If you’re wondering if there’s a succulent potting mix soil recipe out there, I’m here to help you out. Now, one thing you know, is that succulent plants are very drought tolerant. They seem to survive with very little water. That’s because they are able to store water in their leaves, stems or roots.
In our video: Succulent Arrangements DIY – I mention that wet soil can be the kiss of death for your succulents.
With regards to their roots, the objective is to make sure that the soil doesn’t stay wet for too long, and that there is good drainage.
So, heed that advice and think about lightening your containers with course aggregates and store bought potting soil (or your own, homemade potting soil). In the video, I plant a succulent dish garden with regular old potting soil I picked up at a local plant nursery. I then mixed in lava rock, lava sand and perlite for better drainage. My succulents are happy, and I water only when the soil is dry.
According to the San Francisco Succulent and Cactus Society (SFSCS), of which I am a member, many commercial growers buy regular cactus mix.
You can then further lighten the potting soil with a course aggregate to improve drainage. The SFSCS mentions adding “25 to 70% course graded sand, perlite, decomposed granite, lava rock, expanded shale, depending on what is locally available.”
For a look at making a dish garden using succulents, watch: Succulent Arrangements DIY.
Happy Gardening!
ps: Want to get more succulent gardening tips and info? Read more in this post about the different types of succulents. Or stay in touch with our weekly blog updates – all you need to do is enter your email and be sure to confirm your subscription. That’s it! The form is on the top right. No spam ever and lots of fun!