Can regular potting soil work for succulents?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Using regular potting soil for succulents creates disaster. The standard mixture retains too much moisture around the roots. Succulents evolved in dry places with swift drainage conditions. Their roots choke in a wet organic material. Roots come from an attempt to water the plants carefully.
Moisture Retention Issues
- Organic components hold water 3-4 times longer than needed
- Damp conditions persist for days instead of hours
- Roots develop rot within weeks of planting
Lack of Aeration
- Fine particles compact eliminating air pockets
- Roots cannot access essential oxygen
- Suffocation occurs even before visible rot appears
Nutrient Imbalance
- Standard fertilizers promote rapid soft growth
- Succulents need slow nutrient release
- Excess salts accumulate without proper drainage
Start with the common earth. To amend, mix equal parts of perlite and coarse sand. This gives immediate drainage. Thus, your materials are directly suited for succulents.
Appropriate gritty and gritty mixes improve overall plant health. Roots remain oxygenated and dry in between waterings. Plants show more vibrant stress coloration. Growth becomes naturally compact. Your plants will live years longer in the right soil.
It is best to start to acclimate your plants slowly to prevent shock. Carefully take off the old soil from the root system. You will then want to place it in the new growing medium. Water only a small amount for about a month, then you will know that your plants have adapted to their better environment.
Read the full article: Ultimate Succulent Soil Mix Guide
