What Type of Soil Do Succulents Like?
The fat and juicy succulents on the windowsill can always heal the heart, but if you want to keep these 'desert fairies' in the best condition, soil selection is the key. Different from ordinary green plants, the root systems of succulents have unique requirements for growing media. Master these five golden soil mixing rules to easily grow succulents that are full, translucent, and stunning.
Golden Rules for Succulent Soil
Porosity Determines Survival Rate
The root systems of succulents in the seedling stage are as delicate as a baby's, requiring a loose matrix containing 60% peat soil. This fluffy structure can form natural breathing channels, avoiding the risk of black rot caused by waterlogging. Experienced players often mix in volcanic rock particles, ensuring both good ventilation and the slow release of trace elements.
Drainage System Prevents Root Rot
Ceramic stones are essential as the 'flood barrier' at the bottom of the pot, with a thickness of 3cm that can quickly lead out excess water. Mixing in pumice stone particles in the middle layer can form a natural filter net, combined with the bottom drainage holes to create a three-dimensional drainage system. Tests show that this structure allows accumulated water to be completely drained within 15 minutes.
Smart Tricks for Nutrient Slow Release
A mix of bone meal and decomposed pine needles at a ratio of 1:3 is a natural slow-release fertilizer formula. Sprinkling this 'energy capsule' layer on the pot wall during potting every year can not only avoid root burn but also continuously release phosphorus and potassium elements for 6-8 months, which is especially suitable for promoting succulent sugar hearts and jelly colors.
Soil Mixing Scheme for Growth Stages
Secrets for Water Retention in Seedling Stage
Leaf-cutting seedlings are recommended to use a moist matrix of vermiculite: peat in a ratio of 4:6, maintaining a slightly moist environment that is more conducive to root growth. After growing three new leaves, gradually mix in 10% red jade soil to exercise the root system, with this transition period taking about two months.
Secrets for Shaping Adult Plants
Plants over two years old need to adjust the particle ratio to 70%, with a triple combination of volcanic rock, green zeolite, and pumice stone that can accurately control the shape. Appropriate addition of 5% rice husk charcoal can adjust the pH value, keeping the soil stable in the slightly acidic range of 5.8-6.3.
Exclusive Formula for Old Stumps
Woody old stumps need to increase the proportion of iridescent stones to 80%, combined with coarse river sand to shape the cliff-like stump form. Supplementing with coral sand containing calcium every month can enhance the stem's load-bearing capacity, making the multi-head clustering even more majestic.
Choosing the right soil is just the first step in maintenance, with the frequency of watering and light control also being equally important. Regularly observe the fullness of the leaves; when the bottom leaves start to show slight wrinkles, it is the best signal to water. Remember: good soil + patience = a never-fading succulent feast!