As you prepare to nurture succulents, the importance of soil selection can’t be overstated. You may wish to try one of the specialized succulent soils available from your local lawn and garden center; these soils should provide the aeration and fast drainage required by succulents and other arid-climate plants.
Alternatively, you can mix your own succulent soil. Doing so can ultimately be rewarding and effective, and it’s a lot cheaper than buying pre-mixed succulent soil. Here’s what you need to know.
Measure the Right Ingredients
First, make sure you achieve the right ratio in measuring out your ingredients. This step is imperative for ensuring soil that allows the right level of drainage for your succulents. Basically, you’ll want to combine two parts sand, two parts gardening soil, and one part pumice or perlite.
For first-timers, we’d recommend simply starting with three cups of sand, three cups of soil, and a cup-and-a-half of pumice or perlite.
Why do you need these specific ingredients? Well, the sand prevents your soil from becoming too compact and thus helps with drainage. The gardening soil provides nutrient access. And the pumice or perlite will provide you with some aeration.
Mix Your Ingredients
Once you’ve measured out your ingredients, you’re ready to put on the gardening gloves and get mixing!
Begin by ever so slightly moistening the gardening soil. Then add the sand and mix it all together thoroughly. The best way to do this is by hand. Once you’ve got a good mix, add a scoop or pumice or perlite, and stir until the mixture looks totally uniform.
That’s really all there is to it. With this homemade soil mix, you’ll be ready for successful succulent propagation. And you may decide that you never again need to spend money on pre-mixed soils.
With any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
