Cactus Soil vs Potting Soil: How to Pick the Right Mix for Growing Succulents

When it comes to growing succulents like cacti, the type of soil you use makes all the difference. Cactus soil and standard potting soil are not the same and it’s important to understand the key differences to help your plants thrive.

In this article we’ll explore what exactly is cactus soil, how it differs from regular potting mix, and when to use each type to ensure healthy growth.

What is Cactus Soil?

Cactus soil, also called cactus mix, is a soil blend specifically designed for growing cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants It contains a high proportion of inorganic materials such as

• Coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage and aerate the soil
• Pumice, lava rock, or gravel to add air pockets and allow water to flow through easily
• Very little peat moss or coco coir to retain just a small amount of moisture

This creates a loose, fast-draining medium that mimics the well-drained desert environments where cacti naturally grow. The goal is to strike the right balance between enough moisture retention and quick drainage to prevent soggy soil.

The inorganic nature of cactus soil makes it much lighter in weight and faster draining than standard potting soil. It’s the perfect environment to promote healthy cactus roots.

Key Ingredients in Regular Potting Soil

In contrast to cactus soil, regular potting mixes contain:

• Peat moss or coco coir to help retain moisture for plant roots
• Composted bark or manure to add organic matter
• Perlite or vermiculite for drainage
• Fertilizers to provide nutrients for growth

These ingredients come together to create a dense, moisture-retentive growing medium with plenty of nutrients for most potted plants.

However, the water-holding nature of potting soil can lead to wet, compacted soil when growing succulents and cacti. This can easily cause rotting roots in these drought-loving plants.

The Main Differences Between Cactus Soil and Potting Soil

There are several key differences between cactus soil and regular potting mixes:

• Drainage: Cactus soil drains much faster thanks to high sand, perlite and gravel content. Potting soil retains more moisture.

• Density: Cactus soil is lightweight and porous. Potting soil is denser and compacts over time.

• Nutrients: Potting mix contains fertilizers to feed plants. Cactus soil is low in nutrients like desert environments.

• Organic matter: Potting soil has higher levels of organics that hold moisture. Cactus soil has little to none.

• pH: Cactus soil tends to be neutral to mildly alkaline. Potting soil is often more acidic.

When to Use Each Type of Soil

Now that we’ve compared the ingredients and properties of cactus soil vs potting soil, when is the right time to use each?

• Use cactus soil for cacti, succulents, bonsai and other drought-loving plants.

• Use potting soil for vegetables, annuals, tropicals and moisture-loving houseplants.

• Use a mix of the two for plants like lavender, rosemary, or other Mediterranean herbs.

• Amend potting soil with perlite or sand if growing rock garden or alpine plants.

• Start cactus cuttings in cactus soil, then transplant to potting soil as established.

• Use potting soil alone for plants with high water and nutrient needs.

Making Your Own Cactus Soil Mix

While you can purchase cactus soil blends, it’s also easy to create your own potting medium by mixing:

• 1 part potting soil
• 1 part coarse sand or perlite
• 1 part gravel or pumice

Combine the ingredients thoroughly and add to cactus pots as needed. Feel free to tweak the proportions to create the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention for your environment.

You can also amend regular potting soil with extra perlite, sand or gravel to create a fast-draining succulent mix. Experiment to find what works best for your plants.

Growing Tips for Healthy Cacti and Succulents

In addition to choosing the right cactus soil, here are some other tips for growing strong cacti and succulents:

• Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

• Provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight if possible.

• Use terra cotta pots for better moisture control.

• Water minimally in winter when plants are dormant.

• Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

• Give indoor plants ample air circulation to prevent rot and mold.

• Repot annually in fresh cactus soil to avoid salt buildup.

• Go easy on fertilizer as cacti don’t need much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular potting soil instead of cactus soil?

It’s best to use a real cactus/succulent soil blend because the ingredients and drainage are tailored specifically to mimic the desert habitats these plants are adapted to. Regular potting soil holds onto too much moisture.

How often should I water cactus planted in cactus soil?

Wait for the soil to fully dry out, then water deeply until it drains from the bottom. The excellent drainage of cactus soil prevents moisture from accumulating at the roots.

Why does my cactus soil seem to dry out so quickly?

The inorganic components like perlite, gravel and sand allow cactus soil to drain rapidly. This helps create the dry environment cacti roots prefer.

Do I need to fertilize cacti in cactus soil?

Cacti and succulents prefer less fertile soil and can easily burn from excess fertilizer. Use a very diluted liquid fertilizer only occasionally if desired.

Choose the Right Soil for Healthy Succulents

Now that you understand the key differences between cactus soil and regular potting mix, you can easily determine which is best for your planting needs. Use moisture-retentive potting soils for plants that require frequent watering. But when growing cacti, succulents, and other desert-dwellers, choose a fast-draining cactus soil. This will provide the dry, well-aerated environment these plants thrive in.