Cactus Soil vs Potting Soil: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each

Cactus soil and regular potting soil are formulated differently to meet the needs of different types of plants. While potting soil works well for many houseplants, cactus soil is specially blended for optimal growth of cacti and other succulents.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what sets cactus and potting mixes apart and when to use each type of soil.

What is Cactus Soil?

Cactus soil, also called cactus mix, is blended specifically for growing cacti and succulents It contains a mix of inorganic materials like

• Coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage and aeration
• Pumice, lava rock, or gravel to add air pockets and allow quick water flow
• Small amounts of organic matter like peat moss or pine bark fines to provide some nutrient retention

The goal of these ingredients is to create a fast-draining, lightweight soil that won’t stay wet. Excess moisture can lead to rot in cactus roots. The soil needs to dry out quickly between waterings to mimic the desert environments where cacti thrive.

The sandy, gravelly texture also encourages air circulation around the roots. Cacti have delicate, shallow root systems that require oxygen. A dense, soggy soil will suffocate the roots and cause decline.

• Excellent drainage to prevent wet roots
• Lightweight and airy composition
• Just enough moisture retention for minimal plant needs
• Nutrient-poor formula suited for desert plants

Typical Ingredients in Potting Soil

Standard potting mixes contain very different ingredients than specialized cactus blends. Here are some of the main components:

• Peat or coco coir – Excellent water retention
• Composted bark – Nutrient source and moisture retention
• Worm castings – Organic plant food
• Perlite or vermiculite – Aeration and drainage
• Fertilizer – Provides essential nutrients

These ingredients come together to create a fertile, moisture-retentive medium ideal for potted plants. The goal of potting soil is balancing moisture, nutrients, and oxygen for optimal root growth. It’s designed for plants that require consistent moisture.

Key Differences Between Cactus Soil and Potting Soil

There are several ways that cactus soil differs from standard potting mixes:

• Drainage – Cactus soil drains significantly faster than potting soil.

• Moisture retention – Potting soil holds onto moisture longer. Cactus soil retains very little.

• Density – Cactus mixes are loose, lightweight, and airy. Potting soil is denser.

• Organic content – Potting soil has high organic matter. Cactus soil has very little.

• Nutrients – Potting soil is nutrient-rich to feed plants. Cactus soil is nutrient-poor.

• pH – Cactus soil tends to be neutral to alkaline. Potting soil is often acidic.

• Weight – Cactus soil is lighter weight with more air pockets. Potting soil is much heavier when wet.

• Cost – Cactus mixes typically cost more than standard multipurpose potting soils.

When to Use Each Type of Soil

Now that you understand the differences between the two soil types, when should you use each one? Here are some simple guidelines:

Use cactus soil for:

• All varieties of cacti
• Succulents like aloe, jade plant, echeveria, kalanchoe, etc.
• Other drought tolerant plants – agave, yucca, sedum, sempervivum

Use potting soil for:

• Outdoor container gardens
• Houseplants with high watering needs
• Vegetables and annuals
• Tropical foliage plants
• Flowers and herbs
• Moisture loving plants like ferns and peace lily

Consider mixing potting soil and cactus mix for:

• Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, lavender
• Some semi-succulents like burro’s tail, elephant bush, crown of thorns
• Plants prone to rot that still need some moisture

Can You Use Potting Soil for Cacti?

While it’s possible to grow a cactus in regular potting soil, the dense mix may lead to soggy soil, poor drainage, and rotting roots. Cacti require a loose, fast-draining medium that mimics their native habitat.

However, if potting soil is all you have on hand, you can still make it work in a pinch by:

• Amending with 50% extra perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage
• Using a pot with drainage holes and planting on a slope
• Watering less frequently and allowing the soil to fully dry out before the next watering

Ideally though, spending the extra money on a quality cactus soil will set your plants up for long term success. Proper soil goes a long way to prevent common cacti problems!

Mixing Your Own Cactus Soil

Ready-made cactus soil blends are available at most garden centers. But you can also easily create your own cactus mix at home with a few simple ingredients:

• 1 part potting soil or compost (for a small amount of organic matter)
• 1 part coarse sand, perlite, or pumice (for drainage)
• 1 part gravel or lava rock (for aeration)

Thoroughly mix the ingredients together in a bucket or wheelbarrow. Add to cactus pots as needed.

You can tweak the proportions to create faster drainage (more perlite) or increase moisture retention (a bit more potting soil). Feel free to experiment with small batches to find your ideal homemade cactus soil recipe.

Tips for Growing Healthy Cacti

In addition to using the proper well-draining cactus soil, here are some other growing tips for happy, thriving cacti:

• Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings
• Provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Use clay pots for better moisture control
• Limit fertilizer since cacti are adapted to low-nutrient soils
• Repot annually in fresh cactus mix
• Give indoor plants plenty of air circulation
• Water minimally in winter during dormancy

Following these simple guidelines along with using a suitable cactus soil will help ensure your cacti plants stay healthy and flourish for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about cactus soil vs. potting soil:

Is cactus soil a must or can I use potting soil?

Cactus soil is highly recommended for optimal drainage and root health. Potting soil alone does not provide adequate aeration and drainage for proper cactus growth.

Why does cactus soil seem to dry out so fast?

The sand, gravel, perlite, and other inorganic amendments in cactus mixes allow quick drainage so the soil doesn’t stay wet after watering. This mimics the desert.

How often should I water a cactus planted in cactus soil?

Wait for the soil to fully dry out, then water deeply. The soil needs to dry quickly to prevent soggy roots. Expect to water less frequently than typical container plants.

Can I just mix perlite into regular potting soil to make it suitable for cacti?

Adding extra perlite can help increase drainage in potting soil, but cactus soil is still preferable. It contains a blend of amendments specifically tailored for proper cactus growth.

Is cactus soil also suitable for other succulents besides cacti?

Yes, the fast drainage and dry, airy composition makes cactus soil an excellent choice for growing all types of succulents.

The Takeaway

Potting soil and cactus soil are made up of very different ingredients. Cactus mixes are formulated specifically to provide superior drainage and mimic the dry deserts where cacti thrive. Though potting soil can work in some cases, a quality cactus blend is recommended for best results when growing cacti and other succulents. Consider the needs of your plants and watering habits when choosing which soil to use.