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Cactus Soil

19 years ago

I've been browsing around and have decided to make my own soil. Originally when I potted my Cactus I just used ordinary potting mix and luckily IÂve got away with it! Anyway because the Cactus soil mix is expensive I've decided to mix my own. So it there any tips? I plan to use equal mixes of Perlite/Sand/Potting mix. Is this about right? I also plan to re-pot any of my Cacti, which are currently residing in plain potting mix.

Comments appreciated.

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Comments (5)

thefof Zone 8/9 UK
19 years ago
Hi, surfboy, again

Not a bad idea. Make sure that the sand is not from a beach. Salt is not good. Make sure it is coarse sand and doesn't contain lots of fine stuff.

Also, if your potting compost has woody bits, I would prefer to sieve them out first.

Good luck

Fof
thefof Zone 8/9 UK
19 years ago
Hi, surfboy, again

Not a bad idea. Make sure that the sand is not from a beach. Salt is not good. Make sure it is coarse sand and doesn't contain lots of fine stuff.

Also, if your potting compost has woody bits, I would prefer to sieve them out first.

Good luck

Fof
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I grow many succulents, and keep them all in very gritty and inorganic mix - no mulch, no sand (unless it is grainy, I do not know what Hoffman's is like). I don't add any soil or bark either. Crushed granite that is about 2-5mm is good. Same with perlite. Turface is usually smaller, I sift it and keep bigger granules. Those are ingredients of my mix, in approx. 40-40-20% ratio (sometimes less turface). Charcoal doesn't do much for plants; if it is 'right size' - you could add bit of it in your mix but I wouldn't go looking for it. Depending on climate you are in (I asked in my previous post) - you may not need anything else besides grit, perlite and some turface...
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Cactus soil would be great. I can't help you on amounts. I water mine about every two weeks until water starts appearing in the tray/saucer/underpot. When I see the water, I stop, and don't water it again for another two or three weeks. It takes a real effort to change over to the 'other side' of watering. I am a committed underwaterer, that is why Sansevierias work so well for me. Anything that takes a lot of water, or humidity? Well, as soon as it enters my door, it's death warrent is issued. I'm working on it. I do have a fern (Leatherleaf) sitting on the front porch, and I did take it through the house. We will see if any paper got signed...
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Hm. It's probably the wave of new growers, too, Albert. I can't imagine anyone growing succulents in gritty mix with pumice and/or turface going back to using perlite unless they have no choice. Even as an amendment to potting soil, perlite is usually something I'd tolerate but not prefer. When newbies come by asking about plants, for example, we generally just say mix perlite with potting soil because it's the easiest thing to get and to do especially if they only have one pot of random echeveria. Although, I'd say that for moisture control, I'd rather use a dried-up, hydrophobic block of solidified peat than potting soil with tons of perlite. Once peat has become hydrophobic, it will not suck up water unless soaked for hours. So, just don't soak it. I've kept a pot of mammillaria alive this way for over a year (looking, buying and moving house at the time). But, kids, this is risky and repotting is tricky so don't do it at home!
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It is because of the peat in commercial mixes that perlite is suggested. Is pumice or granite available? Knowing where on the planet you are might help. tj
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katladie
17 years ago
Coarse builders sand is a good sand to add. Also if you are repotting christmas cacti type plants add one part peat, make sure you wet the peat before mixing it in.

Sharon
mitzi1956
16 years ago
i also made my own cactus soil and i hope i did it right i simply went to an area of sandy loam soil in my backyard, dug down past the top soil and grabbed some of this to add to my potting mix. i have a feeling outside sand may not have been the right thing but here goes nothing.
breeindy
15 years ago
cacti are pretty toff, as long as they dont rot they'll be fine.

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