Succulents, with their unique shapes and low-maintenance characteristics, have gained popularity among plant enthusiasts. To ensure healthy growth of succulents, choosing the right soil is crucial. What kind of soil do succulents use? This article will provide a detailed analysis.
What kind of soil do succulents use?1. Specialized succulent soil
There are many specialized soils designed for succulents available on the market. These soils usually contain an appropriate amount of sandy, humic, and organic matter to meet the growth needs of succulents. When choosing specialized succulent soil, the following points should be considered:
(1) Soil pH value: The suitable soil pH value for succulents is between 6.5-7.5. Choosing specialized soil with an appropriate pH value is essential.
(2) Soil breathability: Succulent roots are fragile and require good soil breathability. Specialized soil should contain an appropriate amount of sand to increase soil breathability.
(3) Soil water retention: Succulents do not tolerate waterlogging. Specialized soil should have some water retention ability but not be overly damp.
2. Homemade succulent soil
If you want to try making your own succulent soil, the following materials can be chosen:
(1) Peat soil: Peat soil has good water retention and breathability, making it suitable for succulent growth.
(2) Perlite: Perlite has high breathability and drainage, effectively preventing soil waterlogging.
(3) Vermiculite: Vermiculite has good water retention and breathability, making it suitable as a bottom layer material for succulent soil.
(4) Coarse sand or river sand: Coarse sand or river sand has good breathability and drainage but poor water retention, and can be mixed with other materials for use.
When making homemade succulent soil, these materials can be mixed in a certain proportion: peat soil : perlite : vermiculite : coarse sand = 2:1:1:1.
Succulent soil maintenance skills1. Regularly turn the soil
During the growth of succulents, the soil can easily compact, affecting root respiration. The soil should be turned over from time to time to keep it loose.
2. Control watering
Succulents do not tolerate waterlogging. Excessive watering can cause root rot. Watering should follow the "dry-wet" principle, which means watering when the soil surface is dry.
3. Fertilization
Succulents have low fertilizer requirements. Organic fertilizers can be applied moderately during the growing period. The following points should be noted when fertilizing:
(1) Fertilizer amount: The amount of fertilizer should not be excessive to avoid fertilizer damage.
(2) Fertilization frequency: During the peak growing period, fertilize once or twice a month, and stop fertilizing during the dormant period.
The choice of soil for succulents mainly depends on the plant's growth needs and soil characteristics. Choosing the right soil and combining it with proper maintenance skills can help your succulents grow robustly. I hope this article can provide help on your journey to caring for succulents.