Soil Mixes That Truly Understand Your Plants Not all soil mixes are...
Zeolite is one of those underrated ingredients that does a lot more than most people realize. It improves drainage, retains nutrients, reduces root rot, and even helps with smells — all thanks to its porous, volcanic structure. But is it better than perlite? How much should you use? And is all zeolite the same?
With so many soil ingredients on the market, confusion is common. That’s why we created this FAQ — to answer everything you might wonder about zeolite for houseplants.
Zeolite is a natural mineral formed when volcanic ash reacts with alkaline groundwater. Its porous, cage-like structure makes it excellent at absorbing nutrients, toxins, and water.
It holds nutrients and slowly releases them to the plant roots. It also improves drainage, balances moisture, reduces odors, and keeps the root zone more stable.
Yes. Zeolite is inert, pH-neutral, and safe to use in nearly all indoor plant mixes — including aroids, orchids, succulents, and tropical plants.
The most common type is clinoptilolite, which has a strong cation exchange capacity (CEC). At Sybotanica, we use natural clinoptilolite sourced from Germany.
No, but it supports fertilization. It captures nutrients and releases them slowly, so your plant absorbs more over time without leaching.
Pumice is a volcanic rock that improves aeration and drainage but doesn’t hold nutrients or water. Zeolite does both and is slightly lighter.
We don’t recommend a full replacement. It’s best used alongside other components like coco coir, perlite, pumice, or bark to create a balanced soil structure.
They serve different purposes:
Many Sybotanica mixes include more than one to get the best of each.
We recommend 10–20% of your soil mix. If you're using it with our SYBAStones or as a semi-hydro layer, follow the specific product guide.
Yes, and it’s especially helpful in mixes for aroids, tropical plants, and any species prone to overwatering.
Layer 1–2 cm of zeolite at the bottom, or mix it into the substrate. It helps buffer moisture and nutrients in fluctuating conditions.
Yes. It can be dusty, so rinse it well to avoid cloudy water or dusty soil.
Indefinitely. It’s a mineral, so it doesn’t break down over time. In closed or semi-hydro systems, you may want to flush your mix once every month to prevent salt buildup.
Yes. It helps absorb smells and balances moisture in closed terrariums. Use a thin layer above the drainage base.
Absolutely. Zeolite pairs well with LECA or lavastones and pumice. It holds nutrients and improves oxygenation around the roots.
Yes — indirectly. It keeps moisture levels more stable and provides better airflow, reducing rot risks.
Yes, especially for orchids grown in semi-hydro or mixed media. Combine it with bark and pumice for a breathable base.
Yes. It helps hold just enough moisture while preventing soggy spots. Use in moderation — about 10–15%.
In small amounts. Avoid if your carnivores need very low nutrient media (like pure sphagnum or sand). Zeolite holds nutrients, which might interfere.
Yes, but not excessively. It holds water inside its pores and slowly releases it, helping regulate moisture levels. So, it tends to draw moisture from the environment.
If you were to add zeolite to your soil mix completely dry, it would dry out your plants' roots rapidly!
Yes. It traps nutrients (like ammonium and potassium) and slowly releases them to roots over time.
Not entirely. It makes fertilizer more efficient, but you still need to feed your plants — just less often or in smaller amounts.
Yes. Zeolite binds heavy metals, ammonia, and even some pesticides in trace amounts.
Yes. Rinse it well to remove root debris and reuse it in new mixes.
No. But over time it may become saturated with nutrients in closed systems — in which case, you can flush it to clean it.
In a dry, sealed container. Keep away from moisture, dirt, and fertilizer to avoid contamination.
Yes. It’s naturally occurring, reusable, and non-toxic. At Sybotanica, we source our zeolite from responsible German mining sites.
Yes — it’s inert and non-toxic. That said, it’s still not food-safe, so keep it out of reach.
CEC (cation exchange capacity) refers to how well a material holds nutrients. Zeolite’s CEC is very high — making it great at locking in plant food and releasing it gradually.
We offer medium grade zeolite (5-8mm) which is a great addition to soil or mineral mixes for most houseplants. This is also available in our SYBAStones line.
Yes — for houseplants, clinoptilolite is the preferred type due to its balance of porosity, nutrient-holding, and neutral pH.
Zeolite is one of those underrated ingredients that does a lot more than most people realize. It improves drainage, retains nutrients, reduces root rot, and even helps with smells —...
Zeolite is one of those underrated ingredients that does a lot more than most people realize. It improves drainage, retains nutrients, reduces root rot, and even helps with smells —...
Vermiculite is one of those plant care ingredients that sounds mysterious—but it plays a crucial role in helping roots thrive. Is it the same as perlite? Should you mix it...
Vermiculite is one of those plant care ingredients that sounds mysterious—but it plays a crucial role in helping roots thrive. Is it the same as perlite? Should you mix it...
Coco coir is one of the most popular base ingredients in houseplant soil—but there’s a lot of confusion around what it is and how to use it. Is it better...
Coco coir is one of the most popular base ingredients in houseplant soil—but there’s a lot of confusion around what it is and how to use it. Is it better...
