Almost a month and no bites yet, so I'll bump this post down.

Hey Brandon, thanks for this info - and on the subject of houseplants, and potted plants in general - if you have time, would you care to share some info on your preferred potting mix, etc. I was thinking of a couple of mini-roses in pots on my deck this summer. According to what I've read it's best to use a quick draining mix - what do you use? thanks

Hey Frances,

I think a lot depends on whether we are talking houseplants or outdoor containers. It sounds like you are talking outdoor containers (mini-roses). If so, I would look at two options. For short-term/temporary usage, I use what most all the nurseries use, Nature's Helper. Next time your at a nursery, take a look and I bet you'll find that's what they use. For longer-term use, you really really really should read Al's huge series of threads in the Container Forum (at least Al's original post). Here's the link to one of his latest threads (this one particular thread series currently has over 2000 posts!!! - has to be by far the all time GardenWeb record):

Container Soils - Water Movement & Retention

I almost always stick with the Nature's Helper, but my plants (especially the older ones) would probably be much better off if I stepped up to the plate with the correct mix for long-term use.