Substrates for those who grow potted plants
Formulas for horticulture, pot plant production, ornamental nurseries, and garden centers. Blends of blonde and brown peat with calibrated structural materials for growing cycles of 3 to 18 months in container.
What is a potted plant substrate
A potted plant substrate is a blend of peats (blonde and brown) from Baltic and German sources and structural materials (perlite, pumice, wood fiber) calibrated for growing cycles of 3 to 18 months in container. The peat-to-structural-material ratio determines the air-to-water balance and long-term structural stability — critical parameters for preventing compaction and root asphyxiation at the end of the cycle.
Four criteria for ornamental nurseries and pot plant production
What changes when moving from a repotting formula to a seedling or outdoor formula.
Calibrated blonde + brown peat blend
Blonde peat provides water retention and buffering capacity; brown peat provides structural stability over long cycles. The ratio is adjusted to the plant type: short-flowering ornamentals favor blonde peat; Mediterranean plants and succulents favor brown peat.
Structural materials 10–20%
Perlite, pumice, and wood fiber open up porosity and ensure drainage in deep pots. The proportion varies between 10% (indoor formulas) and 20% (formulas for outdoor ornamentals with direct rainfall).
pH adapted to the crop
pH 5.5–6.5 for the majority of ornamentals. Acid-loving plants (camellias, azaleas, blue hydrangeas) require formulas at pH 4.5–5.0. The buffering capacity is designed to resist the pH rise caused by hard irrigation water.
Differentiated base fertilization
The dose and formula of the base fertilizer vary with the cycle: fast release for quick-flowering ornamentals, slow-release at 3–6 months for pot plants intended for deferred retail.
Arber substrates for potted plants
Formulas for repotting and container growing — from short cycles in small pots to long cycles in large containers.
Forest X
Forest FR Type 3
Unipot Maxi
Unipot Medium
Unipot 7-20
Florigen Plus
Minipot
Dipladenia
Cactus LPX1
Basil Pot-14
Bio Aromas G1
Poinsettia
Poncicl DKX
Chrys KDX
Potted plants comparison table
| SKU | Structure | pH | EC mS/cm | Recommended pot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest X | Coarse | 5-6 | 1.1-1.4 mS/cm | from 14 |
| Forest FR Type 3 | Medium-coarse | 5-6 | 0.8-1.5 mS/cm | from 18 |
| Unipot Maxi | Medium-coarse | 5-6 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | from 16 |
| Unipot Medium | Medium | 5-6 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | 14-16 |
| Unipot 7-20 | Medium | 5-6 | 0.8-1.5 mS/cm | 12-14 |
| Florigen Plus | Medium | 5.5-6 | 1.1-1.4 mS/cm | 12-14 cm |
| Minipot | Medium | 5.5-6.5 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | 10-12 cm |
| Dipladenia | Medium-coarse | 5.5-6.5 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | from 14 |
| Cactus LPX1 | Medium-coarse | 5-6 | 0.4-0.6 mS/cm | from 14 |
| Basil Pot-14 | Medium-coarse | 5-6 | 1-1.4 mS/cm | 12-14 |
| Bio Aromas G1 | Medium | 5.4-6.2 | 0.5-0.6 mS/cm | n/a |
| Poinsettia | Medium-coarse | 5.2-6 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | from 14 |
| Poncicl DKX | Medium-coarse | 5.2-6 | 0.6-1 mS/cm | from 14 |
| Chrys KDX | Medium-coarse | 5-6 | 1.0-1.4 mS/cm | 14-18 |
Indicative data from sample analysis, referring to the formulation batch. Declared tolerances are stated in the technical data sheet for each individual SKU.
What ornamental nurseries and pot plant growers ask
Can I get a custom formula based on my specifications?
Yes. For volumes compatible with your nursery cycle, we develop formulas tailored to the crop, the repotting calendar, and the irrigation system. The first pilot batch typically arrives within 3–4 weeks of the technical request.
How long does delivery take across Italy?
We deliver across Italy. Transport is included to your gate, with no full-truck requirement. Typical lead times are 3–7 working days depending on the region and format.
Do you have supply chain certifications?
Yes. The German section of the supply chain is HORTICERT certified. Selected professional raw materials are certified under the RAL procedure of the Gütegemeinschaft Substrate für Pflanzen. The organic lines use FiBL-certified raw materials.
How does a quote or sample request work?
The “Request a quote” form collects information on your crop, estimated annual volumes, and region. The request goes to your local agent, who prepares the sample and the technical data sheet.
How does agronomic support work?
Your local agent is the first point of technical contact: formula selection, pilot trial in the greenhouse, and analysis of any mid-cycle issues. For complex cases, the agent involves the internal formulation team.
Can I use the same formula for ornamentals and aromatic plants?
Technically possible in some cases, but not optimal. Potted aromatic plants (Basil Pot-14) have shorter cycles and a specific nutritional profile; long-cycle ornamentals (Forest) require slow-release fertilization. For nurseries with dual production, the local agent often recommends two formulas with coordinated formats and palletization.
Do you also produce seedlings or outdoor plants? Go to /produzioni/piantine-da-orto/ or to /produzioni/piante-da-esterno/.
Want to test an Arber substrate on your pots?
Request a quote, talk to the agronomist about your crop, or find your local dealer. Every request goes to the local agent, who contacts you directly.