Best Soil and Potting Mixes for Your Cacti and Succulents

Cactus WorldJanuary 29, 2023

Cacti and succulents are popular plants for both indoor and outdoor gardens. They’re low maintenance, drought tolerant and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, one aspect of cacti and succulent care that is often overlooked is soil. The right soil mix is crucial to the health and longevity of these plants. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best soil and potting mixes for cacti and succulents.

Cactus Mix

Cactus mix is specifically formulated for cacti and is a great option for those who are just starting out with these plants. Cactus mix is well-draining, light and porous, which allows for good air circulation around the roots. This type of mix is also formulated to hold onto moisture for a longer period of time, making it ideal for desert-dwelling cacti that require less frequent watering.

Ingredients:

2 parts coarse sand (such as builder’s sand or horticultural sand)
2 parts peat moss or coconut coir
2 parts perlite or coarse vermiculite
1 part compost or well-rotted manure

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing container.
Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Store in a covered container until ready to use.

Succulent Mix

Succulent mix is a specially formulated soil mix that is ideal for succulents. It is made with a combination of ingredients such as perlite, pumice, and sand that provide good drainage and aeration. Succulent mix is designed to hold onto moisture for a longer period of time, making it ideal for succulents that require less frequent watering.

Ingredients:

2 parts coarse sand (such as builder’s sand or horticultural sand)
2 parts perlite or coarse vermiculite
1 part peat moss or coconut coir
1 part compost or well-rotted manure

All-Purpose Potting Mix

All-purpose potting mix can be used for both cacti and succulents. It’s a good option for those who want a one-size-fits-all solution. This type of mix is made with a combination of ingredients such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite that provide good drainage and aeration. However, be careful when using all-purpose potting mix as it can retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot in cacti and succulents.

Ingredients:

2 parts peat moss
2 parts perlite or coarse vermiculite
1 part coconut coir
1 part compost or well-rotted manure

Sand and Perlite Mix

For those who want to create their own custom soil mix, sand and perlite is a good combination. This type of mix is ideal for cacti that require well-draining soil, as it provides good air circulation around the roots. Simply mix equal parts of sand and perlite to create a well-draining soil mix for your cacti.

Ingredients:

4 parts coarse sand (such as builder’s sand or horticultural sand)
4 parts perlite

Coarse Sand and Vermiculite Mix

Another option for a custom soil mix is coarse sand and vermiculite. This type of mix is ideal for succulents that require good drainage and aeration. Simply mix equal parts of coarse sand and vermiculite to create a well-draining soil mix for your succulents.

Ingredients:

4 parts coarse sand (such as builder’s sand or horticultural sand)
4 parts coarse vermiculite

In conclusion, there are several options available for the best soil and potting mix for cacti and succulents. Whether you choose a specially formulated mix or create your own custom mix, be sure to choose a mix that provides good drainage and aeration to keep your cacti and succulents healthy and thriving.