Do I need to add anything to Molly's Potting Mixes?Updated a month ago

This question requires a brief discussion about the differences between a 'potting mix' and 'fertilizer.'

A potting mix for indoor plants is a substrate or growing medium in which the plant is placed. It is generally not a source of nutrients for the plant and mainly serves as a structural and water-holding medium. Its primary purpose is to provide a stable environment for plant roots, facilitate proper aeration and drainage, prevent root rot and overwatering issues, support root development, and anchor the plant in its container. Potting mixes typically contain little to no nutrients, acting as a neutral substrate. Any nutrients the plants require must come from other sources, primarily fertilizer.

Fertilizer for indoor plants is a product specifically designed to provide essential nutrients to plants. These nutrients include macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc, etc.). Fertilizers come in various forms, such as liquid, granular, or slow-release pellets. They supplement the nutrient needs of indoor plants, which may not receive sufficient nutrients from the potting mix alone. Fertilizers promote healthy growth, flowering, and overall plant vitality. Since indoor plants in containers have limited access to nutrients in their environment, regular fertilization is important.

Molly’s Potting Mixes, unlike most traditional soil-based standalone potting mixes, do contain nutrients as part of their ingredients but not in the same quantities as a dedicated fertilizer product. When you repot your plants using fresh Molly’s Potting Mix, your plants will receive a good dose of nutrients. However, this is not a replacement for adding a standard fertilizer (liquid, granular, or slow-release pellets), which we recommend for optimum plant health.