Planted tank substrate

Current tank has standard aquarium gravel (mixed community, 26 Gal, 1w/gal)

Having a clean out, upgrading light to 3w/gal and considering the substrate.

From what I now understand, standard gravel isnt that suitable for a planted
tank, however I want something that is fairly easy to clean. i.e sand causes
its own problems.

Should the substrate be changed completely, or is the solution to add and
mix in something like flourite (50/50, 75/25 etc)