Choosing the correct potting soil for planting succulents in containers is essential.

The roots, stems, and leaves of succulents all store water and easily cease to root rot. The roots require oxygen, and a light mix, well-aerated, also drains well to prevent overwatering.

RECOMMENDED SOIL MIX : 

Option 1.

1/3 John Innes No2 /( potting soil)

1/3 Pumice or Perlite

1/3 Horticultural Grit or Coarse sand

Option 2.

 1/3 John Innes No2 

 2/3 Pumice 

Option 3.

 1/3 potting soil – ORGANIC

 2/3 recommended gritty stuff – MINERAL

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ORGANIC Elements: 

 potting soil, compost, coconut coir, pine bark

MINERAL Elements: 

coarse sand, perlite, volcanic rock, fine gravel, chicken grit, kat litter…..

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PERLITE:

It is light, a granular, white, puffy volcanic glass, and is affordable to purchase. Perlite is commonly included in most mixes for Succulents and is an excellent addition to the soil mix. Because perlite is porous, it does allow excess water to drain quickly.

Cons: Perlite floats on top of the soil when watered and blows around. Hence, it’s best to use it with top dressing.

PUMICE:

Ideally used pumice is organic, light, porous material formed from lava. It releases moisture slowly, and at a steady rate, tiny pores on the surface act as a microscopic reservoir to store water and nutrients.

It helps to aerate the soil. It doesn’t decompose, rot, form drifts or blow elsewhere.

AKADAMA: 

Akadama is one of the best quality soil mix components you can use to grow Succulent. Japanese Akadama is volcanic clay, providing the right balance of water, air and nutrients. It contains large volumes of minerals due to its volcanic origin.

BONSAI JACK:

Super light, the gritty mix has giant pores that keep it from ever retaining too much water. It’s a great and cheaper alternative to Akadama.

COCONUT COIR:

This substrate is made of fibres coating the shell of a coconut. Coconut coir absorbs water easily yet still drains well. Suggested for outdoor use as it doesn’t dry out fast enough.

PINE BARK:

It provides an organic element and holds water, but it has air pockets for ventilation.

CRUSHED GRANITE:

Allows the water to flow among all the particles.

COARSE SAND:

As an amendment, it works incredibly. Don’t use salty beach sand.

CHICKEN FLINT GRIT AND SANICAT PINK LOW DUST CAT LITTER:

A cheaper alternative to grit and works excellent.

LAVA ROCK:

Lava is a fantastic option to add to any soil mix. It is volcanic, contain minerals and micronutrients. Mostly, it’s great for all hardy Succulent plants such as Sedum and Sempervivum as well as on the topsoil in terracotta pots. Lava rock is found in various colours (brick red, pink, grey or dark charcoal).

VOLCANIC ROCKS:

As rocks decompose, they release certain minerals and chemicals into the soil. Essentially, they add valuable nutrients to the soil that, in turn, feed plants. Volcanic Rocks also provide aeration to the soil.

VERMICULITE:

Since vermiculite acts like a sponge, (it can absorb 3-4 time its volume when water is added) and absorbs more water than perlite, doesn’t aerate the soil. When it’s wet, it is very soft and crushes easily. Vermiculite that has gone through a few wet-dry cycles turns into mud. Therefore, only a handful amount is recommended.

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Do not use pre-bagged potting soil with added fertilizer as its usually not the right nutritional balance for succulents and has too much organic material to dry out quickly. Cacti&Sucullent Potting Mix is not recommended without extra additives for growing your succulents.

When using gritty materials such as lava rock and is covered in much dust, it can clog the soil. Therefore, you should rinse it with water before using it. 

Repotting:

All plants have various time frames for when they mature out of their current pot, but most plants should be repotted within 12-18 months. Over time, the soil becomes compacted and depleted of nutrients. That’s why it is essential to give it a little boost for both indoor and outdoor potted plants.