Compositions are provided that are planting matrices containing spores of Bacillus spp. microorganisms for benefiting plant growth. The Bacillus spp. microorganisms include newly identified Bacillus licheniformis strain RTI184 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-121722 and Bacillus licheniformis CH200 deposited as Accession No. DSM 17236. Both Bacillus licheniformis strains were shown to produce previously unreported Fengycin-like and Dehydroxyfengycin-like cyclic lipopeptides that are not produced uniformly among strains of Bacillus licheniformis. The planting matrices provided include potting soils. The pH of the potting soils can range between 4 to 8. The growth benefit provided by the planting matrices can be exhibited by improved seedling vigor, improved root development, improved plant growth, improved plant health, increased yield, and improved plant appearance.
