Ecothrive Living Soil Lite
Organic Living Soil for Propagation and Early-Stage Growth
- Lighter nutrient charge to support early-stage growth
- Enhanced aeration for rapid root development
- Better water control to help prevent overwatering in small pots
- Premium coco blend with perlite and pumice for reliable drainage
- Fully active living soil with beneficial microbes and organic amendments
- Reduces risk of overwatering and early nutrient stress during propagation
- Perfect for seedlings and rooted cuttings in 1–4L pots
- Excellent performance in AutoPot and frequent irrigation systems
- Well suited to fast-flowering and lighter-feeding plants
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Currently Unavailable to Growers Outside the UK
Unfortunately, due to restrictions on importing soil and growing media we are unable to ship this item to Europe right now. Sign up to the Ecothrive Newsletter to receive an update as soon as we can resume shipping to Europe.
"Do you have a soil mix for seeds and clones?” It's a question we get asked all the time.
Living Soil Lite has been developed specifically for the first potting stage, where the priority is establishing a healthy, resilient root system in small containers. During propagation, plants are far more sensitive to excess moisture and nutrition, so the root zone needs to be carefully balanced to encourage steady, controlled growth.
Living Soil Lite combines a lighter nutritional profile with a more open, free-draining structure. Compared to Ecothrive Living Soil, it contains less available nutrition and a significantly higher level of aeration, allowing roots to develop quickly without the risk of waterlogging or early-stage nutrient stress.
The mix has been physically rebalanced using additional coco coir, perlite and fine pumice to increase air-filled porosity and reduce water retention. This creates a root zone that dries back more predictably and responds better to irrigation, particularly in small pots where overwatering is a common issue. It also makes the mix well-suited to systems such as AutoPot, where frequent watering requires a more open substrate to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Despite the lighter nutrient charge, Living Soil Lite remains a fully active living soil. It contains the same core biological inputs as Ecothrive Living Soil, including worm castings, insect frass, and plant-based amendments such as alfalfa and seaweed meal. These inputs support a diverse microbial population that drives natural nutrient cycling from the outset.
Humic and fulvic acids are included to support nutrient availability and microbial activity, helping plants make efficient use of the available nutrition during this early stage. Nutrient levels are intentionally moderated to provide approximately one to two weeks of support, encouraging roots to expand before transplanting into a higher nutrient environment.
"Do you have a soil mix for seeds and clones?” It's a question we get asked all the time.
Living Soil Lite has been developed specifically for the first potting stage, where the priority is establishing a healthy, resilient root system in small containers. During propagation, plants are far more sensitive to excess moisture and nutrition, so the root zone needs to be carefully balanced to encourage steady, controlled growth.
Living Soil Lite combines a lighter nutritional profile with a more open, free-draining structure. Compared to Ecothrive Living Soil, it contains less available nutrition and a significantly higher level of aeration, allowing roots to develop quickly without the risk of waterlogging or early-stage nutrient stress.
The mix has been physically rebalanced using additional coco coir, perlite and fine pumice to increase air-filled porosity and reduce water retention. This creates a root zone that dries back more predictably and responds better to irrigation, particularly in small pots where overwatering is a common issue. It also makes the mix well-suited to systems such as AutoPot, where frequent watering requires a more open substrate to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Despite the lighter nutrient charge, Living Soil Lite remains a fully active living soil. It contains the same core biological inputs as Ecothrive Living Soil, including worm castings, insect frass, and plant-based amendments such as alfalfa and seaweed meal. These inputs support a diverse microbial population that drives natural nutrient cycling from the outset.
Humic and fulvic acids are included to support nutrient availability and microbial activity, helping plants make efficient use of the available nutrition during this early stage. Nutrient levels are intentionally moderated to provide approximately one to two weeks of support, encouraging roots to expand before transplanting into a higher nutrient environment.
Why Use Ecothrive Living Soil Lite?
Living Soil Lite is designed to give young plants the best possible start by prioritising root development over excess nutrition. In small pots, too much fertility and water retention can slow growth and increase the risk of stress. By reducing nutrient intensity and increasing aeration, Living Soil Lite creates a more controlled root zone that promotes faster, more consistent establishment.
It is ideal for potting up seedlings and rooted cuttings, where stable moisture levels and oxygen availability are critical. Once established, plants can be transplanted into Ecothrive Living Soil, where a higher nutrient reserve and greater buffering capacity will support the remainder of the growth cycle.
Beyond propagation, Living Soil Lite is also useful in situations where a lighter, more aerated mix is required. It performs well in high-frequency irrigation systems such as AutoPot and is suitable for plants with lower nutrient demands, including many fast-flowering, non-photoperiod varieties. In these cases, the improved drainage and oxygen availability help maintain consistent root function and overall plant health.
As with all Ecothrive substrates, Living Soil Lite is peat-free and based on high-quality coco coir, ensuring consistent wetting behaviour without hydrophobic issues. Every batch is tested for mineral balance and consistency, providing reliable performance across different growing
Ecothrive Living Soil Lite is designed as the first step in the system, made for seeds, clones, and early potting where fast, healthy root establishment is the priority. It’s a lighter, more open mix that performs especially well in small containers and high-frequency irrigation setups like AutoPot, where oxygen and drainage are critical. Ecothrive Living Soil, on the other hand, is the full-cycle substrate and the foundation for final containers such as large pots and beds, built with a higher nutrient reserve and greater buffering capacity to carry plants through to harvest without compromise.
Ecothrive Living Soil Lite is designed as the first step in the system, made for seeds, clones, and early potting where fast, healthy root establishment is the priority. It’s a lighter, more open mix that performs especially well in small containers and high-frequency irrigation setups like AutoPot, where oxygen and drainage are critical. Ecothrive Living Soil, on the other hand, is the full-cycle substrate and the foundation for final containers such as large pots and beds, built with a higher nutrient reserve and greater buffering capacity to carry plants through to harvest without compromise.
Application and Usage Recommendations
Ecothrive Living Soil Lite is designed as the first step in the system, made for seeds, clones, and early potting where fast, healthy root establishment is the priority. It’s a lighter, more open mix that performs especially well in small containers and high-frequency irrigation setups like AutoPot, where oxygen and drainage are critical. Ecothrive Living Soil, on the other hand, is the full-cycle substrate and the foundation for final containers such as large pots and beds, built with a higher nutrient reserve and greater buffering capacity to carry plants through to harvest without compromise.
Usage Tips
Watering in Small Pots
Water lightly after transplant, using around 5-10% of the pot volume, and gradually increase as the root system develops. Avoid fully saturating the pot too early, as this can reduce oxygen availability and slow root establishment.
Transplant at the Right Time
Transplant once the container is well rooted, before the plant becomes restricted. Moving into Ecothrive Living Soil at the right stage ensures access to a larger nutrient reserve and supports continued growth without interruption.
Support the Transition
At transplant, apply a light top dressing of Soil Food Grow (1-2g per L of the Living Soil Lite pot volume around the base of the plant). This helps replenish nutrients in the immediate root zone while roots expand into the new medium.
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