Choosing the Right Soil for Your Angel Wings Plant: What You Need to Know

Growing a healthy and thriving angel wings plant starts with choosing the right soil. I want to help you understand exactly what type of soil these beautiful plants need so you can give your angel wings the best start in life. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the ideal soil for your angel wings.

Before we dive into soil specifics let’s start with a quick overview of these gorgeous houseplants. The angel wings plant also known by its scientific name of Senecio candicans, is known for its large, triangular leaves that resemble angel wings. Native to the Canary Islands, this plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide when given proper care.

Angel wings thrive in bright, indirect light and moderately warm temperatures between 60-85°F. They prefer relatively dry soil that drains well. Getting the soil right is crucial, as too much moisture can lead to root rot with these plants. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at choosing the perfect potting mix.

Key Factors to Consider for Angel Wings Soil

When selecting soil for angel wings plants, focus on these three key factors:

Drainage

Excellent drainage is absolutely essential to prevent soggy soil. Angel wings are prone to root rot if their roots sit in wet soil for too long. Choose a lightweight, porous potting mix that drains readily after watering. Stay away from heavy, dense soils that tend to hold onto moisture.

Aeration

In addition to drainage, angel wings need a mix with good aeration. This allows air to easily penetrate the soil and reach the plant’s roots. Soils with ingredients like perlite or vermiculite provide the aeration these plants require.

Nutrients

While angel wings are relatively light feeders, they still require adequate nutrients to support growth. Seek out soils with organic matter like compost or worm castings to provide nutrition. You can also add controlled-release fertilizer.

Recommended Soil Components

Here are some of the best ingredients to look for in angel wings potting soil:

• Coarse sand or perlite: Lightens the soil texture for drainage. Perlite also improves aeration.

• Pumice or lava rock: Adds air pockets and prevents soil compaction.

• Coir or peat moss: Retains just the right amount of moisture while still allowing excess water to drain.

• Compost, worm castings, or composted manure: Supplies nutrients and beneficial microbes.

• Coco coir: Provides moisture retention and aeration. Coco coir is more sustainable than peat moss.

• Activated charcoal (optional): Helps absorb excess moisture and prevent root rot.

Potting Mixes to Avoid

When shopping for angel wings soil, steer clear of these:

• Straight garden soil or dirt from the yard – much too dense.

• Regular potting soil – typically retains too much moisture.

• Soil for cacti & succulents – drains too quickly.

• Soil containing heavy clay – compacts over time.

Making Your Own Custom Mix

You can easily create an ideal angel wings potting mix by combining these basic ingredients:

• 1 part potting soil or compost
• 1 part perlite or coarse sand
• 1 part peat moss or coir

Then add in a handful or two of worm castings for nutrition. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly before potting your angel wings.

Pick the Right Pot Size

Don’t overlook the importance of using a pot with drainage holes and an appropriate size for your angel wings’ root system. Select a pot that’s only 1-2 inches wider than the plant’s current container to avoid soil that stays too wet.

As your angel wings grow, you can shift them to progressively larger pots. Just wait until the roots have filled out the existing pot before upsizing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angel Wings Soil

Here are answers to some common questions about choosing the right potting mix:

Can I use regular potting soil from the store?

You’ll get better results with a customized soil blend made for angel wings plants. Most bagged potting soils are too water-retentive.

What’s wrong with using garden soil?

Outdoor garden soil is too dense and heavy for angel wings. It won’t provide the drainage these plants require. Stick with a lightweight potting mix.

Do I need to add fertilizer to the soil?

While angel wings are light feeders, you can add a slow-release houseplant fertilizer to provide extra nutrients. Use at half the recommended strength.

How often should I water angel wings plants?

Wait until the top inch or two of soil has dried out before watering again. Test with your finger. Overwatering is one of the most common issues with angel wings.

Should I mist my angel wings leaves?

No, misting is not recommended as it can lead to leaf spot diseases. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings instead.

When is it time to repot my plant?

Repot angel wings in a larger container when roots have filled the current pot. This is usually every 2-3 years. Use fresh, high-quality potting mix.

Give Your Angel Wings the Right Soil

Now you have all the tips and information you need to choose the perfect soil for your angel wings plant. Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mixes with excellent aeration will give your angel wings the best chance to grow into a spectacular, healthy specimen. Always check the moisture level before watering these plants, and they’ll flourish in their ideal soil environment.