Sybastones Base Mix (Unfertilised) Is the Soilless Mix for Adventurous Plant Lovers
Take your houseplant care to the next level with SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised), a mineral-based, soilless mix built for quicker root development, cleaner plant care, and zero pest problems. Whether you’re growing Alocasias, Philodendrons, or just want an upgrade from basic potting soil, this substrate gives your plants the structure, airflow, and hydration control they need to thrive—no fungus gnats, no breakdown, no mess.
Perfect for most houseplants, this mix is unfertilised, so you stay fully in control of feeding. Pair it with one of our slow-release fertilisers or your go-to mineral-based liquid feed for a custom setup that grows with your collection.
Why Switch to a Soilless Mix?
Traditional potting soil breaks down, compacts, and attracts pests. This all-mineral, peat-free mix doesn’t. With ingredients like pumice, zeolite, and lava rock, SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised) holds its structure for years and stays free from fungus gnats, root lice, and mould.
100% no fungus gnats—guaranteed
Reusable for years, just rinse and refresh
Perfect for transparent pots without drainage holes (yes, really!)
Soilless and compost-free, with no organic matter to degrade
Watering becomes easier and more predictable. Especially when paired with a self-watering pot, the mix delivers perfect moisture regulation while staying breathable and light around the roots.
Designed for Quick Root Development and Less Care
Thanks to its chunky grain size (4–8 mm), this mix supports healthy root oxygenation and strong growth while keeping the water-to-air ratio balanced. It suits most houseplants—big or small—and is especially great for those who love to tinker, tweak, and improve their care routine.
Each mineral serves a purpose:
Pumice adds lift and keeps the mix ultra-aerated
Zeolite stores and releases nutrients and moisture as needed
Lava rock adds weight and stability, anchoring roots and supplying trace minerals
All together, they form a breathable, long-lasting potting mix base that works with your routine—not against it.
Customisable Care With Your Choice of Fertiliser
Because this mix contains no added nutrients, you get complete control over plant nutrition. Use it with:
Sybotanica’s slow-release fertiliser range for a low-maintenance solution
A mineral-based liquid fertiliser for hands-on plant care
This flexibility makes it the perfect canvas for experienced and curious plant parents who know their plants—and want to keep them thriving long-term.
For the Adventurous Plant Lover
SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised) isn’t just a soil replacement—it’s a smarter growing system for the indoor houseplant enthusiast ready to go beyond standard care. Want quicker root growth? Easier watering? No pest problems? A substrate that stays light and airy, even years down the line?
This is it.
You can use it in decorative transparent pots with no holes, self-watering containers, or anything in between. No compaction, no rot, no hassle. Just clean, sustainable, plant-forward design.
Sybotanica Makes Substrates Smarter
Sybotanica developed the SYBAStones series to solve common frustrations: soggy soil, gnat infestations, nutrient guessing, and endless repotting. This mix reflects years of experimentation and refinement by real plant lovers who wanted better tools—not just another bag of dirt.
This isn’t for everyone. But if you’re ready to grow smarter, SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised) is your new standard.
To mix yourself, take a scoop or cup and use it to measure out 1 part. Add the above ingredients to the parts and mix thoroughly.
Don't be afraid to experiment with what works best for your plant!
Pot Volume Calculator
Enter pot size to calculate substrate volume
12 cm
12 cm
12 cm
If the pot is differently shaped (Square, oval, e.t.c.), the calculations might not be accurate. You can also check out the plant pots product pages to check their total volume.
Fair Production - Handmade in our social workplace
Base Mineral Mix (SYBA-Hydro, Unfertilised) ContainsNo nutrients
Description
Sybastones Base Mix (Unfertilised) Is the Soilless Mix for Adventurous Plant Lovers
Take your houseplant care to the next level with SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised), a mineral-based, soilless mix built for quicker root development, cleaner plant care, and zero pest problems. Whether you’re growing Alocasias, Philodendrons, or just want an upgrade from basic potting soil, this substrate gives your plants the structure, airflow, and hydration control they need to thrive—no fungus gnats, no breakdown, no mess.
Perfect for most houseplants, this mix is unfertilised, so you stay fully in control of feeding. Pair it with one of our slow-release fertilisers or your go-to mineral-based liquid feed for a custom setup that grows with your collection.
Why Switch to a Soilless Mix?
Traditional potting soil breaks down, compacts, and attracts pests. This all-mineral, peat-free mix doesn’t. With ingredients like pumice, zeolite, and lava rock, SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised) holds its structure for years and stays free from fungus gnats, root lice, and mould.
100% no fungus gnats—guaranteed
Reusable for years, just rinse and refresh
Perfect for transparent pots without drainage holes (yes, really!)
Soilless and compost-free, with no organic matter to degrade
Watering becomes easier and more predictable. Especially when paired with a self-watering pot, the mix delivers perfect moisture regulation while staying breathable and light around the roots.
Designed for Quick Root Development and Less Care
Thanks to its chunky grain size (4–8 mm), this mix supports healthy root oxygenation and strong growth while keeping the water-to-air ratio balanced. It suits most houseplants—big or small—and is especially great for those who love to tinker, tweak, and improve their care routine.
Each mineral serves a purpose:
Pumice adds lift and keeps the mix ultra-aerated
Zeolite stores and releases nutrients and moisture as needed
Lava rock adds weight and stability, anchoring roots and supplying trace minerals
All together, they form a breathable, long-lasting potting mix base that works with your routine—not against it.
Customisable Care With Your Choice of Fertiliser
Because this mix contains no added nutrients, you get complete control over plant nutrition. Use it with:
Sybotanica’s slow-release fertiliser range for a low-maintenance solution
A mineral-based liquid fertiliser for hands-on plant care
This flexibility makes it the perfect canvas for experienced and curious plant parents who know their plants—and want to keep them thriving long-term.
For the Adventurous Plant Lover
SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised) isn’t just a soil replacement—it’s a smarter growing system for the indoor houseplant enthusiast ready to go beyond standard care. Want quicker root growth? Easier watering? No pest problems? A substrate that stays light and airy, even years down the line?
This is it.
You can use it in decorative transparent pots with no holes, self-watering containers, or anything in between. No compaction, no rot, no hassle. Just clean, sustainable, plant-forward design.
Sybotanica Makes Substrates Smarter
Sybotanica developed the SYBAStones series to solve common frustrations: soggy soil, gnat infestations, nutrient guessing, and endless repotting. This mix reflects years of experimentation and refinement by real plant lovers who wanted better tools—not just another bag of dirt.
This isn’t for everyone. But if you’re ready to grow smarter, SYBAStones Base Mix (Unfertilised) is your new standard.
To mix yourself, take a scoop or cup and use it to measure out 1 part. Add the above ingredients to the parts and mix thoroughly.
Don't be afraid to experiment with what works best for your plant!
Pot Volume Calculator
Enter pot size to calculate substrate volume
12 cm
12 cm
12 cm
If the pot is differently shaped (Square, oval, e.t.c.), the calculations might not be accurate. You can also check out the plant pots product pages to check their total volume.
With soilless mixes there is no chance of soil-borne pests, such as fungus gnats, root lice or mould.
Sustainable & Economic: Reusable for Years & Years
Since this mix is based on stones, there is no degrading soil or compaction risk. Making these stones endlessly reusable.
Designed for Easier Watering & Care
In combination with a selfwatering pot, this makes plant care and watering easier for you! Easily check the water level of the waterreservoir. And no more worries about over or underwatering your plants!
No nutrients
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this different from soil care?
Yes, growing in SYBAStones works a bit differently from using regular soil. Watering, fertilising, and transplanting all follow new rules.
It’s a great method, but not every plant is a fan. Always check if your plant is suited for semi-hydro. More info below.
How to transplant from soil to SYBAStones?
Got a cutting grown in water? You can plant it directly into SYBAStones. For soil-grown plants, it's best to remove all old soil before transplanting, especially if you've had fungus gnat issues. Clean roots are key.
Which SYBASupport fertilisers do I use with SYBAStones?
Cactus & Succulent Mix – suitable for cacti and succulents
Orchid Mix – ideal for orchids
Houseplant Mix – great for aroids, Calatheas, Ficus, Alocasias, Marantas, Dieffenbachia, and more
How do I prepare the SYBAStones before use?
Rinse the mix before use. Some dust can form during transport, which is totally normal and easy to wash off.
Are the SYBAStones allergen free?
These mixes are allergen-free thanks to their stone-based composition.
I have mold growing in my pot with SYBAStones!
Noticed a smell or slimy texture after transplanting? A few things could be going on:
The roots were not fully cleaned
The mix is too wet
Some roots are dying from transplant shock
If you're sure the roots were clean or you're using a water cutting, the issue might be from dead plant material. Flush the pot thoroughly to rinse it out.
If the problem continues, inspect the roots. Some plants don't adapt well to mineral substrates and might not make the switch.
You can use a water reservoir pot with your SYBAStones to create a semi hydroponics set up.
Most plants that love moist soils will appreciate this, such as aroids, calatheas, marantha, ficus, dieffenbachia, anthuriums and alocasias.
However for cacti & succulents, and other plants preferring dry soils, this is not recommended as these plants do not appreciate having moist roots all the time. Use a regular pot with drainage holes.
What are customers (and their plants) saying?
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 87 reviews.
Excellent substrat PON ! Je l’utilise pour mes plantes tropicales, notamment mes Monstera et Alocasia, et j’en suis vraiment satisfait. Le mélange est de très bonne qualité, bien aéré et permet une excellente gestion de l’humidité au niveau des racines. Depuis son utilisation, j’observe une très belle croissance et un développement racinaire encourageant. C’est un vrai plaisir de voir mes plantes évoluer dans de bonnes conditions. Je recommande vivement le PON de Sybotanica aux passionnés de plantes tropicales ! 🌿
Excellent substrat PON ! Je l’utilise pour mes plantes tropicales, notamment mes Monstera et Alocasia, et j’en suis vraiment satisfait. Le mélange est de très bonne qualité, bien aéré et permet une excellente gestion de l’humidité au niveau des racines. Depuis son utilisation, j’observe une très belle croissance et un développement racinaire encourageant. C’est un vrai plaisir de voir mes plantes évoluer dans de bonnes conditions. Je recommande vivement le PON de Sybotanica aux passionnés de plantes tropicales ! 🌿
J’ai essayé le substrat minéral pour éviter les moucherons de terreau. Le résultat est bien au-dessus de ce à quoi je m’attendais ! Il n’y a plus de moucherons, j’ai beaucoup moins besoin de m’en occuper et elles me font sans cesse de nouvelles feuilles. La dernière est 3x plus grosse que la première !! En résumé, j’adore 🥰 et je le recommande vivement !
Store owner replied:
Ciao Fabiola,
Grazie per la tua recensione. Mi dispiace sapere che le tue orchidee sono morte. Ovviamente non è questo che dovrebbe succedere. Posso chiederti di contattare il nostro servizio clienti, così possiamo capire insieme quale sia la causa?
Femke di Sybotanica
Jättenöjd. Kommer att beställa från Sybotanica i fortsättningen så länge jag har växter
Meine Pflanzen gewöhnen sich gerade an das Mineralische Substrat von Sybotanica uns es sieht vielversprechend aus. Die Lieferung geht sehr schnell und der Kundendienst ist sehr nett und zuverlässig.
Ik heb een paar weken geleden al mijn orchideeën verplant in de orchid premium mineral substrate ,en zoals u op het filmpje kan zien floreren ze😀 dank u sybotanica voor de snelle en verzorgde levering en de super produkten.
Store owner replied:
Hi Martine,
Dankjewel voor je review. Wat een prachtige collectie orchideeën heb je. Ze zien er erg mooi uit. Mijn complimenten.
Femke van Sybotanica
Heel erg blij mee. Ik ben al mijn zelf gestekte planten op de steentjes aan het zetten. Zowel de wortelgroei als bladgroei worden hartstikke goed gestimuleerd. Daarnaast vind ik het een stuk makkelijker qua water geven. Je ziet in een oogopslag of het aangevuld moet worden.
Des produits de qualités !
Grace au substrat, pot conseil et vidéo sur les reseaux sociaux, mes plantes se portent a merveille !!!
Des feuilles robuste et brillante, des jeunes pousse forte et pleine de vigueur
Store owner replied:
Bonjour Christine,
Merci pour ton avis. Le mélange minéral reste sec en surface. J’aimerais bien examiner avec toi pourquoi le fond est trop humide. Dans quel pot as-tu mis tes orchidées ? Je te demanderais de nous envoyer un e-mail afin que nous puissions déterminer ensemble pourquoi le fond est trop humide.
E-mail : info@sybotanica.com
Femke de Sybotanica
Très content pour les alocasias.
Je suis un passionné de ses plantes là les autres j y porte moins d attention
Ein wenig großstückigeres Substrat als eine bekannte Marke deren Substrat bisher von mir verwendet wurde, was durch die größeren Stückchen für mehr Belüftung der Wurzeln sorgen dürfte. Sieht qualitativ hochwertig aus, ob meine Pflanzen der gleichen Meinung sind und sich wohl fühlen, wird sich über die Zeit zeigen :)
Schön gröberes Substrat, das trotzdem keine scharfen Kanten hat. Sieht qualitativ hochwertig aus, ob meine Pflanzen der gleichen Meinung sind, wird sich über die Zeit zeigen :)
Ist mein erstes mal das ich mineralisches substrat nutze. Hab die Monstera vor einer woche umgetopft und bis jetzt scheint sie es zu mögen.
Der versand war klasse und ging schnell
Hatte viele Schwierigkeiten mit Trauermücken, trotz umtopfen, Wurzen abwaschen, teure Erde gekauft... Bin auf das Mineral Substrat von SYBotanica gestoßen und total begeistert. Sieht nicht nur hübsch aus, sondern ist auch super praktisch und meine Pflanzen mögen es und keine Schwierigkeiten mehr mit Fliegen:)
I transferred my poinsettia into the mineral mix and pruned it shortly after, and after a short transition period where it looked a bit droopy, it seems to be really thriving now! My succulent leaf propagations are also doing really well in it and have lots of strong roots.
I received an import plant with almost just an aerial roots. I decided to put it on chuncky mineral mix from Sybotanica and Let it sit on a self watering pot. I must say it does what it promise from their website. It is a game changer!!! As you can see on the video it has healthy roots and soon it needs a repotting! If you havent tried it, I recommend you start doing it and you will not regret. 😊😊
