacing a regular fertilization program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMIX #2 — PERFORMANCE RATINGS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChunkiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e ★★☆☆☆\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAeration:\u003c\/strong\u003e ★★★½☆\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrainage:\u003c\/strong\u003e ★★★½☆\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture Retention:\u003c\/strong\u003e ★★★★½\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLongevity:\u003c\/strong\u003e ★★★☆☆\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWicking:\u003c\/strong\u003e ★★★★½\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWHAT'S IN THE BAG?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoconut Coir:\u003c\/strong\u003e Retains and distributes moisture throughout the growing medium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrchiata Classic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pine bark that contributes structure and supports an open root environment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePumice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Porous mineral particles that support aeration and drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerlite #2:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lightweight particles that create additional pore space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTree Fern Fiber:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fibrous material that contributes texture and moisture buffering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorm Castings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic matter and a modest nutrient contribution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWHICH PLANTS CAN GROW IN MIX #2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped for \u003cstrong\u003eAlocasia\u003c\/strong\u003e, including many commonly cultivated species and hybrids such as Frydek, Polly, Black Velvet, and other Alocasia grown as tropical houseplants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts moisture-balanced, aerated structure may also be suitable for selected \u003cstrong\u003eGoeppertia (Calathea), Maranta, Begonia, Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), terrestrial ferns, and jewel orchids\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on their individual requirements and growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot every species within these groups prefers the same moisture level. Choose a growing medium based on the plant's roots and environment, not its name alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWATERING MIX #2\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater thoroughly in a container with drainage holes, then let excess water escape. Check moisture below the surface before watering again, and adjust to the plant's growth, temperature, light, humidity, and airflow rather than following a fixed schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid overpotting.\u003c\/strong\u003e A small root system in an oversized pot can leave a large volume of substrate damp for too long, even when the mix is designed for aeration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor bottom-watering or self-watering setups, check that moisture moves through the pot as intended and that the root zone is not persistently saturated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWHY WE MADE IT: OUR PON PROBLEM\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love Pon for Alocasia. In fact, we'll admit it: quite a few of our stud plants are growing in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you've ever tried shipping hundreds of Alocasia planted in Pon, you know how quick things can go south.  Those little rocks become projectiles. The pots are ridiculously heavy. Plants get bounced around in transit. Roots get damaged. And somewhere along the way, the person packing the box begins reconsidering every decision that led them to this moment. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReal wholesale doesn't involve wrapping every plant like a burrito before carefully tucking it into a box. That's far too expensive and time-consuming when you're shipping plants by the hundreds. Thats a niche packing method for plants with a substantial mark up. we just couldn't get away with selling in pon. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo we went to our soil guru with a request:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGive us something our Alocasia will love as much as Pon — without the shipping nightmare.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd she did not disappoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOPTIONAL BOOSTER PACK\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix #2 is complete and ready to use straight from the bag. Our optional \u003cstrong\u003emyco+ Essentials Booster Pack\u003c\/strong\u003e is available for growers who want additional root-zone amendments. It is optional and does not replace an appropriate fertilization program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHAND-BLENDED BY TEZULA\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur growing media are hand-blended in small batches with attention to ingredient selection and texture. Plant performance depends on species, container, environment, and care, but our goal is always to give roots a thoughtfully designed place to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHappy Planting!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Tezula Team\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tezula LLC","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon \/ No Thanks","offer_id":54636662817059,"sku":null,"price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon \/ Yes Please","offer_id":54636662784291,"sku":null,"price":35.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5 Gallons \/ No Thanks","offer_id":54636662882595,"sku":null,"price":45.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5 Gallons \/ Yes Please","offer_id":54636662849827,"sku":null,"price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 Gallons \/ No Thanks","offer_id":54636662948131,"sku":null,"price":64.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 Gallons \/ Yes Please","offer_id":54636662915363,"sku":null,"price":74.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 Gallons \/ No Thanks","offer_id":54636663013667,"sku":null,"price":116.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 Gallons \/ Yes Please","offer_id":54636662980899,"sku":null,"price":135.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1051\/7808\/files\/IMG_8183_fbb43999-8f9d-4faf-87f9-b0e68bf212d6.jpg?v=1767734841","url":"https:\/\/tezulaplants.com\/products\/alocasia-potting-mix-2","provider":"Tezula LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}