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Soil, Compost & Mulch Cacti & Succulents House Plants

Best potting soil base for cactus mix?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

So I'm planning on creating a cactus mix from 50% potting soil, 25% perlite, and 25% sand. However, I'm not sure on what potting soil base I should use. Currently I'm considering a standard Miracle Grow houseplant soil, but if something would work better, please let me know. Thanks!

Featured Answer

Meyermike(Zone 6a Ma.)

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

The one that works for you.

I tried the gritty and failed, I have tried mixes right out the bag and failed in many until I found one that works in clay pots. It depends on the pots, the light, the temperature and your environment. There is no one size fits all, I had to find out the hard way but found a Pro mix that works great with mine)

Mike

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Comments (9)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
Find a soil for cactus and succulents. Even Miracle Gro makes one, although that one wouldn't be high on my list of choices. Then mix that 50-50 with perlite. No sand unless a very coarse sand....more like granite grit.

Standard bagged potting soils have way too much peat included to be very functional for this purpose.
Noah Johnson thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Rob Blomquist
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Forget the sand, use more perlite. For potting soil any will do? I have heard of potting soils with earthworm castings as being good.
Noah Johnson thanked Rob Blomquist
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Noah Johnson
Original Author
5 years ago
I tried out Miracle Grow's cactus mix and it has terrible drainage. The normal potting soil drains faster though so I was thinking that one might be better than the cactus mix?
Noah Johnson
Original Author
5 years ago
Also, would it be beneficial to add some pumice in as well?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Like I said, the MG stuff would not be my first choice :) And I certainly would avoid the regular MG potting soil.....it doesn't even drain well enough for more moisture loving houseplants!! I wouldn't dream of using it for succs.

I use a proprietary blend sold by a local grower and wholesaler of cacti and succulents. It is closer to the gritty mix, being one part bark to one part coarse perlite or pumice and one part cherrystone poultry grit (available at feed stores). Drains fast and well. Bonsai Jack is a good choice as well.

ETA: perlite and pumice are really interchangeable. One or the other - no neeed to use both.
Noah Johnson thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
dbarron
5 years ago
Like some (but unlike others) I would NEVER EVER buy MG stuff. I don't need to buy fertilizer added, and as you mentioned drainage potential is terrible.
Noah Johnson thanked dbarron
Noah Johnson
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you guys for all the help! One final question; does this mix look good?

https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Jack-Succulent-Cactus-Soil/dp/B0194E9RW4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bonsai+jack+succulent+soil&qid=1553637299&s=gateway&sr=8-1
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
Yes, that mix should work well. It is one that I recommended above and many have had great success with it.
Noah Johnson thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

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