5 Best Succulent Soils of 2022 for Flowering Plants - Better Homes and Gardens

Succulents and cacti are popular both as indoor plants and as outdoor garden plants. However, they have different needs than many other plants you may grow, so choosing the best soil for your succulents is important. As plants native to desert conditions, succulents are easily overwatered, so it's best to choose a mix that encourages good drainage.

Potting soil mixes specifically formulated for cacti and succulents are easy to find, but many of these mixes actually contain no soil. To help you find the best soil for succulents, we've researched a variety of options, taking into account pack size, intended use, and whether or not it's organic. We also reached out to Justin Hancock, horticulturalist at Costa Farms, and Angelica Elliott, assistant director of public horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden, for additional information.

In general, the best soil for succulents is Bonsai Jack's Gritty Mix , a fast-draining mix that helps prevent root rot (especially good for gardeners who tend to overwater). Read on to learn more about our favorite soils for succulents.

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Why you should buy this: This potting soil drains very quickly and mimics the naturally dry environment that succulents love. She is also a good choice for novice growers who often tend to overwater their plants.

Please note: Because the mixture drains so quickly, you will need to water more frequently than with other potting soil. This is great for many gardeners, but may not be good for people who forget to water or only want to water once a month.

The best soil for succulents will help improve drainage, like Bonsai Jacki's Gritty Mix. This soil is designed for succulents, cacti and bonsai and drains quickly. Because it drains so quickly, this mix can also help prevent root rot, which is often caused by overwatering. This makes it a great option for novice gardeners who may be tempted to water their succulents too often.

The ready-to-use mix has an optimized pH of 5.5, making it ideal for succulents, cacti, bonsai and other plants that grow well in acidic soil. It is also an excellent choice for Echeveria, Crassula, Lithops, Jade, Aloe, Haworthia, Crassula and more.

The light soil consists of pine fiber, bonsai block (calcined clay) and monto clay. It's also peat-free, which has come under scrutiny from environmentalists in recent years. The combination of tan, dark brown, and other earth tones in the potting soil means it will look great in your pots, eliminating the need for top dressing. Plus, the dye-free soil is made from treated pine bark to help prevent the spread of pathogens and invasive species.

Part of what makes this choice one of the best soils for succulents is that it's easy to use. When transplanting a plant, you can remove as much old potting soil as possible (without damaging the roots) and pour this mixture into your pot. Then simply water well and wait until the mixture is completely dry before watering again.

Price at time of publication: $15

Product Details: Size: 2 Quart | Use: succulents, cacti and bonsai | Bio: yes

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Why you should buy this: This organic potting soil is packed with natural ingredients to help your succulents thrive.

Please note: this includes peat, which may concern some gardeners.

Espoma Organic Cactus Mix is ​​the best soil for succulents if you are looking for a cheaper option. The organic blend is made from all-natural ingredients and can be used on indoor and outdoor plants including succulents, palm trees and citrus.

The formula contains peat, an environmentally controversial ingredient. However, in addition to sphagnum peat, light potting soil contains humus and perlite, which help provide the aeration and drainage needed for cacti and succulents.

The blend also includes mycorrhizae, a soil microbe that helps improve plant root health, and limestone to adjust pH levels for optimal growth. Although the water flows freely, the mix retains enough water to maintain plant health.

You can use this mix when starting a new plant or transplanting it into a larger container. Remember that it's a good idea to transplant your succulents into a larger container each year so they can continue to grow and thrive.

Price at time of publication: $12

Product Details: Size: 4 Quart | Use: succulents, palm trees and citrus fruits | Bio: yes

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Why you should get it: This blend contains coir, a natural and renewable resource, along with other organic additives.

Please note: it is more expensive than the other options.

Although this soil is more expensive than other options, just a small amount of this mix will do the trick. This is because it contains dried compressed coir that expands when poured. In other words, you only need, say, 1/3 cup of this mixture for a 4-inch pot and five cups for a gallon container.

In addition to coco coir, a renewable natural resource sometimes used as a substitute for peat, this potting soil contains other beneficial ingredients. It contains worm droppings, which provide beneficial microbes and slowly release nitrogen, and mycorrhizae, a beneficial fungus that promotes a stronger root system. There is also algae, which increases the plant's resistance to disease, and pumice, which helps in better drainage and aeration.

To use this mix in containers, check the manufacturer's directions for how much to use, water the mix to fluff it up, stir to aerate once the potting soil is fully agitated, and watch how your plants grow.

Price at time of publication: $32

Product Details: Size: 3 lbs | Use: cacti and succulents | Bio: yes

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Why you should buy this: This mix promotes good drainage but also holds enough water that you may not need to water it as often as other fast-draining mixes.  

Please note: This is not an organic blend.

To spice up your outdoor garden, Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix is ​​the best succulent soil to consider. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants, the mess-free blend is made up of equal parts Japanese akadama, a clay-like component that's good at holding water, pumice stone, New Zealand pine bark, and haydite, an expanded slate that's good at holding water absorb excess water and slowly release it to the roots.

Together, the soil components promote good drainage and good water retention in the mix. Is sont conçus pour aider le mélange à rester Humide Pendant le temps qu'il faut avant de sécher et de permettre à l'air d'atteindre le système racinaire de la plante, ce qui aidera à garder la plupart des cacti et plantes succulentes en good condition.

Ready-to-use potting soil is available in several sizes: 1.25, 2.5, 6 and 12 litres. The different size options are especially helpful if you plan to plant your succulents outdoors in a raised bed. You can also use the succulent mix alone or mix it with existing outdoor soil.

Using a combination of colors and textures, potting soil adds interest to succulent containers, which is ideal, especially if you've placed them outdoors.

Price at time of publication: $14

Product details: Size: 1.25 liters dry | Use: cacti and succulents | Bio: yes

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Why you should buy it: This potting soil is made in small batches with simple ingredients so you know what you're getting.

Please note: It is slightly more expensive than some other mixes.

This RePotMe soil is made in small batches with fresh, high quality ingredients, making it some of the best soil for succulents. Each batch is checked to ensure that it does not contain any insects or larvae. In addition, it also contains no peat.

The mix consists of small Monterey pine bark, medium pumice stone and small red lava rock. This is a simple yet effective recipe to remove excess moisture. The potting soil is suitable for most succulents and cacti, including jade, echeveria, Christmas cactus, etc.

The contrasting colors in the mix also give your potted plants a unique look, so you don't need to add any extra decoration for decoration. This mix comes in a resealable bag for easy storage, which is great, especially if you don't plan on using it all at once. You should just make sure it is completely dry before putting it away for any length of time.

Price at time of publication: $20

Product Details: Size: 2 Quart | Use: cacti and succulents | Bio: yes

The essential

In general , Bonsai Jack's Gritty Mix is ​​the best soil for succulents as it drains quickly and looks great in containers. In addition, the sacks come in three sizes and the soil is peat-free.

What you should know about succulent soil before you buy it

size

Most succulent soil mixes come in a variety of sizes, so the best choice depends on whether you're transplanting just a favorite succulent or propagating a collection of your favorite plants. Unfortunately, sizing isn't consistent across the board: some packages are labeled in pounds, others in dry pints. To help, some brands even list the amount of mix you need for different pot sizes.

Use

In general, the best succulent soil is suitable for all types of succulents , but it's always a good idea to read the soil directions to be sure. Some soil mixes are called indoor or outdoor mixes .

According to Elliott , outdoor mixes often contain more fertilizer or may contain moisture-retaining granules. In general, many of the best soils for succulents can be suitable for both indoor plants and outdoor raised beds.

organic

Although organic soils are usually labeled as such, you can also check the Organic Materials Review Institute . In general, a true organic mix consists of the decomposed remains of plant matter and other organic matter, such as worm debris.

Your questions, answers

What are the key ingredients that succulent soil should have?

In general, the best soil for succulents should contain ingredients that promote good drainage and aeration.

"Succulent mixes often have ingredients that make them grainy, with a lot of air spaces, so you tend to see components like perlite, sand, gravel, and bark mixed into a base like peat or coir to lock in moisture," says Hancock .

When peat, a controversial ingredient, is included, it pays to make sure it's sustainably harvested. However, if you want to avoid problems with peat, you can choose a blend that uses coco coir. The ingredient is made from shredded coconut shells and is considered by some to be a more sustainable option.

Can you use regular potting soil for succulents?

For succulents, you can use regular potting soil, but you may want to modify it to increase your chances of success.

"You can use regular potting soil as long as you mix it with pumice or perlite," says Elliott. "Pumice and perlite help drain the soil."

You should also keep in mind that your watering style will affect how successful you are with succulent potting soil and regular potting soil. If you use regular potting soil that holds water well, you'll need to use less water and water less often. If you do this, you may be able to grow succulents in regular potting soil.

"If you water properly, regular potting soil shouldn't be a problem," says Hancock. "But if you're unsure about watering, a cactus and succulent mix will give you more wiggle room before your plants suffer."

Can you use cactus soil for succulents?

Yes, but remember that the best soil for succulents is usually for cacti and succulents .

"Most manufacturers that offer cactus/succulent soil position it for both groups of plants since these plants have similar moisture/aeration needs," says Hancock.

about us

Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a freelance writer specializing in home and garden topics. To write this product summary, she researched products online and spoke to Justin Hancock, gardener at Costa Farms , and Angelica Elliott, assistant director of public horticulture at Desert Botanical Garden, to learn more about what to look for in a potting soil for cacti and Succulents should pay attention.

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