What is the best soil for succulents? It varies from one plant to another. Making your own natural soil is not only less expensive than purchasing the ready-made commercial soil mixes, it’s also super easy. This is what you will find in this simple step by step guide to making your own natural soil. The Best Soil For Succulents, No Compromise. The only thing that you should do is make sure that you are getting the best soil possible for your plants.
What type of soil would be best for your succulents? Many gardeners swear by the pumice because it is extremely absorbent and yet very soft and porous. This makes it perfect for your succulents and orchids. In addition, you can easily keep your pumice soil in a moist place and then simply move it to the location where you are planting your succulents and orchids.
What if you don’t have a pumice type of soil? You can still create a great soil for your plants. Many gardeners believe that you need a very rich soil to feed and oxygenate your roots. And while this may be true in many cases, poor water and nutrients only result in your plants not growing as well. If you have ever grown under dry conditions, then you know how important proper nutrition and water is for thriving plants.
A great mixture for the best succulent soil mix is composed of peat moss, perlite, sand, coconut coir, rock phosphate, and lime rocks. In addition, make sure you have enough of each of these to really bring in all the nutrients and water your plant needs. When you do find the right combination, don’t hesitate to add some lime or rock salt to improve its texture and color. To make a beautiful look, line your porous gravel with a thin layer of pine bark. This added touch will help your succulents to stay healthy and green.
The best soil mix retain moisture on a shallow level. That’s why many gardeners dig their pots deep to prepare the soil. While this can work, it can also make your plants appear to have too much soil. The solution for this problem is to put a layer of pine bark on the bottom of your pots before you even dig them. This way, any excess moisture that might seep up through the soil lines is trapped within the bark, keeping your plants healthy.
Organic fertilizers are often used to improve drainage. This works well for those who grow their plants in soil that doesn’t hold moisture well or doesn’t absorb enough nutrients. Beneficials can be added to the organic mix to provide the right nutrients for your plant needs. Remember to always mulch around your plants to help retain moisture.
There are other ways to improve drainage and improve the health of your plants. Root barriers, as they’re called, can be purchased in liquid or granular forms from most garden centers or nurseries. They’re applied to the underside of your plants, along the stems and roots. Small particles reduce water loss and prevent root rot, while larger particles can help with drainage and retain more moisture.
Last but not least, the best soil for succulents must have the right pH and air circulation. You can’t have one without the other. Potting medium is very important, as it provides the exact amount of aeration and nutrition your plants need to thrive. You can purchase your potting media at your local nursery or online, depending on how much work you want to put into the project.
