The objective of this study was to investigate the properties of starch and polyacrylate polymers, alone or when mixed in the media. Their effects on growth of potted $Ardisia$ $pusilla$ plants were also determined. The starch polymer absorbed more water than polyacrylate polymer. However, the water absorbance of starch polymer was restricted in the media which resulted in lower CC (container capacity) and higher AS (air space) than polyacrylate polymer. The CC, AP, and TP (total porosity) increased than control in the media when those were mixed with two polymers of 0.6 and 0.9%. Numbers of small pore spaces were observed in the polyacrylate polymers and the volume of the media increased more than starch, thanks to the small pore spaces which put pressure on one another during hydration. The starch had larger pore spaces which were spread out aside in the media after water absorbance. The mineral nutrient contents in the media with polyacrylate polymer were similar or higher compared to control. However, the starch polymer showed stronger retention to Ca and Fe resulted to lower mineral nutrient contents in the media. The plant growth was improved in polyacrylate treatments than control. The plant life was maintained for about 4-6 days longer in the polyacrylate treatments. The Ca contents in the leaves decreased in the starch treatments of 0.6 and 0.9% and polyacrylate treatments of 0.9% than control. The lower content of Ca restricted the plant growth, especially in the polymer content of 0.9%. In consequence, the polyacrylate polymers were more favorable in the media. They absorbed more water when mixed in the media and showed weaker retention to Ca and Fe. In addition, the polyacrylate polymers were recommended because of improved plant growth and prolonged plant life, but they should not be used in the content of more than 0.6%.