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Dont worry about overwatering (or underwatering) with these gritty, fast-draining mixes.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Nothing that will compact over time or that is too moisture retentive.
That rules out using soils for tropical plantsor all-purpose potting soil.
Succulents dont want wet feet, Rogers says.
Credit: Amazon
If water pools around succulent roots, they rot.
Only two sizes are available, which may be limiting for growers with large succulent collections.
The many benefits ofVeryplants Mollys succulent mixshot it to the top of our list.
Credit: Amazon
A host of premium, natural materials ensures that the mix will drain freely and wont compact.
The mix is designed for succulents, cacti, andbonsai to grow strong and healthy.
Plus, its slightly acidic pH creates an optimal environment for these plants to absorb all the nutrients.
Credit: Sol Soils
Youll also find beneficial bacteria and fungi in there to strengthen roots and build plant immunity.
A resealable zipper on the packaging ensures freshness between uses.
You may need to eventually add a gentle fertilizer to encourage larger, faster growth.
We loveBonsai Jacks gritty mixfor its purist formulation.
Efficient and forgiving, this mix is a great pick for beginners or anyone worried about waterlogging roots.
The texture of the soilless mix lives up to its name.
Its chunky and lightweight, so it wont compact around your plants roots.
Itll look good inyour planters or houseplant containers, too.
While succulents and cacti dont require fertilizer to grow, they do need nutrients to growlargerandfaster.
Rogers recommends using one of his favorites,Pepin cactus serum.
Youll need a tub big enough to mix it and store it.
To DIY a suitable mix, start by sourcing pumice.
Its my number one ingredient for succulents, Rogers says.
Finish with a good-quality soil, likeFoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, and youre all set.
Just be sure you have a tub for mixing it all and storing it.
Avoid succulent mixes that contain too much soil or other porous materials likesphagnum moss.
Ill go heavy on adding pumice, Rogers says.
Pumice is nice and chunky and its going to allow for fast drainage and good airflow at the roots.
To him, drainage should be the number-one concern.
They dont want to sit in wet soil.
If water is consistently there for them, their leaves will burst or their roots will rot.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you use regular potting mix for succulents?
Just add equal parts pumice and and perlite, Rogers says.
Can you use cactus soil for succulents?
Conveniently, many cacti soil mixes are marketed as ready to use for succulents, too.
If an online shop or store only has a cactus soil mix, then succulent growers should take note.
Rogers explains that a soil mix specifically designed for cacti will be even gritter than ones made for succulents.
Itll include even more coarse materials, such as lava rocks or sand.
Succulents will want just a little bit more water retention than cacti, Rogers says.
Puhala has also written about orchid pots, tomato cages, weed killers, and gifts for gardeners.
