Succulents have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the success of growing them hinges on the choice of soil. Selecting the right soil for succulents not only enhances their disease resistance but also allows them to grow healthier and more beautiful. When planting succulents, choosing the correct soil is very important.
One: Understand the characteristics of succulents
Succulents can store large amounts of water in their fleshy stems and leaves, enabling them to survive in arid environments. At the same time, they prefer well-ventilated and breathable conditions, so they need soil with good aeration to prevent root hypoxia. We need to understand the characteristics of succulents to choose the right soil.
Two: Understand the nutrients needed by succulents
Succulents grow slowly and require fewer nutrients to meet their growth needs. Compared to other plants, succulents have a lower demand for fertilizer. Choosing the right soil can effectively provide the nutrients needed by succulents.
Three: Choose soil suitable for succulents
When choosing soil suitable for succulents, we need to pay attention to the following points: the soil should have good aeration; it should maintain a certain level of moisture; it should have good drainage. Selecting soil based on these characteristics can help succulents grow healthier.
Four: Sandy soil
Sandy soil is one of the more suitable types of soil for growing succulents. The advantage of sandy soil is its good ventilation and permeability, as well as strong drainage. At the same time, sandy soil can also stabilize pH value and water content, making it suitable for the growth of succulent roots.
Five: Perlite
Perlite is a material with good aeration and drainage properties that can effectively prevent root hypoxia. Using perlite in combination with other substrates (such as leaf mold, peat, etc.) can create a soil suitable for growing succulents.
Six: Leaf mold
Leaf mold is a soil with good fertility. It has a lower pH value, which is suitable for the growth of succulents. Using leaf mold can meet the nutritional needs of succulents.
Seven: Pure sand
Pure sand has excellent aeration and drainage properties. However, due to its extremely low nutrient content, using pure sand to grow succulents requires adding other nutrients in appropriate amounts.
Eight: Peat
Peat is a strongly acidic material that contains a large amount of organic matter. Using peat can slow down the alkalization of the soil and increase the nutritional supply for succulents.
Nine: Coconut shell charcoal
Coconut shell charcoal is a material with good aeration and drainage properties, and it also has good antibacterial abilities. The pH value of coconut shell charcoal is slightly alkaline, so it needs to be adjusted appropriately when used.
Ten: Pumice
Pumice is a lightweight and durable material with good aeration and drainage properties. Using pumice can effectively prevent the problem of root hypoxia in succulents.
Eleven: Mixed substrates
When planting succulents, it is often necessary to use a mixed substrate approach. Mixing different materials together can create a soil suitable for growing succulents. Common mixed substrates include peat + leaf mold + perlite, perlite + sand + leaf mold, etc.
Twelve: General soil formula suitable for succulent growth
General soil formula: Peat, leaf mold, perlite, and sand. Mix these four materials in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to create soil suitable for growing succulents.
Thirteen: Precautions
When selecting and using soil, the following points need attention. Avoid using soil that is too waterlogged; pay attention to controlling the pH value of the soil; do not use soil with high salt content.
Fourteen: Common mistakes
Common mistakes when selecting and using soil include: using soil that is too moist, not paying attention to the drainage properties of the soil, using soil with high salt content, and using fertilizers that are too high in nitrogen.
Fifteen:
When planting succulents, choosing soil suitable for their growth is very important. By understanding the characteristics and nutritional needs of succulents, selecting soil that is well-ventilated, retains appropriate moisture, and has good drainage will allow succulents to grow healthier and more beautiful.