
Fertilizers & nutrients
by Royal Queen Seeds
Easy Roots Mycorrhiza Mix is a 100% natural soil inoculant that introduces over 200 species of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi directly into your root zone. Made by Royal Queen Seeds, this granular blend forms a symbiotic bond with your plant roots, effectively extending the root system through a vast underground network of fungal filaments called hyphae. The result? Better nutrient uptake, stronger plants, and improved yields — all without a single synthetic additive.
Mycorrhizae are fungi that form a mutually beneficial relationship with plant roots — they're not parasites, they're partners. The fungal mycelium threads itself through the soil far beyond where roots can reach, breaking down organic matter by excreting enzymes and shuttling those nutrients straight into the plant. In return, the plant feeds the fungi sugars produced through photosynthesis. It's a trade deal that's been running for roughly 450 million years, and it works.
According to a study on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), common mycorrhizal networks allow the transfer of nutrients between plants, influencing the growth of neighbouring plants and soil properties (PMC7074789). Researchers have even referred to these mycelial structures as "nature's internet" — a subterranean web that lets plants share resources and chemical signals. When you add Easy Roots Mycorrhiza Mix to your growing medium, you're plugging your plants into that network from day one.
According to research on AMF and plant growth-promoting endophytes, the combination treatment showed measurable effects on plant development and nutrient availability in the root zone (PMC11064634). And a separate study on mature trees demonstrated that the mycorrhizal fungi-plant association, although modestly, also affects mature tree growth (PMC12059558) — so this isn't just a seedling trick. The benefits persist throughout the plant's life cycle.
Here's the thing most growers don't realise until it's too late: shop-bought potting soil is often sterilised or heavily processed. That kills off the native fungal communities that would normally colonise roots in a natural setting. Your plants end up in biologically dead soil, relying entirely on you for every nutrient they need. Miss a feed, get the pH slightly off, or let the medium dry out — and there's no buffer.
Mycorrhizal inoculation changes that equation. The fungal hyphae act as a secondary root system, massively increasing the surface area available for nutrient and water absorption. We've seen growers who were struggling with pale, sluggish plants turn things around within a couple of weeks of introducing mycorrhizae. The difference in root mass at transplant is visible — inoculated plants develop noticeably denser, whiter root balls.
According to research on native arbuscular mycorrhizae, AMF inoculation promoted root growth and increased secondary metabolite production (PMC7884620). And a study analysing the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi found that supplemented plants increased their shoot length 100% more than control plants (PMC12843759). That's not a marginal gain — that's a doubling.
The one honest caveat: mycorrhizae need time to colonise. You won't see overnight results. Apply at the earliest opportunity — during germination, transplanting, or when setting up your growing medium — and let the fungi do their work over the following weeks. Patience pays off here.
Application is straightforward. Royal Queen Seeds recommends 5 grams per plant — that's roughly a level teaspoon. The granular format makes it easy to dose without specialist equipment.
One application is generally sufficient for the entire life cycle of the plant. The fungi are living organisms — once established, they grow and spread alongside the root system. You don't need to reapply at every transplant, though adding a small dusting when moving to a larger pot won't hurt and can help colonise the fresh medium faster.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Royal Queen Seeds (Easy Roots range) |
| Product Type | Mycorrhizal fungi inoculant |
| Composition | 200+ species of Glomeromycota |
| Format | Granular |
| Application Rate | 5 grams per plant |
| Application Method | Direct root zone contact |
| Ingredients | 100% natural — no synthetic additives |
| SKU | HS0575 |
| Best Applied | At seeding, transplanting, or propagation |
| Reapplication | Generally not required after initial application |
Complete your soil setup with Easy Boost Organic Nutrition from Royal Queen Seeds — a slow-release fertiliser pellet that pairs naturally with mycorrhizal inoculants. The fungi break down organic nutrients more efficiently, so the two products work in combination rather than competing. If you're running a full organic grow, also consider adding perlite to your medium for improved drainage and root aeration.
We get a lot of questions about mycorrhizae, and the most common one is: "Does this stuff actually work, or is it just marketing?" Fair question. The short answer is yes, it works — but it's not magic dust. You won't see your plant double in size overnight. What you will notice, especially if you grow in containers, is healthier root development, better resilience to dry spells, and plants that seem to handle nutrient fluctuations without throwing a tantrum.
The second most common question: "Can I use this with synthetic nutrients?" Technically, yes. But heavy synthetic salt-based feeds can inhibit fungal colonisation. Mycorrhizae evolved alongside organic matter — they thrive when there's something to break down. If you're running a full bottle-fed hydro setup, the fungi won't have much to do. This product shines brightest in organic or semi-organic soil grows.
One thing we'd flag: don't combine this with hydrogen peroxide root treatments or systemic fungicides. Those are designed to kill fungi — all fungi, including the beneficial ones you just paid for. If you're treating a root issue, sort that out first, then inoculate once conditions are stable.
Not all root zone products do the same thing. Liquid root stimulators typically contain plant hormones (auxins) that encourage the plant to grow more roots on its own. Mycorrhizal inoculants like Easy Roots take a different approach — they add living organisms that become part of the root system. The two approaches aren't mutually exclusive, but they work through completely different mechanisms.
| Feature | Easy Roots Mycorrhiza Mix | Liquid Root Stimulators |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Living fungal inoculant | Hormone/nutrient solution |
| Application | Once (at planting) | Repeated throughout grow |
| Mechanism | Extends root system via fungal hyphae | Stimulates plant's own root growth |
| Best Medium | Soil / organic mixes | Any medium including hydro |
| Ongoing Cost | None after initial application | Requires regular dosing |
| Shelf Life Concern | Contains living spores — store cool and dry | Stable liquid solution |
If you're growing in soil and want the best of both worlds, you can apply Easy Roots at planting and use a gentle organic root stimulator during the first two weeks. After that, the mycorrhizae should be established and doing the heavy lifting on their own. According to research on AMF and pathogen protection, root infection by beneficial mycorrhizal fungi can also help protect plants from root pathogens (PMC3001584) — an added benefit that liquid stimulators simply can't offer.
Easy Roots Mycorrhiza Mix contains living fungal spores, so treat it accordingly. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Don't leave the bag open — moisture can trigger premature germination of the spores before they're in contact with roots, which defeats the purpose. Kept sealed and cool, the product remains viable for a long time, but fresher is always better with living inoculants. If you've had a bag sitting in a hot shed for two summers, buy a new one.
Yes, mycorrhizal fungi can colonise roots in coco coir. However, coco is often used with synthetic nutrient solutions, which can reduce the effectiveness of the fungi. You'll get the best results if you're running an organic or semi-organic feed schedule alongside the coco medium.
No. Once the mycorrhizae have colonised the root system, they travel with the plant. A single application at the first planting or transplant is generally enough for the entire life cycle. Adding a light dusting when moving to a bigger pot can help colonise fresh medium faster, but it's not strictly necessary.
Royal Queen Seeds recommends 5 grams per plant. That's roughly a level teaspoon. Apply it directly into the planting hole or dust it onto the root ball at transplant so the fungi make immediate contact with the roots.
They can survive alongside mild synthetic feeds, but heavy salt-based nutrients inhibit fungal colonisation. Mycorrhizae evolved to break down organic matter — they perform best in organic or living soil setups. If you're running a full synthetic programme, the fungi won't add much value.
Colonisation takes 2-4 weeks depending on soil temperature and moisture levels. You won't see above-ground changes overnight. The first visible signs are typically improved vigour, greener foliage, and denser root mass at the next transplant. It's a slow build, not an instant fix.
It's one of the most cost-effective root zone investments you can make. A single 5-gram application lasts the entire grow cycle, whereas liquid root stimulators require repeated dosing. Per plant, the cost is minimal and you don't need to keep buying refills.
According to research published in PMC, beneficial mycorrhizal root colonisation can help protect plants from root pathogens. The fungi occupy root tissue and compete with harmful organisms for space and resources. It's not a cure for existing infections, but it adds a layer of biological defence.
Last updated: April 2026