It’s all in the soil... grow better from the
Substrates
ground up
We have worked with many nurseries, breeders, and growers, professional and personal, to determine the best substrates and water additives for ideal growth and plant health.
A high-quality substrate isn’t just a medium to hold roots; it’s a living foundation that balances aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient availability to mimic the rich, fast-draining environments tropical plants naturally thrive in. By combining structured components like orchid bark and perlite with moisture-regulating coco coir and tree fern fiber, and enriching it with biologically active inputs like worm castings and horticultural charcoal, you create an ecosystem that supports vigorous root development and long-term plant health. When paired with a complete nutrient program and targeted water additives that enhance uptake, strengthen cell structure, and introduce beneficial microbes, the result is a dynamic growing environment where plants don’t just survive—they grow faster, stronger, and more resilient, with lush foliage and robust root systems to match.
Your plants are only as strong as what they grow in—and for tropicals,
the substrate makes all the difference.
5:4:3:2:1:1
Orchiata Orchid Bark (Classic Grade)
Natural Perlite (Size 3 Large/Course)
Organic Coco Coir (Hydrated bricks)
New Zealand Tree Fern Fiber
Organic Worm Castings
Organic Horticultural Charcoal
Anthurium Aroid Mix
Seedlings and Propagations
Generally, Anthurium seedlings are grown in pure tree fern fiber from Tezula (debris free), Alocasia corms in smaller perlite/fluval mixture, and cuttings are typically just placed in the substrate it's intended for them to grow into
6:3:2:1:1
- Natural Perlite (Various sizes)
- Sub Stratum / Fluval Stratum
- Orchiata Orchid Bark (Classic Grade)
- New Zealand Tree Fern Fiber
- Organic Horticultural Charcoal
Alocasia Semihydro Mix
By mimicking these natural conditions with carefully selected organic and mineral components, we create a living root environment that supports nutrient cycling, beneficial microbes, and the kind of resilient growth tropical plants are adapted to.
In their native habitats, roots are constantly exposed to both moisture and oxygen, which is why recreating that balance with chunky, well-aerated substrates is essential for preventing rot and promoting strong, healthy growth.
Tropical plants grow in loose, organic layers like bark and leaf litter—airy, fast-draining, and microbe-rich, not dense soil.
Tropical plants grow in layers like — and
airy, fast-draining,
bark and leaf litter
loose, organic
microbe-rich
In Nature
Jack's Professional 20-20-20 General Purpose Fertilizer:
20-20-20 fertilizer is a balanced, water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer containing 20% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus, and 20% potassium. Jack's provides fast green up and great foliar expansion due to the high percentage of ammonium and urea nitrogen plus balanced phosphorus and potassium for excellent root and shoot growth.
BIOAG Ful-Power Liquid Organic Humic Acid:
Acts as a highly active fulvic acid liquid that accelerates nutrient uptake, stimulates robust root growth, and increases stress resistance. It improves soil structure and boosts microbial activity, which is ideal for nutrient-demanding tropical plants in both soil and hydroponic systems
Botanicare Hydroguard Bacillus Root Inoculant:
Uses Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacteria to rapidly expand root mass, enhance nutrient uptake, and protect against root diseases like Pythium. It breaks down organic matter, keeps roots white and healthy in warm or hydroponic environments, and works in soil, coco coir, and hydroponics
Botanicare Cal-Mag Plus:
Supplies essential calcium, magnesium, and iron to boost photosynthesis, strengthen cell structures, and prevent common deficiencies like yellowing leaves or stunted growth. It is particularly effective for tropical plants in coco coir, hydroponics, or those using RO water, as it acts as a catalyst for nutrient uptake and boosts resistance to environmental stress
Nutrients & Additives
Using a balanced blend of high-quality additives and fertilizer ensures tropical plants receive both immediate nutrition and long-term support for healthy growth. By combining essential nutrients with beneficial microbes and uptake enhancers, you create a system that promotes stronger roots, vibrant foliage, and greater resilience to stress.
Fungus Gnat Larvae / Thrips Pupae
Nematodes (SF)
Spider Mites / Flat Mites
Californicus Mites
Thrips / Mealybugs / Spider Mites / Scale / Aphids
Lacewing Larvae
Pest Management
Beneficial Mites
Sourced by
No Solution is
One Size Fits All
Half the fun is in the
Experimentation
Please keep in mind
Everyone Finds What
Works Best for their setup
and Environment
