What Type Of Soil Is Best For Succulents?

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. Some common examples of succulents are cacti, aloe vera, jade plants, and sedums. Succulents are adapted to survive in hot, arid climates and require less frequent watering than most other plants.

Having the proper soil is crucial for growing healthy succulents. Since they store their own water, succulents are prone to rot if their soil retains too much moisture. A well-draining soil mix allows excess water to drain away from the succulent’s roots. This helps prevent fungal diseases as well as root rot due to overwatering. The appropriate soil also provides anchorage for shallow-rooted succulents while still permitting air circulation around the roots. In summary, the right soil drainage and composition helps succulents thrive with minimal watering required.

Well-Draining

One of the most important factors when choosing soil for succulents is ensuring it drains well. Succulents are prone to rotting in moist soil that retains water. The porous tissues that allow them to store water can easily become waterlogged. This leads to bacterial and fungal infections that cause the roots and stem to turn soft and mushy.

Well-draining soil is essential to prevent standing water around the roots. The soil should drain any excess water rapidly after irrigating or rainfall. Slow drainage causes mineral salts and fertilizer chemicals to accumulate to toxic levels over time.

The soil mix should contain plenty of coarse materials like sand, gravel, perlite or pumice. These create air pockets for drainage and evaporation. A blend with at least 50% mineral grit is ideal for succulents. The soil particles should feel loose and gritty to allow oxygen to penetrate. Proper aeration prevents an anaerobic environment that succulents are intolerant of.

Gritty

Succulents prefer soil with a gritty, sandy texture that allows air to easily flow between soil particles. This airflow is crucial for succulent roots, which can rot if they remain too wet. A coarse, gravelly soil mixture with ingredients like sand, perlite, pumice or small rocks creates the well-draining environment succulents need. The grittiness creates air pockets for drainage while still allowing the soil to retain some moisture. Avoid regular potting soil or anything with a fine texture that compacts down. The soil needs to remain loose and porous. Aim for a gritty, sandy consistency that mimics the natural desert-like habitats where many succulents originate.

Neutral to slightly acidic pH

Most succulents prefer a pH between 6-7 in their soil, which is considered neutral to slightly acidic. They tend to thrive when the soil is not too alkaline or acidic. The ideal pH provides the right conditions for the succulent to absorb nutrients through its roots and prevents issues like chlorosis, which causes yellowing of the leaves due to a lack of chlorophyll.

You can test the pH of your soil with an at-home kit prior to planting succulents. If the soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by mixing in elemental sulfur, peat moss, or pine bark. If it’s too acidic, mix in lime or crushed eggshells to raise the pH. When making adjustments, do so gradually in small increments.

Getting the pH into the optimal range supports healthy roots and growth. Monitor the pH over time, as the soil pH can change as organic materials decompose. Aim to maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH around 6-7 for optimal succulent health.

Low in fertilizer

Succulents tend to be sensitive to excess nutrients, so it’s best to avoid highly fertilized soils. Many succulents originate from nutrient-poor environments and have adapted to get by with minimal nutrients. Too much fertilizer can cause succulents to grow too rapidly and become leggy or stunted. It may also lead to root burn. An overabundance of nitrogen, in particular, can cause succulents to focus energy on foliage growth rather than root development. This weakens the plant over time.

When preparing soil for succulents, go light on fertilizer or avoid it altogether. Good options include cactus/succulent soil mixes, which are naturally low in nutrients. You can also make your own mix using coarse sand, perlite, coconut coir and organic potting soil in a ratio of 2:2:1:1. This DIY soil provides an ideal nutrient-poor base. If desired, add a small amount of slow-release fertilizer or use a dilute liquid fertilizer once or twice a growing season. But in general, less is more when it comes to feeding succulents.

Organic compound

An organic soil compound is ideal for succulents. This type of soil retains some moisture while still draining well. The organic matter helps provide nutrients for plant growth and retains a small amount of water for the roots. However, it still allows excess water to drain away, preventing soggy soil.

Good options for the organic component include coconut coir, compost, leaf mold, peat moss, and worm castings. Aim for around 30% organic material in the total succulent soil mix. The organic compounds help create an aerated soil environment perfect for succulent roots.

Coarse Sand and Perlite

Adding coarse sand and perlite to potting soil is beneficial for succulents because it increases drainage. Sand particles are larger than regular potting soil, creating more air pockets for excess water to drain through. Perlite is a volcanic rock that has been heated and expanded into lightweight white particles. When mixed into soil, perlite helps retain air pockets and lightens the soil structure overall.

A good ratio is 2 parts potting soil, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite. The sand and perlite work together to prevent soil compaction and improve drainage. With proper drainage, the roots won’t get waterlogged, allowing the plant to thrive. The grittier texture also resembles the natural habitat for many succulents which grow in rocky or sandy environments.

Avoiding moisture-retaining

Peat moss and vermiculite hold too much water, which can be detrimental for succulents. Peat moss retains moisture and keeps the soil damp for longer periods of time than succulents prefer. Vermiculite also retains moisture and is often used to help the soil hold water for plants that require frequent watering. However, succulents thrive in well-draining soil that dries out quickly between waterings. The moisture retained by peat moss and vermiculite can lead to rot and other problems. It’s best to avoid using substantial amounts of these ingredients when mixing soil for succulents.

Commercial Cactus/Succulent Mix

For beginner gardeners, a pre-made commercial cactus or succulent soil mix takes the guesswork out of creating the ideal growing medium. These potting mixes are specially formulated to mimic the fast-draining, sandy conditions that succulents thrive in. The ingredients usually include coarse sand, perlite, peat moss or coir as an organic component. Some commercial mixes also incorporate crushed lava rock or pumice. The sand, perlite and rock provide excellent drainage and aeration for succulent roots. The organic matter helps retain a small amount of moisture. Just be sure to avoid mixes with water-retaining materials like sphagnum moss or vermiculite. Commercial cactus and succulent mixes allow excess water to quickly pass through, leaving the roots relatively dry. This is perfect for succulents that prefer their soil on the dry side. For beginners, the right store-bought soil takes the difficulty out of getting the drainage and pH right.

Conclusion

Succulents thrive in well-draining soil that allows water and air to easily pass through. The soil should be gritty, made up of coarse materials like sand, perlite, gravel and a small amount of organic matter. Aim for a soil pH that is neutral to slightly acidic between 6.0 and 6.5. Go easy on the fertilizer, as succulents are adapted to nutrient-poor conditions.
Avoid moisture-retaining soil components like compost, peat moss or coir as these can lead to rot. Many gardeners find success using a commercial cactus/succulent soil blend, or creating their own mix with equal parts coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil or compost. The key is to provide an airy growing medium that dries out quickly after watering.

The most critical factors for optimal succulent soil are good drainage and aeration, a gritty texture, and a soil pH and nutrient level suitable for these drought-tolerant plants. With the right soil formula, your succulents will thrive.