Cactus soil: buy it and mix it yourself

Here you can find why cacti need a special soil, what to consider when buying cactus soil and instructions on how to mix it yourself.

cacti (Cactaceae) are plants that you either love at first sight or only appreciate with skeptical looks. But those who have devoted themselves to the love of cacti will do everything so that the darlings on the windowsill lack nothing. Here the focus is not on the regular watering and fertilizing of the prickly plants, but on the soil in which the roots are embedded. Because of their special requirements, there are special cactus soils available commercially. The properties of this earth are suitable for most cactus species. But nothing comes close to soil that you have mixed yourself, especially with unusual specimens, because this way you can respond to the very individual needs of the cacti species. We have the right recipes for you.

Properties and peculiarities of cactus soil

Not only the appearance of cacti is unique, their demands on the soil and its composition are also very special. Because cacti are succulents. This means they are adapted to locations where there is no water, at least seasonally. Cacti easily overcome the dry spells by storing water and nutrients in their thickened stems or foliage. Their roots are also adapted to the local, rather barren soils and spread out just below the surface of the earth. This gives information about the special demands that cacti make on their soil, even in pots. That is why special cactus and succulent soil is also offered in specialist shops. This soil should have the following properties.

Optimal properties of cactus soil:

• Loose, for good water and air permeability and root penetration
• Moisture-retaining, even after complete drying out
• Nutritious

Buy cactus soil: you should pay attention to this

When buying cactus soil, you should pay particular attention to the composition. This provides information about whether the earth can also fulfill the above conditions. Humus should be included as a source of nutrients. Loam or clay provides a slightly acidic pH that most cacti species are happy with. Sand loosens the structure of the earth and ensures good water drainage. Don't skimp on the soil for your cactus, after all, the well-being of your prickly friend depends on the soil structure even more than with other plants.

For example, the Floragard cactus soil. Through balanced doses of nutrients and a long-term stable soil structure, which is particularly good permeability and drainage ability, this substrate offers an ideal basis for a healthy Plant.

Mix cactus soil yourself: instructions

If you prefer to use the personalized version, you can simply mix your cactus substrate yourself. Mixing it yourself has the advantage that you can adapt the composition to the species. Cacti from desert regions like echniocactus, astrophyllum and Lophophora prefer purely mineral substrates that are modeled on the barren, nutrient-poor soils of their homeland. They also offer particularly good drainage properties:

• 3 parts clay (lightly ground)
• 2 parts perlite (2 – 8 mm)
• 2 parts expanded clay (2 – 4 mm and broken) or expanded slate
• 2 parts lava gravel (2 - 4 mm) or pumice (2 - 4 mm)
• 1 part vermiculite

However, since not all species are adapted to extreme conditions, there are cacti that need a little more nutrients and water. Mineral-organic substrates are used here. These are richer in nutrients and can store water better:

• 2 parts potting soil
• 1 part quartz sand
• ½ part pumice
• ½ part perlite

The proportions of organic and mineral components can be adapted to the species. Because there are species that prefer the organic content more or less high. Another advantage of self-mixed cactus soil is that the pH value can also be perfectly adjusted to the species. In some species, an individual adjustment is even necessary.

notice: Use high-quality quartz sand and not play sand. This usually has too high a lime content and brings one or the other pest with it.

You can find out how to properly care for your cacti after planting in our article on the 5 best tips for caring for cacti and succulents.

Many thanks to Floragard for the support!