Wetting agents (surfactants) make water wetter. You don't need a wetting agent - just be sure you don't allow bark and peat-based soils to dry down too much. They start to become hydrophobic (water repellent) at around 30% moisture levels. If you really think you need one, do a search for "Coco-Wet" or "Agri 2". Al

or, you could repot it into a much more porous mix as soon as possible. Since root rot can set in fast especially while the roots are trying to adjust... If you are having a problem with moisture, you could either wick the pot, use much more perlite, like 80 percent, or sift out a lot of the finer particles such as the peat to make it more barkier, chunky, or use much more pine bark with just a bit of the potting mix...You have many options to make that mix more porous.. Your plant will not die of 'shock' unless it's roots have been mishandled or you have improperly introduced it to light levels and fertilizer while it adjusts... I personally think it will die of root rot more so than the shock of repotting it again into a mix that will dry out much more faster. Hope this helps. Mike This post was edited by meyermike_1micha on Sat, Apr 5, 14 at 11:32

Polymers are used in wetting agents. Polymers are compounds which contain carbon and in the science of chemistry, carbon compounds are called organic compounds. They are studied in organic chemistry. This is different from organic gardening, and I am unclear as to whether this kind of product has a place in an organic program. Only the manufacturers can say what the inert ingredients are. Farmyard manure, compost and similar products will also improve the moisture holding property of a soil but they will probably be more expensive and certainly a little more work.

I’ve used dish soap on hydrophobic soils in the past. It does break the water tension and it does cure the problem if the problem was caused by short term issues. My soil was hydrophobic due to being exposed to the heat and sun from the soil yard. When it was delivered to me, it repelled water. This was a short term issue, easily cured. If the hydrophobia is long term, I think different measures must be taken. The people in Australia are our first clue. Their dry heat render their sandy soils hydrophobic in a more permanent way. They can’t just add a little soapy water, commence regular watering, and have fertile soil. If they could, they wouldn’t have an ongoing issue with infertile, hydrophobic soils. They are finding that they have to use a combination of wetting agents, lots of organic matter, and of course, mulch! I think many of us in the drought ridden areas of California are beginning to learn from the people in Australia because our soils are becoming dry and baked. In my new home, I have sandy, hydrophobic soil and have been looking into wetting agents myself. I have added more organic matter than I though was proper and even peat moss and still, plants don’t want to thrive. This year, I am going to add ollas, and a wetting agent. I am cautious, because there seems to be conflicting information about these agents. I will pick the one that seems safest and cross my fingers because at this point, the plants aren’t living anyway.