Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:43 am
Cacti are one of the most interesting plants that you can grow at home. They look great, they’re super easy to take care of, and the cactus mix is a cacti-growing secret weapon!
Cactus mix is a type of soil mixture that has been specially designed for cacti. Its unique properties allow cactus to thrive in dry environments with minimal watering.
The cactus mix is a soil mixture that provides the perfect environment for cacti, succulents, and other plants! This cactus mix recipe will provide your cactus with the best conditions to grow. The key ingredient in this cactus mix is sand. It can be difficult to find a good source of sand, which is why we recommend using our own cactus mixes.
In this post, we’ll explore cactus mix so you can figure out what it is – and how to use it for your next cactus-growing project!
What is Cactus Mix?
Cactus Mix is a soil mix made of composted organic matter, peat moss, sand, and perlite. It’s perfect for succulents because it retains water well while draining fast enough to avoid root rot.
It is a combination of several different types of porous, loose media that resemble the natural environment where cacti and succulents grow. This loose media allows for great drainage and aeration, which these plants require to grow properly.
Cacti are usually found growing in rocky soil or desert sand-like soils with very little organic material. This is why it’s important when choosing a mix, that you opt for one that will mimic the natural conditions of cacti growth.
What are cactus growing conditions?
Most cacti are desert plants that grow in dry, sunny climates. They need plenty of direct sunlight to thrive and do best with a minimum temperature of 18°C (64°F). As desert plants, they can tolerate arid conditions and appreciate a layer of gravel on the surface of their potting mix to help with drainage.
They also need porous soil that will allow for good airflow and keep them from becoming waterlogged while allowing excess moisture to drain away freely. Cactus growing media should be well-draining but retain some moisture so the plant isn’t left wanting for water.
They can be prone to rot if their media becomes too wet and cold, but this is rare in well-draining pots or raised beds with plenty of drainage holes.
Cacti and other cactus plants grow best in a sunny area where the soil drains well. Most cacti only need to be watered once every one or two weeks, depending on how hot it is outside. When watering cacti, make sure that the top inch of soil has dried out before you water them again.
What is in cactus potting mix?
Cactus potting mix is a specific blend of ingredients that will help your succulents grow. It contains about 30% sphagnum peat, which helps retain water in the soil and holds nutrients in place. Cacti are not drought tolerant plants so they need to have moisture throughout their root systems at all times. Peat moss retains water and is responsible for about 30% of the cactus potting mix.
The best cactus mix is a blend of three or more ingredients that have been selected for their ability to retain water, drain well, and provide aeration at the same time.
The main components are:
- Sphagnum peat moss
- Sand
- Perlite and/or vermiculite
The sphagnum peat moss, also called milled sphagnum or sphagnum fiber, is the material most commonly used in cactus potting mix. It holds water well and helps to retain nutrients for plants’ use while providing aeration at the same time. Sand mixed with perlite makes a good draining medium that does not compact easily.
Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral that when heated to very high temperatures expands up to fifteen times its original volume, leaving small air pockets in the mix for better drainage and aeration of plant roots. Adding sand or perlite also reduces the overall weight of the potting mix.
Lime is sometimes added as well since it helps to neutralize acidic soil and bring the pH of the mix up to a level where it is more favorable for cacti, succulents, and other plants.
How do you make cactus potting mix?
If you want to grow cacti, succulents, and other plants in pots, then the best way is to make your own potting mix. Doing this will save you money because it makes use of materials that are already available at home or can be bought very cheaply. It also means there’s no need for specialized equipment like greenhouses or plant propagators.
Instructions for making cactus mix:
- Choose a container with drainage holes in the base and fill it three-quarters of the way up with broken terracotta pots, stones, gravel, or turf pieces to about an inch below the rim level.
- Add two parts sifted compost (sieve if there are large lumps) and one part sharp sand.
- Mix well together, but don’t compact it down or try to make a solid mass as this will inhibit drainage from the potting mix.
- Use immediately after making it up because the ingredients break down over time which reduces the fertility of the soil.
Can I use regular potting mix for cactus?
Yes. Although, the cactus mix is the ideal media for growing cacti, but you can also use a regular potting mix. You’ll need to add sand and perlite to increase drainage and aeration of the soil though.
If your succulents are struggling with their humidity levels (for example if they have dew on them in the morning or are sitting in a tray of water), you should consider growing them in the pure cactus mix.
Is succulent mix the same as cactus mix?
No. Succulent mix is a different type of soil made especially for the unique needs of succulents and other plants. It tends to have more sand and perlite in it, which allows for better drainage. Cactus mix is soil that contains peat moss as its main ingredient.
Should you use cactus soil for succulents?
There are many different soil types that can be used for succulents. You will find a cactus mix, orchid mix, and other mixtures of soils specifically designed for your plant needs. However, there is one mixture you should never use to grow your plants: potting soil labeled as “cactus” or “succulent”.
Succulents are plants that tend to live in dry or arid environments. They can store water and nutrients for long periods of time, which is why they do not need much watering. Since succulents don’t require as much water as other plants, it may seem like you should use the same soil for all your cacti regardless of plant type.
However, it’s best to use special cactus soil for your succulents as opposed to regular potting mix or topsoil because they have different requirements from other plants.
Can I plant cactus in regular potting soil?
Absolutely! Cactus mix is an option, but regular potting soil will do just fine. In fact, most succulents grow well in a variety of soils and there are some that grow even better when they’re combined with sand or another type of media besides soil.
However, we recommend sticking with the cactus mix as it’s specially formulated to meet the needs of these types of plants. It contains sand and other material that helps promote drainage so your plant won’t drown or become waterlogged if you overwater it.
Because succulents store moisture in their leaves and stems, they are better equipped to handle periods of drought than other types of plants. However, the cactus mix will help ensure they stay moist enough when it’s hot and dry outside so your plant won’t become shriveled or stressed out by the heat.
How to know if you need different soil?
If you’re unsure about whether or not your plant would benefit from a different type of soil, start by trying cactus mix. If it seems to struggle and wilt in the months that are particularly warm and dry, then try experimenting with other types of potting soils to see how it does when grown in them instead.
Remember that most succulents need a lot of sunlight and they don’t handle cold climates well, so you may want to avoid planting them outside. In addition, some types of plants will only grow when they are in their own preferred type of soil or potting mix.
