Cactus/succulent "mix" or "cactus compost" - say what?

mgray11

Hi folks,

I recently acquired some haworthia, November cactus, "Gollum jade" and another I don't recall the name of right this second. I've been wondering if anyone has any recommendations on how to make "cactus compost" or "succulent soil mix"?

When researching what to plant my new additions in, I found a variety of recipes, most of which involved sand, peat moss, perlite and "succulent soil mix" or "cactus compost".

Any and all input is appreciated ✌💚

shllnzl

I buy my soil mixes. The soil I get is labeled cactus & palm soil. Maybe you can research the components for palm trees -- you should get some results that way.

SuperC

A friend grows succulents. I hope this is okay to share: Gotcacticr, Jacó. The page is in Spanish: https://www.facebook.com/Gotcacticr-112764827078733/?modal=admin_todo_tour it’s for a nursery and gardening store. I hope you are able to find something useful @mgray11

mgray11

@shllnzl not sure why I didn't think of that. I've seen it in the gardening department before.

mgray11

@teachercaryn i was able to find this relatively quick:

Though hummus worm is more like "worm castings"/vermicompost. Direct/literal translation from Google sometimes misses the boat..

Thank you for your help too!

JodieDownUnder

Free draining is the key. Compost, coir, peat, sand and crusher dust(fine blue metal for packing down under paths, roads, pavers) etc. Think about watering and then quick draining. You'll be fine.

herbantherapy

Depending on your climate watch how much coir or peat miss you use. I find these products hold moisture for me and do not use it in with me succulents. I live on the Oregon Coast (cool, humid). Indoors I use 75% potting soil 25% perlite. Outdoors since I so close to the ocean my soil is Sandy and so I just do not amend with compost and plant directly.

Enjoy! I thought I would share my succulent “waterfall” with you all. It is about 8’ long and 3’ wide. It fills the gap between East facing and south facing terraces.

mgray11

Hi @herbantherapy !

That is a gorgeous succulent waterfall! Someone 2 blocks down from me has something like that but definitely doesn't flow together as brilliantly as yours does 👍

Do you grow any of them indoors? I do have a small space outside but a) I'll be moving soon and b) between the bunnies, cats, dogs and any other critters (or children running about) they'll get crushed if I plant them outside. I'm trying to determine what works best for them indoors I guess.

herbantherapy

@mgray11 thank you! Indoors I have some mostly in open terrariums that have an inch of soil and then 2-4” of gravel...aquarium gravel is fun to use for color. Then I just keep them in sunny windows and spritz them with water once a week. If your sunny window is hot then you will have to supplement water. My terrariums have no drainage holes do I have to be extra careful to not overwater. With Christmas cactus and jade plants I have planted them in normal potting mix with an extra helping of perlite and then I water from the bottom.

Lisa Pizza

I agree, the succulents and cactus need a draining medium like sand; however, they also conversely need to have the sandy soil moist to sprout. Here is a picture of how We root cactus at our house; these three already have roots. I just threw them down on the ground after the last freeze... about 2 months ago. And this is the plant they came from, which also started as a single leaf!

mgray11

@herbantherapy just a tiny swatch of one of my neighbours' delightful gardens! It seems every inch is alive or will be soon ✌🌿

mgray11

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/864703#Comment_864703

When I lived in Florida I had one of those grow to the height of my house! I miss the wild cacti there ❤ as invasive as it was lol

herbantherapy

@mgray11 that is so fun!!