Sol Soils vs SYBASoil: Which Soil Mix is Right for Your Houseplants?

When it comes to potting soil, plant lovers are spoiled for choice. Two well-known brands that offer peat-free soil mixes are Sol Soils and SYBASoil Soil Mixes. But how do they compare when it comes to ingredients, functionality, pest control, and extras? In this in-depth comparison, we look at the key differences to help you make the right choice for your houseplants.

Sol Soils vs SYBASoil Potting Soil

What Makes Sybasoil Stand Out?

A Full-Spectrum Formula With Functional Benefits

SYBASoil is engineered to do more than just hold roots in place. Its base of coco coir and worm castings is enhanced with lava rock and activated carbon, delivering the ideal balance between aeration, moisture control, and nutrition. With 180 days of slow-release nutrients already included, your plant gets everything it needs straight out of the bag.

Personalized Plant Care, One Scan Away

One of the biggest advantages of SYBASoil is its free plant scan tool. Just take a photo of your plant, and you’ll receive tailored product advice — not just the best soil, but the right plant food, moss poles, and accessories too. It's a simple yet powerful way to take the guesswork out of plant care, especially for beginners.

Built-in Pest Control, No Chemicals Needed

Fungus gnats are the most common houseplant problem — but not with SYBASoil. Each bag includes predatory mites (phytoseiulus), a natural enemy of fungus gnat larvae. These microscopic helpers offer proactive, chemical-free pest protection that’s completely safe for pets and kids.

Made With Social and Ecological Values

SYBASoil is mixed and packed in a Dutch social workplace, supporting employment for people with disabilities or barriers to the job market. It's a meaningful choice for those who want their plant hobby to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Where Sybasoil May Not Be the Best Fit

SYBASoil is designed specifically for houseplants — not outdoor use, seedlings, or vegetables. If you're looking for a universal garden soil, it’s better to look elsewhere. That said, SYBASoil does offer all its ingredients separately, making it easy to DIY your own custom mix.

What Does Sol Soils Offer?

Clean, Airy Substrates for Specialty Plants

Sol Soils is known for its chunky, breathable mixes — often used for succulents, aroids, and orchids. The combination of coconut husk chips, perlite, and coir offers great drainage and structure, which many tropical and desert species appreciate.

Good Structure, but Limited Support

While the base mix is well-designed, Sol Soils lacks added nutrients or pest protection. That means most plants will need supplemental fertilizer right away, and you'll need to stay proactive with pest management. There’s also no included advice tool or interactive support for new plant owners.

USA-Focused and Small Batch

Sol Soils operates out of the United States, offering local availability for North American buyers. However, if you're based in Europe, shipping times, costs, and carbon impact can be a challenge — especially compared to SYBASoil, which ships locally across Europe with next-day delivery in many areas.

Final Thoughts: Sol Soils or SYBASoil?

If you're a houseplant owner looking for a complete, bioactive, and pest-protected solution, SYBASoil Potting Soil comes out on top. With expert-designed formulas, slow-release nutrition, and a plant advice tool built-in, it’s perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Sol Soils offers a good structure and peat-free base, but requires more add-ons to deliver the same level of plant support. If you're confident in mixing your own fertilizers and don’t mind managing pests manually, it may be a good fit — especially in the US.

But if you want simplicity, results, and sustainability right out of the bag, SYBASoil is hard to beat. Need help choosing? Start with our Houseplant Soil Buying Guide!