Substrates

Substrates are components and ready-made mixtures for sowing and cultivation: coconut fiber, specialized BIGOS soils, structural additives (perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay) and orchid substrate. Here you will find products useful both at the germination stage and when repotting houseplants and balcony plants. Shipping to the entire EU.

If you are assembling a cultivation set from scratch, complement the substrate with appropriate seeds and selected fertilizers. This will ensure proper root structure, aeration, and nutrition for the plants at every stage of development, from sowing to full vegetation.

How to choose a substrate? Types and uses

Ready soils (BIGOS) are mixtures dedicated to specific plant groups, so you don’t have to compose the blend or select component proportions yourself. The offer includes substrates for monsteras and philodendrons, for citrus and Mediterranean plants, as well as for green houseplants, for example citrus soil. This is the simplest solution when you value convenience and consistent results.

Coconut fiber and chips work well both for sowing and as a light, absorbent component of mixtures. A convenient choice is ready-to-use coconut fiber, and briquettes provide greater efficiency after soaking and allow you to prepare exactly as much substrate as you need.

Structural additives, such as perlite, vermiculite, and expanded clay, improve aeration and drainage of the substrate, reducing the risk of overwatering. The most commonly used are perlite and expanded clay, which also serves as a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot.

Orchid substrate has a loose, airy structure suited to the needs of epiphytic plants. For succulents and cacti, it is worth composing a mineral substrate with increased perlite and expanded clay content to limit water retention and protect roots from rotting.

Components and mixtures — what you will find in this category

This category combines ready substrates and individual components from which you can compose a mixture tailored to specific species. For seed sowing, we recommend a delicate, sterile sowing soil, and to increase water capacity and fluffiness of mixtures, vermiculite is useful.

Such a set allows you to adjust the substrate to the cultivation stage: light and sterile for germination, and richer and better aerated after repotting plants into their final pots.

Origin and storage

Products come from trusted manufacturers, including the Biovita brand, which ensures consistent quality and composition. Store substrates and components in a dry place, in closed packaging, away from direct sunlight. You can find more practical tips in our gardening guide.

How to use substrates — basics

Hydrating coconut briquettes — pour warm water over the briquette and wait several minutes until it swells, then fluff the fiber to obtain a loose, moist structure.

Choosing by plant group — select ready BIGOS soils according to their purpose or compose a mixture yourself to meet the requirements of a given species.

Aeration and drainage — increase the share of perlite or expanded clay to improve air access to roots and drainage of excess water.

Hygiene — use sterile, clean substrate for sowing to reduce the risk of seedling diseases and mold development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What substrate is best for sowing seeds?
The best choice is a light, sterile sowing soil or pure coconut fiber, which provide good aeration and reduce the risk of seedling diseases.

How to prepare a coconut briquette?
Pour warm water over the briquette and wait several minutes for it to swell, then fluff the fiber to obtain a moist, loose structure ready for use.

What substrate is suitable for cacti and succulents?
The best is a mineral substrate with a high share of perlite and expanded clay, which quickly drains water and prevents root rot.

How does orchid substrate differ?
It has a loose, airy structure adapted to epiphytic plants, ensuring roots have constant access to air.

Do you ship to the EU?
Yes, we ship substrates and components throughout the European Union.

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BIOVITA Soil for citrus and Mediterranean plants BIGOS 8L BIOVITA

The soil where your lemon tree feels at home in the Mediterranean. BIGOS is professional BIOVITA potting soil for plants that do not tolerate wet feet: citrus trees, olives, lavender, rosemary, oleander, figs and more. Its light, porous structure with coconut fiber, bark and fired clay aggregate drains excess water, while the added starter fertilizer feeds plants for the first 4–5 weeks after repotting. The 8 l bag is the ideal amount for one large tree or two to three smaller pots.At a glance Capacity: 8 l Form: ready-to-use loose, multi-component potting soil Composition: coconut fiber, composted bark, vermiculite, fired clay aggregate, professional fertilizer pH: 5.5–6.5 Suitable for: lemons, oranges, limes, mandarins, kumquats, as well as olives, rosemary, lavender and other Mediterranean plants Use: planting and repotting plants in pots and balcony planters Starter fertilizer: lasts for approx. 4–5 weeks; then feed with citrus fertilizer Yield: 8 l is enough for approx. 2–3 20 cm pots or one 30 cm planter What makes this product stand outCitrus and Mediterranean plants originate from stony, dry soils—in ordinary universal peat-based soil, their roots quickly suffocate and rot. BIGOS solves this at the foundation: coconut fiber and composted bark create a loose, durable framework, vermiculite stores water and nutrients, while fired clay aggregate ensures continuous drainage and aeration even after many months in a pot. The soil does not compact, form a crust or pull away from the sides after drying out.A pH of 5.5–6.5 is exactly what citrus plants prefer—in more alkaline potting soil, they stop absorbing iron and turn yellow. The professional fertilizer in the mix meets plants’ nutritional needs for 4–5 weeks after repotting, giving the roots time to establish in the new soil without the risk of overfertilization.How to use it step by stepPreparation: choose a pot 2–4 cm larger than the previous one, always with drainage holes. Spread 2–3 cm of expanded clay or pumice on the bottom—Mediterranean plants will benefit from every bit of additional drainage. Gently mix the soil in the bag and, if it is dry, lightly moisten it.Planting: remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the outer roots and position it so that the root collar (where the trunk transitions into the roots) is level with the soil surface—do not plant citrus trees too deeply. Fill the gaps with BIGOS soil, gently pressing it down with your fingers without compacting it.Watering: water thoroughly after planting until water runs out through the holes, then empty the excess from the saucer after 15 minutes. Water again only when the top 2–3 cm of soil has dried out—usually every 5–10 days, depending on the season.Feeding and repotting: do not fertilize during the first 4–5 weeks—the soil contains a supply of nutrients. Then, from spring until the end of summer, apply citrus fertilizer every 1–2 weeks. Repot young trees every year and older ones every 2–3 years, preferably in early spring before new growth begins.UsesThis potting soil is tailored to all citrus plants grown in pots—lemons, oranges, limes, mandarins, kumquats and calamondins—as well as olives, figs, pomegranates, rosemary, lavender, oleander, bougainvillea and thyme. It is suitable for planting citrus seedlings and other exotic plants grown from seeds that have just outgrown the seedling stage, as well as for filling balcony planters with Mediterranean herbs. For plants that are especially sensitive to overwatering, such as olives and lavender, you can additionally mix it with perlite or pumice in a 3:1 ratio.Gardener’s tipRepot citrus plants in February–March, just before the growing season begins, and do not increase the pot size “just in case.” In an oversized pot, the soil around the roots remains wet for a long time, even in a well-draining potting mix like BIGOS, creating the easiest path to root rot and leaf drop. It is better to repot more often, but increase the pot by only one size.Specifications Product BIGOS Soil for Citrus and Mediterranean Plants Capacity 8 l Form loose soil, ready to use Composition coconut fiber, composted bark, vermiculite, fired clay aggregate, professional fertilizer pH 5.5–6.5 Suitable for citrus plants (oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins) and Mediterranean plants (olives, rosemary, lavender) Starter fertilizer for approx. 4–5 weeks Yield approx. 2–3 20 cm pots or one 30 cm planter (estimated) Packaging plastic bag Manufacturer BIOVITA Sp. z o.o. EAN code 5907813164798

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38,10 zł

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