How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents

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Last Updated: 19.10.2023
Sakshi Kasat
Written by
Sakshi Kasat, an indoor gardener and content creator from Indore, India, transitioned from teaching to follow her gardening passion during the pandemic. She's an expert in indoor gardening, with over 150 articles published. Her favorite plant, the Peace Lily, reflects her mission to inspire others. In gardening and writing, she finds pure inspiration and contentment.

Learn How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents easily at home with these amazing succulent mix recipes! Read on to know more!

If your succulents are not growing well, it is a high chance that there is a problem with the soil. Succulents need well-draining soil that doesn’t withstand water for long and supplies essential nutrients for proper growth. Unlike other plants, organic and fertile soil can hamper the growth of these water-storing plants, so using the right soil is crucial for succulents. Let’s see How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents easily at home!

Check out our article on how to make Succulents colorful here


What is Perfect Soil for Growing Succulents

How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents

Succulents thrive in well-draining and sandy potting soil. As overwatering can be deadly for these drought-tolerant plants, soil with good drainage makes sure that they don’t stay in a waterlogged bed. To make a well-draining medium, it is best to add the following ingredients.

1. Coarse Sand

Amending the potting mix with coarse sand is an effective way to improve drainage. It is light-weight, makes the soil porous, and also helps it to dry out quickly. Make sure not to use construction or river sand, as it is heavy and can cause irritation in your skin.

2. Perlite

Perlite is another amazing ingredient, ideal for amending succulent soil. It comes in white pieces and prevents the densification of soil by retaining less moisture. Perlite provides sufficient aeration and makes the medium well-draining.

3. Cocopeat

Obtained from the coarse fibers of coconut husk, coco coir is an organic option for amending potting soil. It lasts longer and keeps the soil well-draining.

4. Pumice

Pumice is the most popular among succulent growers for its incredible properties. It enhances drainage in the potting soil and absorbs excess moisture, thereby protecting the plants from root rot and fungal diseases. It releases moisture slowly in the soil and improves aeration; another important growth factor for succulents!


How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents

Recipe 1

You Will Need:

  • Potting Soil
  • Coarse Sand
  • Perlite
  • Cocopeat

Directions:

  1. Take a container and add three parts of potting soil, two parts of coarse sand, one part perlite, and half part of cocopeat.
  2. Mix well so that everything combines evenly.
  3. Your succulent soil is ready to use!

Recipe 2

How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents 2

You Will Need:

  • Potting Soil
  • Cactus Mix

Directions:

  1. Take a medium size container.
  2. Add one part each of potting soil and cactus mix.
  3. Mix well with a trowel and use as desired.

Recipe 3

You Will Need:

  • Coarse sand
  • Gravel
  • Potting Soil
  • Perlite

Directions:

  1. First, fill the container with gravels and rocks.
  2. Then add one part each of perlite, potting soil and coarse in the pot and mix them well.

Recipe 4

How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents 3

You Will Need:

  • Potting Soil
  • Coarse Sand
  • Neem Cake Powder
  • Perlite
  • Small rocks and Gravels

Directions:

  1. Take the desired container.
  2. Add two parts of garden soil and coarse sand and one part of neem cake powder and perlite in the pot.
  3. Drop small rocks, gravels, and mix the ingredients well.
  4. Your excellent succulent soil is ready to use!

2 thoughts on “How to Make Potting Soil for Succulents”

  1. Hey! Is potting soil just general garden soil that we find in our fields/backyard/playgrounds or it is the packaged potting soil from brands?

    Reply

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