Succulents are one of the easiest plants to grow. We can leave them for weeks with very little attention and, funnily enough, they will still bloom. There is no doubt about this. But, if the right conditions are not met, the plant will struggle. When you plant a succulent, you must try to match the natural growing conditions. To help simulate those conditions, cactus compost plays a big role.
Let’s dive in and find out why cactus compost is important for succulent growth, colour and health!
Page Contents
What is cactus compost?
Succulents originate from desert areas. They are prone to intense heat, gritty soils and low reserves of water. To be grown worldwide, gardeners have found a way to simulate the natural soil. A perfect mix of organic and inorganic material helps to create soil conditions similar to where succulents originate.
This includes soil that is nutrient rich with good drainage so succulents do not stay moist.
Hence why, when you add cacti compost , it makes it possible for planters to grow a beautiful, home comforting indoor succulent garden or grow lush outdoor succulents.
6 reasons you should use cacti compost
Regardless if you are a beginner or a regular, to grow healthy succulents, cactus compost is a must.
Below are the benefits of why cactus compost is important for your succulents:
Simulate the natural growing conditions of the soil
I have mentioned already how succulents can grow in dry, gritty soil. In our homes, it is very difficult to match those conditions. Yet, cactus compost makes it possible to match the growing conditions of succulents. Hence why you see many people growing succulents indoors and outdoors all over the world.
Good drainage
Succulents prefer soil that has good drainage. Ideally, we want succulents to uptake water, followed by the quick removal of water that is not needed.
This makes compost perfect. It is formulated in a way that promotes good drainage. The addition of grit and sand can further enhance the drainage properties.
Important that soil had good aeration.
Good aeration is necessary between the soil and atmosphere as it allows the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This prevents the deficiency of oxygen for the plants, and removes the toxic carbon dioxide from the soil.
Aerated soil has enough oxygen to allow respiration of roots and oxidation of microbes to fasten plant growth.
Able to hold more nutrients in the soil
During the decomposing process, microorganisms help break down organic matter. This makes the compost pile rich in fibre, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
Compost is brilliant as it allows the slow release of nutrients. The plant roots then use these nutrients when they become depleted. Most often, compost can last for around 3-4 months before it needs replacing.
Easy to buy
What I love about cactus compost is how available it is to buy.
Compost bags have a blend of quality ingredients that plants will need. Most compost bags also contain a fertiliser to encourage plant growth. For those who are environmentally conscious, compost bags detail the amount of peat inside, or if there is no peat.
Or, sometimes, it may be better to change the mix to suit some succulents better. This is simple to do too.
Keeps a good balance between pH, drainage and nutrition.
This makes it an excellent growth medium for cactus and succulents. It keeps all factors in check and well regulated.
This effect on the soil is crucial for healthy plants. Compost acts as a pH buffer, promotes drainage and holds onto nutrients. It provides a balance between the three and ensures the soil conditions are ideal for the plant grown.
What you can add to a potting soil mix
The succulent potting mix comprises organic and inorganic matter.
Organic matter
- Compost- there are various organic materials you can add to make compost. This includes:
- Coconut coir
- Forest products – leaves, barks
You can mix the compost with other organic materials such as potting soil. You can also use peat moss, but I would avoid it. This is because it decomposes into carbon. The release of this greenhouse gas is bad for the environment.
Inorganic matter
- Perlite
- Coarse sand
- Gravel
- Pumice
Why you should make your own cactus compost potting mix
Homemade cactus soil can save you a lot of time and is a more cost-effective approach.
Basically…
The succulent plant group is vast and diverse. Despite succulents being easy to grow, they can be picky in some aspects. One of those aspects is the soil.
Hence, when you grow succulents, you aim to recreate the natural habitat. Compost can play a big role to allow this. It helps to promote drainage, prevents water-logging and holds onto vital nutrients for roots to uptake. Compost bags can help with this. But growing different succulents can make a universal succulent mix less effective.
The beauty of making your mixture is being able to control the number of ingredients to use. You can make slight adjustments to your potting mix for different succulents. These slight changes can have positive effects on plant growth.
How to make cactus potting soil mix
Before I dive in, I want to let all newbies know to make a succulent potting mix is a super easy method to follow. If you think you need to be a pro, you are wrong.
The potting mix comprises three principal ingredients.
The mix I recommend is equal parts compost, grit, and pumice.
- Measure out an equal amount of compost, grit, and pumice. For example, if you use one cup of compost, use one cup of grit and pumice too.
- Mix the ingredients. After you add compost to the container, Moisten the compost soil. Then add grit to the container and mix for around 7 minutes.
- Now add the measured pumice and mix for 5 minutes.
- Measure the pH of the mix by using a pH meter. Aim for a pH of around 5-6. If it does not meet this, add a small amount of peat and measure again. Keep doing so until the pH hits the 5-6 range.
- Add your potting mix to a pot and plant your succulent. You can use a top dressing of rocks, to give a nice look to your succulent.
Good Tip!
When you mix the ingredients, wear gloves and use your hands to achieve a better mix
To Note!
Everyone has their own preference of what ingredients to mix. From my experience, I find that compost grit, and pumice works best. There are other ingredients you can also mix in such as sand or gravel too.
Add a bit of DIY
Once you add potting mix, try to give it a professional look by adding rocks as a top dressing. The image below is a perfect example of this.
What makes a good cactus soil?
The ingredients of use above have one main job- to make sure that the soil drains well. Ideally, it must be porous enough to allow water to get through the soil so it can dry in a short time.
Cactus soil contains around 25-50% of organic matter. Cacti prefer soil with more inorganic elements. This is vital, as this makes the soil more porous, which means better drainage. Grit, pumice and perlite are examples of inorganic matter you can add.
Organic matter may be less, but we should not underestimate its importance. Organic matter holds onto water and nutrients for succulents to uptake when needed.
Can you use regular potting soil for succulents?
Regular potting may contain nutrients that succulents need, but it does not help the soil conditions. Long term, this may affect the succulent growth as it invites other problems. I would avoid using regular potting soil.
Succulents require soil different from other plants. Succulent soil requires good drainage, slightly acidic pH and to be kept dry.
Succulent growing conditions
It is important to care for your succulents when grown as houseplants. The three main conditions to keep in check are:
Soil
Succulents prefer soil that has good drainage. It is best to pot your succulents in containers that have holes. This allows excess water to leave the soil.
Good tip- use a pot that has holes to allow drainage.
Good Tip!
Use a pot that has holes to allow drainage.
Water
Most succulents dislike being moist. Hence, it is best to water succulents only when they need it.
If you are not sure when succulents need water, it may be best to invest in a soil moisture meter.
Another method is to dip your index finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry, your plant most likely requires water.
Light
Succulents originate from tropical climates. Hence, if you plant outdoors, place your succulents at a place where they can receive 4-6 hours of light per day.
Good Tip!
Avoid direct sunlight as this can burn the plant.
If you have indoor plants, place them close to sunlight. A perfect setting may be close to a window as this increases exposure.
During winter, there is less sunlight. Use artificial light to compensate for this.
Final words
Succulents are beautiful plants to grow. I would recommend every planter to grow them, never mind if you are a beginner or a pro. Their simplicity and aesthetic looks make them a must. But my advice, DO NOT dare grow your succulents without the use of cactus compost.
Cactus compost promotes good drainage, nutrient availability and keeps the soil healthy. It is a key ingredient to add to a potting soil mix to simulate the natural growing conditions of the succulent.
Hence, to wrap up, use cactus compost to make a good potting soil mix. Learn how to look after your succulents, with a key focus to manage water, light and temperature. And before you know it, you will have grown lush, beautiful and vibrant succulents!
