Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum? Common name is slenderleaf iceplant. Here is a link that might be useful: Google image results

Thank you. You all have been so helpful. I have gleaned new and useful information. I have 7 bands that are potted in the local nursery's organic potting soil with the ingredients listed above. The next 8 bands will be potted this evening in the Miracle Gro with moisture control. These bands have been received anywhere from 5 - 8 days apart. I am really curious to see what the difference will be between the bands that arrived last week to those arriving this week. The ones planted in organic planting soil will receive a very weak dose of fish emulsion every Sunday. The M.G. plants will receive water. Roseseek, thank you for the information and the images:) Again, Thank you all:) Lynn This post was edited by desertgarden561 on Fri, Jul 19, 13 at 19:26

Thanks for the suggestions. I look into it today when I go out shopping (either Home Depot, or one of the nurseries around here) I have perlite, and tried it in one of the pots, it helps a little but not significantly. Yes, rain does waterlog it, but even after a thorough watering, I don't need to water for a week...soil shouldn't stay that wet. (note: I'm using 7-8 inch pots as opposed to larger ones since I am planning on planting out in the spring, I could see a large pot staying wet that long, but not small ones like this) Years ago, I had the same problem with a cheap store brand potting soil (the soil remained wet and was almost "sludgy"), and have since always used "name brands"....but this has sort of put me off on Miracle Gro. I don't know....maybe I just got a a couple of bags from a bad lot.

Shading the pots from any direct sunlight on them can make ALL the difference in the world. There is a tremendous difference between any kind of pot heated by warm to hot air and the same pot heated by any direct sun exposure. The difference is an easy one to demonstrate. When it's hot and sunny, stand in the shade and notice the temperature. Then, go stand in the direct sun. It is intensely hotter. That is the difference between a shaded and direct sun exposure pot and the soil/root ball inside it. Materials which insulate against that heat absorption and transfer lessen the extremes. Materials which absorb heat, hold and radiate it more efficiently exacerbate the extremes. You can frequently leave the plant parts exposed to the full sun, as long as you're not experiencing weather extremes. Shading the pots and roots against that sun can mean the difference between a growing plant and a dead one. Kim