How to make the substrate yourself

Expectations

The exotic plants with their thickened and water-storing parts of the plant have adapted to life in regions that are at least temporarily characterized by periods of massive drought. Cacti store nutrients and water in the tissue of leaves or trunks. The roots growing flat in the ground use what is available to them in the mostly barren soil.

Substrate quality

Cacti, which are originally native to hot and dry regions of the world, thrive on a mineral subsoil. These specimens include some species from the Ariocarpus and Selenicereus families, some of which grow epiphytically. You are among the hunger artists and do not need one humus. Succulents from tropical rainforests, lowlands and temperate latitudes, on the other hand, have higher nutrient and water requirements. Echinops, Pilosocereus and Chamaecereus value a low mineral content and more nutrients.

What you need to pay attention to:

• loose and stable structure ensures air circulation and water permeability
• Water-storing additives prevent complete drying out
• Match mineral and nutrient-rich components to the type

Make the mixture

Mix up a universal soil that you can adapt to the needs of specialists as required. Floral and Potting soil are the basic ingredients in addition to mature compost that has been stored for three to four years. You still need Quartz sand,(€ 14.90 at Amazon *) Coconut fiber and coarse loam or clay. Pumice, perlite and vermiculite, Expanded clay(€ 16.36 at Amazon *) or lava gravel are suitable as alternatives or supplements for increasing the water storage capacity.

Mineral substrate

Mix three parts of ground or crumbled loam or clay with two parts each of perlite, expanded clay and lava gravel. Enrich the mixture with a part of vermiculite.

Humus substrate

Two parts form the basis Potting soilthat you loosen up with a part of quartz sand. Then add half a part each of perlite and pumice.